The most stable fishing kayak you’ll find almost anywhere, the Old Town Predator MX is an all-water beauty that offers comfort, a rock-solid platform and plenty of alluring fishing features at a competitive price.
As any experienced kayak fisherman will tell you, stability is among the most important features when choosing a fishing kayak — for obvious reasons. Sitting in the middle of a chilly lake for hours on end, the last thing you want to worry about when you hook that prized bass is your kayak tipping over.
The Predator MX is designed first and foremost to alleviate this worry. With its slightly rounded hull and wide, 34” beam, the MX (which stands for “mixed water”) stands up to the rigors of the toughest wrestling match and lends itself very well to fly fishing, standing while casting and reeling in the toughest of muskies.
Here’s American Paddler’s in-depth Old Town Predator MX review, an extraordinary kayak built with serious anglers in mind.
For kayak anglers who like to do a little of everything, the Predator MX is one the most versatile fishing kayaks on the market. A lot of fishing kayaks advertise stability, but this often comes at a price of compromised maneuverability and tracking — it feels like you’re paddling a barge, in other words.
With the Predator MX, you don’t have to make this tradeoff. Its performance tri-hull is designed to track perfectly straight for efficient and quick paddling, while maintaining a high level of maneuverability for those tight river bends and tree-felled backwaters. This makes the MX a great kayak for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, because it can handle both waves and the numerous obstacles of a moving river with ease.
Constructed with high-strength LT900 polyethylene, the Predator MX offers an incredible mix of lightweight performance and rugged durability for a fishing kayak, though at 82 pounds, it’s still a bit of a beast.
Stand and cast with confidence
If you’re someone who likes to fly fish, or simply stand for extra leverage while locked in a battle of wills, the Predator MX has your back. Besides an extra-wide beam, the slip-resistant Exo-Ridge deck and stand-up fishing straps mean you don’t have to worry about losing your footing.
With any fishing expedition — especially in moving rivers or surf-laden bays — water is bound to splash in. Thanks to the MX’s eight patented one-way scupper holes and textured standing platform, however, water drains quickly and won’t collect on the deck while you’re trying to stand. Ask any angler: slipping while reeling in a catch is not fun.
Besides keeping you dry, the MX’s shorter length and wider deck is perfect for throwing lines at heavier fish you wouldn’t otherwise have the confidence to go after.
Responsive, comfortable seating
The Old Town Predator MX’s versatile, “Element” seating system is an ingenious add-on for a fishing kayak. Second to stability, in my opinion, a comfortable and adaptable seat is the MOST important feature of a fishing kayak if you plan on angling for any length of time.
Not only is the Predator MX’s seat comfortable; it’s highly functional, with three different positions depending on what you need at the moment:
Travel: Low to the water, perfect for extra stability while paddling or moving
Attack: Raised, upright position for scouting, casting or reeling
Stand-up: For those moments when a seat really just gets in the way, simply fold it up and get it out of the way
The Predator MX can hold up to 400 lbs, and its durable, metal-framed wide-back seat means it’s a great fishing kayak for big guys, too. Taller paddlers will also appreciate the sliding, lockable adjustable foot braces.
If you’re planning any marathon, 10-hour fishing expeditions, in other words, your legs and backside will thank you.
Fishing features
The “Click Seal” hatch in the Predator MX’s bow.
The Predator MX is almost just as versatile when it comes to hauling your gear. With six removable, high-strength mounting plates on the bow, stern and middle of the boat, you never have to worry about drilling into the kayak’s hull to make adjustments for extra rod holders, fish finders, GPS or GoPro customizations.
That’s not to mention the Predator MX’s built-in rod tip holders and conveniently placed side-mounted tackle retainers and paddle storage, which make grabbing your rod and extra lures a snap when you need to.
Bringing a cold one, but worried about space for a cooler? Don’t be. With a wide-open, bungee-strapped tank well and click-to-seal dry storage hatch in the bow, the MX is well-suited to handle your storage needs — from trolling motor batteries to tackle boxes and everything in between.
Wide, bungee-strapped tank well for tackle, coolers or gear.
With such a wide-open deck space, the Predator MX lends itself to catch-and-release fishing, too, allowing the angler to easily unhook fish without worry about gear getting in the way.
Not ready to let the fish go? Neither is the kayak, with high gunwales that prevent that slippery trout from jumping ship.
Storage and portability
Although the Predator MX — like most fishing kayaks — is a bit on the heavy side (82 lbs), it’s actually lighter compared to most models. This is due in part to the construction materials, but also to the kayak’s shorter length. At just 12 feet long and with four easy-grab handles, just throw it in the back of your truck and make your quick, no-hassle getaway.
Color options
Fish will never see you coming, with four camouflage colors to choose from: brown, red, green and gray.
Tl;dr (Too long, didn’t read)
If you didn’t feel like reading all that, know this: the Predator MX is a fantastically versatile fishing kayak. Super stable, yet highly responsive and maneuverable, this is a fishing kayak for all different conditions at a very affordable price point (see latest price on Amazon). It’s got an incredibly comfortable seat and myriad storage and gear options while maintaining a wide-open deck for standing, casting or moving about.
In other words, it gets American Paddler’s vote, and we think it should get yours, too. If you have more to add to this Old Town Predator MX review, let us know in the comments below.
American Paddler
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I looked at this for a few years. Finally decided it's the best choice for what I do. In Charleston SC, all the inshore saltwater is moving in some way. This review was what pushed me to buy now. Love the lime camo, my favorite.
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I looked at this for a few years. Finally decided it's the best choice for what I do. In Charleston SC, all the inshore saltwater is moving in some way. This review was what pushed me to buy now. Love the lime camo, my favorite.