Tested and Reviewed: 3 Waters Big Fish PDL 120

Overview of the 3 Waters Kayaks Big Fish 120 PDL

Fishing from a kayak can be an exhilarating experience, especially when you're out on open water with all your gear. The 3 Waters Kayaks Big Fish 120 PDL offers a compelling blend of performance and affordability that rivals more expensive models. Despite its lower price point, this kayak delivers features and design elements that are typically found in premium pedal kayaks.

Key Specifications

The Big Fish 120 PDL measures 12 feet in length, has a width of 35.4 inches, weighs 110 pounds, and can support up to 400 pounds. Its MSRP is $1,599, making it a cost-effective choice for anglers who want high-quality performance without breaking the bank.

Design and Features

The Big Fish 120 PDL is designed as a flagship fishing kayak, combining the best aspects of both pedal and paddle power. It features a 12-foot waterline and a 35-inch beam, which contribute to a narrow bow and stern that allows the kayak to glide smoothly through the water.

One of the standout features is the cathedral hull design, which enhances stability while maintaining straight-line tracking. This design includes two outer pontoons that transition into a flared bow, enabling the kayak to cut through waves efficiently while minimizing drag.

The cockpit is wide and open, with a reinforced and padded deck that supports standing and fishing. There's also a large storage area in the bow for gear bags or a landing net, and a tankwell behind the seat that can accommodate a 13-inch-by-13-inch crate secured with bungees.

Comfort and Adjustability

The EZ Rider seat is extra wide with a generous backrest, providing comfort during long days on the water. The quick-dry mesh keeps the seat light while offering support. The seat is mounted in a metal bracket with molded inserts, allowing for easy adjustment of the position forward and back.

Pedal System

The Pro Fish Pedal Drive System is a highlight of the Big Fish 120 PDL. It uses the same drive and prop as Feelfree's Rapid Pedal Drive in their Moken PDL and Lure PDL kayaks, ensuring reliability and performance. The system drops into the pedal well and attaches to the forward brace with two knobs and a metal latch in the rear. For shallow water clearance, releasing the latch allows the lower unit to pop up.

The new EZ Steer System is low profile, staying out of the way while fishing. It includes cables to turn the rudder and a third cable to retract it. Combined with the Beaver Tail rudder, this system provides intuitive boat control and is easy to install with quality components.

Rigging and Accessories

The Big Fish 120 PDL comes with gear tracks along the cockpit for rod holders, cup holders, and fish finder bases. Additional gear tracks along the tank well allow for secure connections for tie downs, gear crates, rod holders, navigation lights, or camera booms.

While the kayak lacks pre-installed accommodations for a fish finder transducer, there is enough space in the bow well to mount an adjustable base. Pre-installed inserts in the stern are spaced for standard motor mounts or Power-Pole remote anchor systems, and the EZ Steer controller can be tied to the motor by re-routing the control cables.

Performance on the Water

The Big Fish 120 PDL is built to handle various conditions. Its sturdy Pro Fish Pedal Drive provides a solid feel as you push the pedals to top speed, and the large rudder and low-profile steering mechanism work together for intuitive control.

Despite its weight of over 100 pounds, the kayak is manageable with a trailer or pick-up truck for transport. The cathedral hull design, refined over years, ensures performance in challenging sea conditions.

Who Is the Big Fish Angler?

The Big Fish 120 PDL is ideal for serious anglers who want to travel confidently to distant fishing spots. While it may not have the rigging capacity for full electronics and motors to be "tournament ready," it offers the stability and open cockpit needed for casting and retrieving. For those with the space for a full-size kayak and a budget that doesn't allow for a high-dollar premium model, the Big Fish 120 PDL is a perfect fit.