Head-to-head · Best Fishing Kayaks

Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 vs Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about fit for purpose — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best Fishing Kayaks

Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120

4.4

6 sources1 derived$4,500as of Oct 2

The Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 features a factory-integrated Minn Kota motor and GPS Spot-Lock technology that holds position against wind and current. Kayakanglermag noted the central weight distribution aids stability, while paddlesesh found the system reliable in breezy conditions for precise casting. However, the steep price point of approximately $3,700 plus accessories makes it a premium investment, and the heavy hull requires mandatory use of a cart or trailer for transport. This kayak fits serious anglers who value hands-free positioning and standing stability, but casual recreational buyers should look elsewhere due to the high cost and transportation demands.

Strengths

— Factory-integrated Minn Kota saltwater-ready motor eliminates DIY installation and provides superior weight distribution.
— GPS-enabled Spot-Lock technology holds the kayak in a precise position, compensating automatically for wind and current.
— Wide pontoon-style hull offers exceptional stability that allows anglers to stand comfortably while casting or fighting fish.

Watch-outs

— Steep price point of approximately $3,700 plus additional costs for a battery and charger makes it a premium investment.
— Heavy hull weight ranging from 128 to 152 pounds requires mandatory use of a cart or trailer for transportation.

$4,500 · Buy at ecofishingshop.com Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Fishing Kayaks

Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII

4.5

5 sourcesall derived$879.99as of Oct 2

Kayak Angler found that the Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII successfully merges standup paddleboard convenience with kayak fishability, offering a lightweight hybrid platform for under $1,000. greatoutthere.online highlighted its thermoformed polyethylene hull as a major advantage, noting that it allows anglers to easily transport and cartop the boat without a trailer. While paddling.com reviews noted that the HyDryve II pedal system lacks the crisp feel of premium competitors, they praised its shallow-water capability due to folding fins. This model is best suited for beginner anglers or those seeking an affordable grab-and-go vessel for sheltered waters rather than serious offshore expeditions.

Strengths

— Thermoformed construction makes it significantly lighter (59 lbs) than traditional rotomolded kayaks, allowing for easy solo cartopping and storage.
— Hybrid design features a wide catamaran hull that provides high stability suitable for both seated fishing and standing up on the deck.
— Includes an efficient HyDryve II fin pedal drive system paired with a hand-controlled rudder for hands-free propulsion and maneuvering.

Watch-outs

— Thermoformed plastic hulls are more difficult to repair than rotomolded alternatives if they sustain significant impact damage.
— The pedal drive system is not as crisp or precise in steering response compared to higher-end competitor systems like the Hobie Mirage Drive.

$879.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120

The Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 distinguishes itself with factory-integrated Minn Kota motor and GPS Spot-Lock technology, a feature absent in the Wilderness Systems Atak 120 which relies on manual rudderless tracking. Although it offers greater stability for standing than the Bonafide RVR, its heavy hull requires mandatory cart use, whereas the Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII can be easily solo cartopped.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120	Pelican Catch Kicker 110 HDII
Length	12 ft	10’6”
Width	37 in	33”
Weight	128 lb	59 lb
Capacity	500-558 lbs	300 lbs

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