Old Town Loon 106 Review: The Perfect Entry-Level Fishing Kayak That Does More Than Fish

For fishermen looking to get into kayak fishing without investing thousands of dollars in a tricked out, pedal-drive rig, the Old Town Loon 106 deserves serious consideration. While it's marketed primarily as a premium recreational sit-inside kayak, the Loon 106 has quietly earned a reputation as an outstanding platform for casual freshwater and inshore anglers thanks to its stability, comfort, and versatility.

If your fishing consists of ponds, small lakes, slow-moving rivers, protected bays, or salt ponds around Cape Cod, the Loon 106 offers tremendous value.

A Confidence-Inspiring Platform

The biggest hurdle for first-time kayak anglers is confidence. Nobody wants to feel tippy while reaching for a tackle box or fighting a fish.

That's where the Loon 106 shines.

At 10 feet 6 inches long with a generously wide hull, the kayak offers exceptional primary stability. Beginners immediately notice how planted it feels on the water. Whether you're casting toward shoreline structure or leaning over to lip a bass, the Loon inspires confidence.

Unlike many narrow recreational kayaks that can feel twitchy, the Loon's hull is designed to maximize stability while still paddling efficiently. It tracks remarkably straight thanks to its pronounced keel, making long paddles across a pond or salt marsh less tiring.

An Outstanding Fishing Platform

Although it isn't loaded with factory-installed rod holders like dedicated fishing kayaks, the Loon's open cockpit actually works to its advantage.

There's plenty of room for:

The removable Work Deck gives anglers a convenient place to keep pliers, tackle trays, or electronics within easy reach, while the rear storage area handles extra gear with ease.

Many anglers add aftermarket track mounts for rod holders or fish finders, creating a customized fishing setup without spending thousands on a purpose-built fishing kayak.

Comfort That Keeps You Fishing Longer

One feature consistently praised by paddlers is the Loon's seat.

Old Town's ACS2 seating system offers:

That translates into full-day comfort—something that's surprisingly rare in entry-level kayaks.

When the bite turns on, the last thing you want is an aching back sending you to shore early.

Perfect for Cape Cod Waters

For Cape Cod anglers, the Loon 106 is ideal for exploring:

Its compact size makes launching from small beaches or cartopping onto a vehicle simple, while still offering enough capacity for a full day of fishing.

Just remember that the Loon is designed for protected water—not surf launches or rough offshore conditions.

Who Is It Best For?

The Loon 106 is perfect for:

If your goal is standing up to sight-cast all day or carrying eight rods and multiple electronics, you'll eventually want a dedicated fishing kayak like Old Town's Sportsman series.

But for someone entering the sport, the Loon 106 provides nearly everything you need without the extra weight, complexity, or cost.

The Old Town Loon 106 proves that you don't need a specialized fishing kayak to become a successful kayak angler.

Its exceptional stability, premium seating, efficient hull design, and roomy cockpit make it one of the best entry-level fishing kayaks available today. It's equally at home chasing largemouth bass on a quiet pond as it is drifting Cape Cod's salt ponds for schoolie striped bass.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5)

Pros

For anglers looking to get off the beach and onto the water without breaking the bank, the Old Town Loon 106 is one of the smartest investments you can make. It's a kayak you'll enjoy paddling just as much as fishing—and that's exactly what makes it such a great first boat.

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