Do you love to fish but want to get away from the shore to explore new territories on deeper waters? If so, you will want to get yourself a stand up paddleboard, also known as a SUP. They are well suited for fishing and way cheaper than paying for an entire boat. They are fun to ride on, allow you to access plenty of hidden fishing spots, and are easier to handle.
They provide you with a stable, flat surface to fish from. Plus, you can spend a lot of time relaxing or exploring the water on one. They are pretty similar to inflatable pontoon boats if you are also interested in those but generally speaking; they’re smaller and quicker to get in the water.
However, it is vital to get a high-quality board. Cheaply made ones do not last long and are not as stable as the top picks. We did all the research to save you time, so let’s get into it.
Top 10 Best Stand Up Paddle Boards for Fishing
Best Overall - South Bay Board Co. Premium Inflatable
- Stable supports 450 pounds
- Beginner-friendly design
- One year warranty
- Excellent customer service
- High cost
This paddleboard is easily the best fishing SUP on the market right now. It has so many features that we will cover, with the only real drawback being the high cost. Still, it is best to keep in mind that you are getting what you pay for.
The South Bay Board Co. SUP is thick and able to support up to 450 pounds. That is more than enough for you and your fishing equipment. The company also says that the product comes with a “beginner-friendly design,” but what does that entail?
Well, the paddleboard features a pulled in nose alongside a rounded back end, which allows you to glide smoothly through the water. The SUP is also very stable, so you do not have to worry about tipping over.
The design includes quality materials, such as double-layered PVC and a core that stays stiff when inflated.
But, what do users of this product think? The reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Users enjoy the SUP and say that they were offered excellent customer service. If something were to go wrong with your order, you will most definitely receive swift quality support from the brand’s team.
Best Value - FunWater Inflatable SUP Ultra Light
- Budget-friendly
- Comes with a bag for storage
- Great quality for the cost
- Stable and sturdy
- Unreliable PSI gauge
- Accessories are cheaply made
If you are on a stricter budget, this SUP features a much lower price tag than our best overall pick. You also have your choice of three fun colors and designs with this option.
The board itself is of reasonably good quality. You can swap between a kayak and SUP setup, which is great for planning your fishing trips. You also get a paddle and some other equipment and accessories to use with it.
Some of the additional items that come with the board are not as well made as the paddle board itself. The bag has poor stitching on the straps and may break easily. Many users have reported issues with the included PSI gauge, so you might want to make sure that you have your own before you try to inflate your board for the first time.
However, this is still the best budget option. The board is of reliable quality, so as long as you do not mind that the extra stuff is a little lacking, this paddleboard for fishing will save you a lot of money.
Best Premium - Sea Eagle Fish SUP Swivel Seat Fishing Rig
- Two-person capacity, 500 lb limit
- Quick assembly
- Very stable and sturdy on the water
- It comes with everything you need
- Heavy
- Expensive
This SUP is more like a small boat than a stand up paddleboard like we know it. It is pricey but could be worth it if you plan to take it fishing often during the season. It is made from very high-quality materials and features a reinforced drop stitch at the seams. That means you can expect this item to last you many years.
It has room for four fishing rods, with two rod holders at the front of the boat. If you attach the seat, you can have both fishing rods sitting on either side.
The boat also deflates back to a small size for convenient storage and transportation. As an inflatable fishing paddleboard, we thought that this was one of the best options. You will be able to reach all of the fishing spots you want with this reliable, premium option.
Badfisher Inflatable Fishing
- It comes with tie-down areas
- Durable parts
- Comfortable to carry
- Basic design and features
As far as SUPs go, this is your standard option. It is sturdy on the water, so you can stand easily for a long time while you fish. It also includes tie-down areas for your tackle box and cooler. That way, you do not have to worry about your gear slipping off, causing you a headache.
The order also comes with a travel bag, paddle, and a double-action pump. Once you use it to inflate your board, you will be all set to go. You can take this extremely stable board anywhere you want to go. Plus, the storage space allows you to stay on the water much longer than normal.
BOTE Rackham Aero Inflatable
- Easy to transport in the included bag
- High-quality materials
- Fairly high price
Before we cover this item further, it is expensive. It costs more than our top pick for the premium SUP. However, this board is also very high-quality and perfect for fishing. It comes with a pump, paddle, travel bag, and a durable fin.
The front area has a tie-down, so you can get some more storage space out of it. You can use this board for hunting as well, according to the company. The bottom area is designed to help you blend in, so you do not scare away any fish.
Wonder Maxi Inflatable
- Great price
- Fun and lively designs
- Made for beginners
- Maximum capacity of 286 pounds
- Extra components of mediocre quality
This paddleboard can not hold as much weight as our other options. However, it still may be suitable for children or smaller adults who are not bringing a lot of fishing equipment with them. The design is excellent for anyone just learning to use a SUP.
One of the best aspects of this product is the value for your money. It does not cost as much as other options, although you still get a fantastic quality fishing paddle board. Overall, this SUP would be perfect for anyone’s first paddleboard.
Murtisol Pro Inflatable
- Durable
- Multiple uses (fishing, yoga, etc.)
- Hard to reach customer service
- Likely need to use the repair kit after a few months of use
The brand says that it only takes about one minute to pump up the board, which is actually going to be impossible for most people using the included hand pump. You could expect a more realistic time to be 10 to 12 minutes.
The material is tough and durable, meaning you will likely not have any issues if you bump into something on the water. The design keeps it stable on the water, so you should not have to worry about losing control.
Users do recommend that you purchase an anchor for your SUP since this model does not seem to want to stay in place while on the water.
MaxKare Stand Up Paddle Board
- Amazing price
- Durable
- Non-slip material
- Cushioned neck
- Unreliable air pump
- Breakable value
This model comes with enough space to hold a decent amount of fishing gear, just be sure that you do not go over the max weight capacity of 330 pounds. The SUP is extremely stable, giving you a wonderful fishing experience.
The board is easy to maneuver wherever you need it to go due to the front and rear design. It also comes with an ankle attachment, so you can easily retrieve the board if you slip off.
Free Explorer SUP
- Great two-year warranty
- Ankle leash
- Maximum stability
- Flimsy bag
The paddleboard is thicker than most other options, and the additional width makes it more stable. That additional stability makes it perfect for fishing since you do not have to worry much about disturbing the water or having trouble standing. These features make it perfect for beginners.
However, the bag that comes with the order is not very well made. It can easily tear, which means you will need to find another method to store and transport your board when it is not inflated. The actual board is very high quality, but some of the accessories that come with it are lacking. The PSI gauge may not be correct, which seems to be an issue with some SUP products.
Blue Water Toys 10’ Inflatable
- Good customer service
- Durable design
- Designed for fishing
- Not easy to use the pump
This item is very sturdy once you get it out onto the water, and the price is great too! The model comes with a pump, kayak chair, and plenty of other equipment that will enhance your fishing experience. The board is light and pretty easy to convert between SUP and kayak.
However, users did have some issues with the included air pump. While the board works amazing for fishing, the pump’s PSI reading was not accurate, and it was very hard to use. Most people recommended that you purchase a different gauge for reading and putting air into the board.
Why Use a Stand Up Board for Fishing?
There are many reasons why people use a SUP for fishing. Most people enjoy having more freedom to move on the water. Plus, the board does not block your view when you are looking for fish in the water.
Paddleboards are also extremely quiet, so you do not have to worry about scaring away fish. Finally, the standing room on the SUPs gives you ample space to cast your line without hitting anything, as you might on a boat.
In short, a quality board with more features will be able to offer you more benefits than the competition. Be sure to check out our list of the best SUPs for more information above.
Things to Consider When Buying Stand Up Paddle Boards for Fishing
There is a lot to consider when you want to buy a SUP for fishing. Many of these boards are designed for multipurpose use, so they might not have a focus on fishing as one of their features. You will want to consider the following when thinking of purchasing one of these products.
The Board Shape and Size
The size and shape of the board will impact the stability that it can offer you. While fishing, you will be moving slightly as you try to reel one in. You will also need to be able to stand comfortably for long periods of time.
If the board is not stable, you will feel tense. This could lead to you getting tired faster and not being able to stay on the water for as long.
Most products will have their weight limits listed on their page. Although you will want to make sure you have enough room for your equipment, too, since you plan on going fishing. For example, if you weigh 250 and the board has a weight capacity of 300 lbs, you should not bring more than 50 lbs of fishing gear aboard.
If you plan on having two people on your SUP, you will probably want to choose one that can hold 400 lbs or 500 lbs instead.
Overall, wider boards tend to feel more stable on the water and have a higher weight limit. You will need to take into consideration the size and shape of your purchase because of this.
Solid or Inflatable
There are two types of SUPs, solid and inflatable. However, the solid ones can take up quite a bit of space. They are made from a foam core, fiberglass, and a layer of epoxy. This makeup keeps them lightweight but also much more expensive.
Inflatable SUPs are more cost-efficient and easier to store. That way, they are perfect for traveling. If you are looking for a paddleboard for fishing, you will likely want to choose an inflatable option. They are just as sturdy as a solid SUP but give you more benefits.
First, when deflated, it is easy to carry your paddleboard to the fishing spot. If you have to hike a bit, the inflatable SUP will be much easier to transport. Plus, if you do not use your inflate fishing paddleboard all year round, it will be simple to store when not in use.
The Fins
Most of the best fishing paddle board orders will come with accessories, including various fins. Fins help add stability and allow you to glide on the water. In most cases, smaller fins are better for maneuvering the water, while larger fins are better for stability.
The fins are typically removable, so you can swap them out as needed. You can also take them off for easy storage. An inflatable SUP will usually have multiple rubber fins that you can switch out.
You may choose to use a small fin if you plan on having to navigate a lot of water. On the other hand, fishing might better suit a large fin since you will have additional stability. We recommend that you bring multiple fins with you if you decide you need to make a change while at one of your fishing spots.
The Accessories
Most of the best fishing SUP options will come with accessories. You will want to consider which ones you need the most in your kit for a good fishing experience. Here are some of the most crucial extra you will want to have for your next fishing outing.
Rod Holders
Some SUPs that are designed for fishing come with rod holders. These can help keep your hands free while you are on the board. They are great to have if you plan on taking multiple fishing rods out on the water with you.
Bungee Storage
Otherwise known as tie-down storage, this accessory is a must-have on any fishing SUP. It is either located at the front or rear of the board and provides you a spot for securing items. You can use them to hold your tackle box, fishing backpack, coolers, and much more.
Paddles
Of course, you will want to have a paddle. If you do not have one at home, you will probably want one to be in your order. Otherwise, you will need to buy one somewhere else.
A SUP paddle resembles a canoe paddle but is longer. It also has a teardrop shape, which helps the board move through the water. You will know you have the right size if the paddle can reach your wrist when you hold your arm above your head.
Ankle Leash
Some orders will also include an ankle leash. This accessory keeps your SUP attached to you; that way, it will not drift off if you fall into the water. Plus, since these boards float, it will help keep you safe if you struggle to swim.
There are different types of ankle leashes for paddleboards. They are mainly designed for rivers, still water, and surf areas. You will want to think about the type of fishing spot you plan on taking your SUP to when getting a leash.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a fishing SUP differ from a regular SUP?
Fishing SUPs tend to be wider and have a round nose. The shape allows the board to resist waves and stay stabilized. Due to its wide design, the fishing SUP can hold equipment (like a tackle box) as well.
A regular or touring SUP has a pointed front nose. This shape makes them function more like kayaks, so you can use them for a fast-paced trip on the water. The pointed nose also allows you to move faster with fewer strokes, helping you build speed.
However, you do not need to go fast once you are fishing. You will instead want a paddleboard that offers you stability. That way, you can cast and handle fish without the SUP wiggling around too much on the water.
What essential equipment do I need for my fishing paddleboard?
First of all, you want to be certain that your order comes with a paddle. After that, you want to have a bungee tie-down area for your fishing equipment. You can decide if you would like a chair or not, although we do recommend you consider rod holders for ease of use.
Many inflatable SUPs come with a PSI gauge and pump, although they do not have a good track record. You may need to purchase a more accurate one to use.
How do you fish on a paddleboard?
Once you have it in the water, you will need to maintain stability. This process can be difficult at first since you will have to cast, reel, and take the fish off of the line when you make a catch. All of that makes a lot of movement.
We recommend that you practice on your paddleboard without all the equipment the first time you ride it. That way, you will already know how to balance yourself before you attempt to add fishing into the mix.
When you have the SUP on the water, you can fish from it like you would any boat. Let it sit for a bit, and when you see fish, you can cast your line. Many people prefer a paddleboard over a boat once they have tried it.
You will notice that you have more room and can see the fish in the water easier, especially if you have sight fishing sunglasses. Plus, your paddleboard will make fewer waves, so you do not have to worry as much about scaring away all of the fish.
It all comes down to learning to balance on the board, but everything else is the same as fishing from a boat or solid ground.
Should I choose an inflatable or solid SUP for fishing?
When it comes to fishing, an inflatable SUP would be more suitable than a solid one. This is because a fishing SUP would be easy to transport, stable, light, and floats better than a solid SUP.
The inflatable options are also easier to store during the offseason and do not take up nearly as much space as the alternative choice. Overall, many people prefer to use an inflatable SUP.
You can easily carry it to your fishing spot and inflate it there. With a solid SUP, you can not fit it in a backpack, and it is likely to be much heavier- which would be inconvenient if you had to hike your fishing spots.
Finally, inflatable SUPs stay higher on the water than solid ones. This allows you to better keep your equipment dry and stay above the waves- providing you with some extra stability while you fish.
Conclusion
Those were our top picks for the best SUP on the market. If you want to start fishing from an inflatable paddleboard, you will want to consider all of the above options first. We researched them and found that they offered great quality and value.
Fishing from a SUP makes the experience completely different. While you can compare it to fishing off of a boat, the experience is still not the same. We are sure that you will enjoy getting out into nature and gliding along the water on your new stand up paddleboard.
You can find high-quality boards that fit into any price range. Certain features can impact how your board works- the size, shape, thickness, and weight capacity all affect how sturdy and stable the SUP feels on the water.
With a fishing paddleboard, you want to find features that benefit the board’s stability the most. This is because fishing requires a lot of movement. Overall, you will want to practice before taking your gear out to catch since the first time on a paddleboard requires learning to stay balanced.
If you want to learn more, feel free to reach out to us. We enjoy hearing from our readers!