Just curious if I'm the only one. I have a small advanced elements kayak that I barely fit in, but I've caught several fish from it. I am thinking of getting a bigger one and letting my kids have the firefly. it's not real easy to fish from, but I definitely caught several I wouldn't have otherwise.

Welcome to the sport. I have seen some start out on inflatables, they tend to not handle the wind very well. The cost is comparable to many rotomolded kayaks. That said, nothing is as good as a day on the water father and son. I was the kid 40+ years ago and now my son 15 has been paddling with me his whole life too.

Started out with an inflatable and didn't like the lack of safety.
Definitely wear a PFD, and would not fish from an inflatable in water temps below 75 degrees.

I fished from a float tube decades ago. One morning before daylight, I put it down next to a thorn bush as I got ready for a day of fishing. It got a hole and I was left trying to fish from shore. I quit using inflatables and haven't looked back.
If I were you, I would carry some tape to do an emergency patch because all inflatables will eventually leak.

It has a very thick outer shell, it's not like a 70$ Sevylor that breaks if you sneeze.

I bought an Intex Challenger 2 about 5 years ago to carry in the Motorhome because It rolls up into a bag and is easy to carry. I enjoyed it like this for a while but as with most things I steadily worked to improve it with different seats, then pontoons and rod holders. A few years ago i got serious and did a redesign to put a trolling motor on it. Along with the Pontoons, a pvc frame, gel battery and a Garman Striker 4. I designed a motor mount and added a Minn Kota 35. This was an interesting project which I really enjoyed until an old Triton Bass boat came available. The Kayak is on Craigs List if anyone is interested. $500 for all of it.
https://lubbock.craigslist.org/boa/d/lubbock-inflatable-kayak-with-trolling/7198985862.html

Wow! Props to you for all that work, it looks awesome. You have the same paddle as me, I got mine off Ebay for 14$ shipped. I was the only bidder and I actually feels sorry for them I'm sure they expected to sell it for more.

That would sketch me out. I have a roanoke one man pontoon but feel safer as it is made with heavier duty material.

Inflatables have come a long way..





https://www.boteboard.com/products/...QVTbWDj_KR0_GxjehhepSUjFVHRoCSK4QAvD_BwE

That is amazing Bucketlist! Since you have added a trolling motor to it, then you have to register/license the kayak with Texas, right? I have been considering adding a trolling motor to my kayak. How did you mount that bleacher seat to your inflatable kayak? This year, I added an Intex Excursion Pro to my collection. Now I have both a Pelican Challenger 130 sit-on top and the inflatable. On both of them, I would like to improved the seats, and would love some advice and ideas.

I have been on the water in Intex Excursion Pro a few times this year and have caught fish out of it. DEFINITELY use the skeg. I have not used the included paddles with the Intex and instead use my Magellan Flare paddles.

I am hesitant about going catfish fishing in one, as I can see trying to unhook one of those ornery, slipper suckers and have Mr. Wiskers fin the boat.

On the note or patch kits, what is everyone's opinion of using a Vinyl Swimming Pool Patch Kit (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vinyl-Swimming-Pool-Patch-Kit-62280/203796269)? I am not talking about emergency repairs, I am talking about when you are home and you discover holes that need to be patch.

Yes, they said I needed to title and register the boat just like any other motorized craft. The secret to modifying the seats, adding the trolling motor mount, battery and fish finder is the pvc frame. The pontoons help to compensate for the added weight.
If you know anyone looking for something like this it is for sale $400 takes all of it.
I have caught several nice LM Bass out of it, one that pulled me all around the lake. I don't think I would want to wrestle with a catfish either.
Patch kits? Never used one..... 5 years of fairly rough treatment and never a leak.

Carl , I bought the Saturnfk396x inflatable to carry in my travel trailer. #1 because I wasn't happy with any mount that I was able to find. I love mine. I did quite a bit of research beforehand and chose Saturn because of the heavy duty construction. As to Cctx mine is more stable than any kayak or canoe I've dealt with. It is harder to tip over than most comparable john boats I've fished from. Takes less than 10 minutes to inflate (with electric pump).Super convenient for trips in the RV. Bucket list Good Job on those upgrades

I have another one to try now. After ordering another Advanced Elements from ebay that Fedex misdelivered and refuses to find, I couldn't spend much so I got a used Sevylor Quickpak 1. I got it to kayak with my kids but maybe I will fish out of it since my firefly has so little room, but it has pinch valves which I absolutely hate with a passion. The main reason I bought my advanced elements kayak was because it has quality valves.

I've got two inflatables, but they're high dollar units for running whitewater, not fishing. I've ran them in Class 4 rapids and off of a low water dam with a 25 foot drop without problems.

Here's a pic of me running an 8 foot low water dam on the Middle Bosque. When I dropped off, the hydraulic at the bottom spun me around and I had to paddle out backwards.

https://www.airkayaks.com/advanced-elements-advancedframe-kayak-ae1012/

Ive had one of these for a number of years. never a leak. great for trips.