Is the i12 good for fishing?

I am considering the i12 for fishing in small lakes and canals and wanted some feedback in terms of how much space is available. I know in terms of handling and movement the kayak is good from other users but is it too cramped to have your gear?

Depends on how much gear you like to carry. I downsized to an i9 and didn't give up much, but depending on what you like you might give up more.

2 rods and a bag of 6 Plano boxes. Is that too much?

Just remember the more you have with you the wetter the ride. Also if you turn over the more that will get wet with you. I always sit on a boat cushion to raise me up just a little highter than on the yak seat only. Just a thought.

In my i12S I routinely take three 7' rods and a 3600 size tackle box with 2 or 3 trays and a bunch of other stuff in it. I sit the box in a PVC frame I made with 4 rodholders attached. I also have a sideboard with a small sonar, battery pack, transducer arm, and a Scotty rod holder. I throw a drybag in the front hatch with lifesafety stuff in it. I also tend to stow my cart on the back of the boat since most launches aren't right by where I park. Add a cooler for lunch & drinks - maybe 30 to 35lbs or gear?

Basically you can fit about what an Outback will hold ABOVE DECK.

I solved the wet ride by attaching a Skwoosh High Back seat on top of the Hobie pad. I also hate the fit of the Hobie seat.

For the load-out you describe I'd consider the i9S unless you REALLY want the extra space. The front hatch in the i12S is nice but I rarely access it on the water.

Ahh, good information. I didn't think about those things. Do you turn over on these kayaks much?

I've never turtled the i12S, but I also don't take too many risks. I don't surf launch or go in the ocean. I avoid wind & high chop when possible. I keep away from boat wakes as much as possible. I stay low & centered in the boat as much as possible.

The inflatables are very stable & hard to flip, probably more than any of the rotomold boats.

A rogue wave, unexpected wake, or getting off balance at the wrong time can flip you, like any other kayak. The less crap you have onboard & the better it's secured, the easier it will be to right the boat & not lose your stuff.

look at all the craps i load onto my i9s.... muahahaha

So, you sit in the yellow boat & tow the dune one with all your stuff behind you ?

LOL.... just need to organized the stuffs properly and you will have enough space

NO in calm or smooth water. Surf is another matter.

What would you guys recommend for making your own rod holders since the inflatables don't really have any already built ones?

If you're talking about vertical tube type rod holders, the simplest solution is to buy one of the "crate packs" with the rod holders built in or easily attached. There's a few manufacturers out there. You can of course also attach them to the crate of your choice.

I built PVC frames for my Plano tackle bags (one 3600 size & one 3700 size) with rod holders attached to the corners of the frame. These are held down with the stern bungees.

For Scotty type holders, you can glue on the Hobie accessory mounts or the Scotty equivalents. Instead, I made removable side boards that attach to the sail tri ring & an additional tri ring I added. The board is 12" long & holds a rod holder, fish finder & battery pack, and the transducer arm.

Hope this helps!

Cool, thanks!

For rod holders check out the Engel cooler dry box with built in rod holders retail about $75.