You’ll find the Old Town Sportsman BigWater is a stable, roomy fishing yak that tracks well and lets you stand and cast with confidence, but you’ll want to test the Element seat fit and try standing in calm water before buying; check the foot braces, snap-locks, and standing traction, load your usual cooler and tackle to see how it paddles when full, inspect accessory tracks for your fishfinder, and plan for its heavier weight and a cart or good roof mounts if you keep looking for more details.
Some Key Points
- Stable tri-hull and 13’+ length offer excellent tracking, straight glide, and predictable stand-up stability for anglers.
- Comfortable, adjustable Element seating with lumbar support and multiple foot positions reduces fatigue during long days.
- Generous 425 lb capacity and large bow/stern storage plus tackle organization suit anglers who carry heavy gear and batteries.
- Integrated accessory tracks, tackle boxes, and rod retainer features make it a functional, fish-ready layout out of the box.
- At ~86 lb, it’s heavier to transport—plan for a cart, roof-rack system, or loading help if frequent solo lifting.
Verdict Up Front: Is the Old Town Sportsman Bigwater Worth Buying?
If you want a stable, comfortable fishing kayak that can handle open water and let you stand up, the Old Town Sportsman Bigwater is worth strong consideration, and here’s why you should test one before you buy. You’ll get roomy storage, solid traction to stand, and an adjustable seat system that keeps you comfortable all day, so you can chase freedom without back pain; check how it feels with your gear and a full load, compare the price point to similar rigs, ask about accessories and warranty, and think about resale value if you change rigs later. Take one for a demo paddle. Wilderness Systems offers complementary gear and resources for paddlers looking to upgrade their setup, including kayaks and accessories that pair well with anglers’ needs.
How It Paddles and Tracks: Hull, Speed, and Stability for Sitting or Standing
Because the Bigwater uses a tri-hull profile, you’ll notice it tracks straighter than many single‑chine fishing kayaks, and that matters whether you’re cruising to a honey hole or trying to hold a line in a breeze—so sit in the center, brace your feet against the adjustable snap‑lock footrests, and see how it tracks on a short straightaway before you load up. You’ll feel Tracking efficiency in how it holds a heading with fewer corrections, the 13‑plus foot length helping speed and glide, while the tri hull gives predictable Stand stability when you shift weight to stand; focus on Paddling ergonomics, blade control, and steady strokes. This makes it a great choice for Old Town enthusiasts looking for reliable performance on fishing trips.
Comfort and Fit: Element Seating, Foot Braces, and Stand-Up Traction
When you climb in and settle, you’ll quickly notice the Element Seating is designed to keep you comfortable for long days on the water, with a quick-drying, fully adjustable frame that lets you raise or lower the seat so your knees, hips, and paddling stroke all line up the way you like; set it higher for easier stand-ups and sight fishing, or lower it for a more stable, lower center of gravity when the wind kicks up. You’ll use ergonomic adjustments—seat height, lumbar, and foot brace position—to dial comfort, watch drying time for the mesh, and snap foot braces into rails for efficient paddling and secure stand-up traction. Explore our range of pedal kayaks for more compatible accessories, including pedal drives, storage, and fishing mounts with wider compatibility for anglers and recreational paddlers pedal kayaks.
Fishing and Storage Setup: Tackle, Rod Management, Consoles, and Accessory Tracks
Now that you’ve got the seat, foot braces, and traction sorted for long days and standing casts, take a look at how the Old Town handles your gear, because good storage makes the day easier and keeps fishable areas uncluttered. You’ll like the center console with two removable containers, a custom tackle box that stows under the seat, and bow and stern spaces for rods and dry gear, so tackle organization stays simple and fast; clip your paddle, slot rod tips, and use retainer bungees. Add accessory customization with tracks for a fishfinder or camera, mount close, fish free. Many paddling couples appreciate the kayak selection and accessories offered by Double Kayak Adventures for two-person outings.
Who Should Buy This Kayak : Weight, Capacity, Transport, and Alternatives
If you’re thinking about who should buy the Old Town Sportsman Bigwater, start by matching its weight and capacity to your typical trips and transport setup: at 86 pounds it’s heavier than many recreational kayaks, so you’ll want either a strong pair of hands, a cart, or a roof-rack system rated for that load, and with a 425 lb max capacity (about 339 lb usable for people plus gear) it’s aimed at anglers who carry lots of tackle, a cooler, and maybe a camera or battery-powered fishfinder—so if you’re often solo with minimal gear and you need something ultra-light for lifting onto a car, this might feel bulky, but if you pack heavy, stand to cast, or bring a passenger occasionally, it’s built to hold up; check your vehicle tie-down points and dock height first, plan for loading assistance or a good set of scupper-style rollers, and think about whether the extra payload and stability are more valuable to you than a lighter, easier-to-move alternative. Consider also browsing our selection of reel yaks to find complementary gear and accessories.
Some Questions Answered
Does It Come With a Paddle Included?
No, a paddle isn’t included, you’ll need to bring or buy one that fits the kayak’s paddle compatibility and any accessory accessories you plan to mount. You’ll want a sturdy, adjustable paddle sized for your height and fishing stance, plus a leash or clip to secure it to the molded rest and hull clip, and maybe a small paddle carrier for transport. Check blade shape and length, test grab points, and pack a spare for trips.
Is There a Warranty and What Does It Cover?
Yes, it comes with a limited warranty, and you’ll want to read its scope closely, because it covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for a set period, but won’t cover normal wear, misuse, or damages from improper transport. Check transferability options if you plan to resell, register the kayak, keep your receipt, snap photos of any issues, and contact the dealer or manufacturer promptly to start a claim and get repair or replacement guidance.
Can I Add a Pedal or Motor Drive System?
Yes — you can pursue a pedal retrofit or motor compatibility, but you’ll need to check mounting points, transom strength, and weight limits first, and expect to reinforce the hull or add a bracket for a pedal drive or trolling motor, because adapters vary; start by measuring stern clearance, confirming usable capacity, and choosing a kit rated for kayaks, then carry basic tools, extra fasteners, and a safety lanyard, test close to shore, and adjust as needed.
How Easy Is Hull Repair if It Gets Damaged?
You can fix hull damage yourself pretty easily if you’re prepared, and fiberglass compatibility matters, so match repair cloth to the hull layup, use proper resin, and follow patch techniques like sanding, layering, and feathering edges; pressure testing the repair for leaks after cure is critical, and gelcoat matching keeps looks tidy. Carry a basic repair kit, clamps, spare cloth, resin, sandpaper, and a nozzle, and practice on scrap before you repair for real.
What Colors or Camo Patterns Are Available?
You’ll find it in mossy oak camo and swamp green, so you can pick the stealthy pattern for hunting or the solid green for a cleaner look, both blending into marshes and timber. Check finish quality, seams, and accessory color matches before you buy, bring a swatch or photo to match gear, and carry a small touch-up kit and camo tape for quick field repairs and concealment.
