Loon 126 Angler

Absolutely LOVE this kayak!!! I've used several different ones and this by far is the best. Seems to have the best of both worlds, speed and stability. Roomy cockpit, plenty of storage, and very durable.

The Old Town Loon Angler 126 is a great overall recreational and fishing kayak. I am amazed at the stability, I’m able to exit the boat simply by “scootching” up and stepping out on to the shore. It tracks very well, comes with an easy to use anchor system, a paddle holder which I use when I’m in a good spot for casting, pole holders and a multi use rail which I’ve attached another rod holder for trolling. Easy to control, fast and easy, built like a warship, an awesome boat that fits my lifestyle of cruising, fishing, birdwatching and fun.

I tried to compare this boat to the Pungo 120 as many people have expressed their love of it. However, looking online found many people felt the Loon 120/126 and Pungo were pretty similar. I wound up choosing the Old Town for the following reasons: A) The seat - which everyone said is super comfortable. It is. I was on a week long paddle and was comfortable the entire time and plenty of ways to adjust the seat. B) The looks. I preferred the color options of the Loon vs Pungo overall. The deck cords are also recessed which looks pretty cool to me. I've gotten a lot of compliments on the boat while in the water. C) Weight capacity. I was hoping for something that can haul gear if needed and the Loon has high capacity and open hull for storage. I also like the click seal hatch.

In the wild, I find the USB port in the console to be somewhat silly - but the hatch itself is water tight. I paddled in rain/hail storm with my phone inside and it doesn't get any water whatsoever in. However, if you do have any condensation from food/bags inside it will build up internally - similar to the main hatch.

My only complaints that I have is that it is a little more heavy than other boats we had on the water, but not by much. The keyhole opening is enormous, but you can get a Seals Spray Skirt (Size 7) to fit - but it's fairly complicated to get all the way on as the opening is gigantic. Many people also didn't like the handles for carrying as they recede back tight to the boat - but I like the way that looks better. If you want to secure the boat with a cable, there isn't any good built in spots. I ended up cutting out one of the bottoms of the fishing pole holders to loop a security cable through. If you have a very skinny cable you could put it through the drain plug hole, but otherwise there aren't any good options.

Overall I'm very happy with the boat and may get another to pair it off unless something else comes along that far surpasses it in the future. For a recreational boat it's hard to beat. Long term I may go with something that is a little narrower/smaller keyhole but time will tell.

I really enjoy the Old Town Loon 126 angular. I am a large guy and it supports me very we'll. I like the back support and the seat is comfortable. The kayak tracts well. I enjoy the center console.