Best Fishing Paddle Boards

Paddle Board Fishing can add a unique dimension to your fishing arsenal that you won’t be able to get with any other vessel. 

You can follow the fish to some of the shallowest depths. No one is safe! You can also fish in a wide variety of fishing environments from coastal oceans to calm lakes. 

In fact, this is what this list is all about. Below we choose the best fishing paddle boards for:

• Stability
• A wide range of budgets
• A wide range of environments
• Lots of add-on accessories
• High maximum capacities
• Made of strong materials
• Good customer ratings

Sounds good? Let’s dive into the best paddle boards for fishing below

Best Fishing Paddle Boards List

Below are some of our top picks for best stand up fishing paddle boards. While most of these are specialist boards made specifically for fishing. We did manage to sprinkle some All Around/ Expedition boards in here to make this an appealing list to all budgets.

*It should be noted that the ratings represent the boards overall rating that rates On-Water Performance, Onboard Features, Accessories, Construction and Set-Up/ Take Down time. These ratings are not in the order of best fishing paddle board. We do this to give you the most accurate rating on the board possible.

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1. Bote HD Aero 11’6” (Top Pick)

Features

• Dimensions: 11’6” X 34” X 6”
• Weight: 30 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 315 Lbs
• Materials: AeroBOTE Technology

Total Score 8.25/10 (Average of Below)

• On-Water Performance – 8.1
  • Stability 9.5
  • Tracking  8
  • Speed 7
  • Maneuverability 8
• SUP Construction – 9
• Board Features  – 8.5
  • Deck Pad 8.5
  • D Rings 9
  • Deck Bungees 8.5
  • Action Mounts: 8
  • Handles 8.5
• Accessories – 7.6
  • Backpack 7.5
  • Paddle 8
  • Pump 7.5
  • Fins 7.5
• Set-Up/ Take Down – 8

Why is it a Good Fishing SUP?

I did not just pick the Bote HD Aero because it had nice fishy designs on it. It’s a great practical SUP for fishing as it has many accessories that are built onto the board to make casting easy. 

The Bote HD Aero features Scotty mounts that allow you to install a fishing rack, a sand spear to keep you in place while casting, and Kula cooler compatibility that allows you to use it as a seat, bait-well, dry storage, rod/ net holder. 

On Top of this BOTE has the ingenius paddle sheath invention which is a holder that you put your paddle into. This means you don’t have to bend down and fiddle around until your paddle is in the right spot. Because really, who wants to do that?

On-Water Performance

What are the main differences between the BOTE HD Aero and the Aero Rackham 12’4”? Simply put this board is more compact in size meaning that you can go to those shallower and tighter areas. At 30 pounds you can also maneuver this board better and have better tracking and glide as a result of the 4” less width.

However, you will not have that same platform stability that the Rackham Aero 12’4” has and you do not have the same maximum weight capacity. But comparable to most SUPs it’s still very stable with its 34” width.  

So if you are looking for a more “Traditional Fishing Paddleboard Experience” the HD Aero would be the best bet to get. 

Board Features and Design

The BOTE HD Aero has a few noteworthy features that should catch fishing folks’ eyes. The HD Aero comes with slide-in rack mounts and also has personalization opportunities with BOTE accessories. You can add accessories such as the KULA cooler, any of BOTE’s slide-in rack mounts, as well as BOTE’s Magnepod cup selection, which can be held on by the board’s Magnepod. The Magnepod is a magnetic pod in the middle of the board that keeps your drink attached at all times without needing to worry about the movement of waves taking the drink off the board. 

The board is 34” wide but designed with a slightly tapered nose and tail to make it efficient for cruising while keeping the board stable for fishing purposes. The deck offers 5 rows of bungee deck rigging as well as a paddle holder that attaches up front should you want to stop and cast without having to bend over to place your paddle down. A pretty good little feature for fishermen. 

You can see our full BOTE HD Aero 11’6″ Review we did here.

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2. iRocker Blackfin XL 6.0 (Onboard Features Pick)

Features

• Dimensions: 11’6” X 34” X 6”
• Weight: 29 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 485 Lbs
• Materials: Triple Layer Composite PVC

Total Rating: 8.4 / 10 (Accumulated Ratings Below)

• On-Water Performance – 8.1
  • Stability 9
  • Tracking  8
  • Speed 7.5
  • Maneuverability 8
• SUP Construction – 9
• Board Features  – 8.9
  • Deck Pad 8
  • D Rings 8.5
  • Deck Bungees 9
  • Action Mounts: 9.5
  • Handles 9.5
• Accessories – 8
  • Backpack 
  • Paddle 
  • Pump 
  • Fins 8
• Set-Up/ Take Down 8

Why is it a Good Fishing SUP?

I don’t even think we can talk about inflatable fishing paddle boards unless we talk about the iRocker Blackfin XL. The Blackfin is one of the most popular fishing SUPs there are. In Fact, it was rated the best SUP by Inflatable Paddle Board Owners Facebook group.

The board offers a wide array of possibilities in terms of onboard features. So if you are a fisherman (or woman) who likes a board that can give you a lot of possibilities in terms of rack mounts, rod holders, drink holders and various attachments for seats, coolers etc then this is a board that will make you excited to try out. 

The board is also a fantastic addition for families, dogs, or heavy cargo for multi-day fishing trips or excursions. Better yet, this board is made with triple-layer PVC, which makes it very durable. You can ask my pinky toe about it after bashing into the folded-up board. 

On-Water Performance

The Blackfin XL 6.0 offered fantastic stability on the water and felt very stable while I paddled along the Nikomekl River. We also tested it with my taller friend, who is 6’4” tall and around 200 lbs, and he felt the board was very stable while paddling for about 3-4 hours. 

The Blackfin XL also had great all-around on-water metrics that mattered to fishing folk alike. Things such as solid maneuverability stats ( 4 paddle strokes for a reverse sweep stroke) and really good tracking metrics (7 strokes until I had to change sides). This made the Blackfin XL 6.0 a very enjoyable cruising board, and with its added stability, makes it a solid fishing pick. 

Board Features and Design 

To go into some of the features of the Blackfin XL, the board has 8 action mounts placed in the front and rear of the board, which gives you plenty of choice as to where to place your rod/ rod holder, as well as the various other onboard attachments available on the iRocker website. 

The board offers a triple-layer PVC material and now has a 3-year warranty on its seams, which are located at the side of the board (which are often the weakest point of the paddle board). While this does make the board heavier, it does offer more layering, which protects against exterior elements like clams, short pricks, sunken logs/ posts, etc. 

One of the most intriguing things about this package is the fact that the board comes with an electric pump! This is a nice bonus as in my opinion manually pumping the board is a pain in the butt, especially when you are a taller individual. The package also comes with 3 clip-in fins, a wheeled backpack, and a 3-piece carbon paddle. 

You can see our full Blackfin XL 6.0 Review we did here.

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3. Sea Eagle FS126 (Accessories Pick)

Features

• Dimensions: 12’6” X 40” X 6”
• Weight: 44 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 485 Lbs
• Materials: 1100 Decitex Reinforced Drop Stitch

Why is it a Good Fishing SUP?

Probably the most appealing feature about the FS126 is that its 40” width makes you feel like you are standing on a firm and steady platform. 

This makes the paddle board stable enough to do just about any kind of casting on it including motions that may be a bit more sketch on a paddle board like fly fishing.

On top of this, the FS126 has 7 packages to choose from that start at $1180 to packages that feature a swivel chair, a Minn Kota Watersnake Venom 34 trolling motor, and even a solar panel to give you sun powered charging. Add with that 14 D rings and the possibilities really are endless with this SUP.

On Water Performance

The FS126 is about as stable as they come but to get any real on-water performance out of this SUP it’s recommended that you get this fishing paddle board with a motor. 

While this SUP is exceptionally stable it definitely will take more effort to manually paddle this board. The wide shape coupled with its 44-pound hull weight makes its a bit cumbersome to paddle out further distances. Hence the motor package recommendation.

Make no mistake about it if you are just paddling to your local honey hole or have a small calm lake that you want to put a few lines in. It’s fine to paddle but if you really want to go anywhere fast the trolling motor will be a godsend. 

Board Features and Design

Sea Eagle, like they do with many of their inflatable kayaks, is made of 1000 denier drop stitch material, and this board in particular is 40” wide. Which is probably one of the widest widths we’ve come across for a non-party SUP. 

What’s more is that the board comes in 5 different packages. Which I think is pretty smart from Sea Eagle. I’m actually surprised more paddleboard manufacturers don’t copy this model. 

• 50 W Solar Boat Package: Comes with board, battery, motor paddles, solar panel, swivel seat, pump, bag, and repair kit. The solar 50 panel allows you to troll all day without having to worry too much about your battery. 
• The Introductory Package: Comes with the board, paddle, pump, repair kit, and bag
• Deluxe Package: Comes with board, two paddles, green seat that clips onto the SUP, bag, pump, extra hose, repair kit.
• Swivel Seat Fishing Rig Package: Comes with Board, paddles, swivel seat, bag, and pump repair kit.
• Pro Motor Fishing Rig Package: Comes with board, motor, battery, swivel seat, paddles, pump, repair kit, and bag. If budget is not an issue, I highly recommend getting this or the next package, as paddling a 40” wide SUP for long distances can be daunting.

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4. BOTE Rackham Aero 12’4” (Pedal Pick)

Features

• Dimensions: 12’4” X 38” X 7”
• Weight: 45 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 400 Lbs
• Materials: AeroULTRA Technology

Why is it a Good Fishing SUP?

While you don’t NEED to install a pedal system onto your SUP it sure is handy to have the option to!

Stability and accessibility are the name of the game for SUP fishing and the Rackham Aero provides it by giving you the option to use it as a traditional SUP or install the APEX pedal drive to get to where you need to go quicker. 

At 38” width this SUP is supremely stable and can act as both a kayak with its removable aero seat and kayak paddle configuration or a traditional SUP.

The SUP also features a spring-loaded kick-up rudder system that allows you to sneak up on fish in shallower waters and its rudder control system gives you full control while in pedal mode. 

On-Water Performance

While the SUP is very wide and stable it does give you 12 ‘4” in length which makes it more than reasonable for tracking purposes. I won’t sugar coat it, this SUP won’t win you any races paddling but it more than does the job in the wake of a small chop. 

However, with that extra length and heavier hull weight, it may be a bit harder to maneuver the board in those tighter areas, so keep this in mind.

To get a bit of extra pep in your paddle (or this case pedal) you can use the APEX pedal drive to get to where you need to go quicker. The rudder system allows this board to be very maneuverable while in pedal mode. 

 Board Features and Design

The BOTE Rackham Aero had Apex pedal capability, meaning you can fit BOTE’s Apex Pedal drive into the slot in the board and have a fully functioning ISUP that you can power with your feet. This is a nice feature for the fisherman who is used to fishing kayak or wants a hands-free set-up while gracefully cruising. 

The Rackham Aero comes with all of the features of the HD Aero but is a more stable vessel at 12’4” length and a 38” width. While the board will be much more stable for folks who like to stand on cast, it is significantly heavier and you will not be able to cover the same distance as the HD Aero by paddle. Hence why it’s recommended you get the Pedal drive with this SUP. 

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5. Bote Rackham 14’ (Best Hardboard)

Features

• Dimensions: 14’ X 34” X 8”
• Weight: 52 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 400 Lbs
• Materials: Gatorshell Technology

Why is it a Good Fishing SUP?

What? Inflatable SUP Authority recommends a hard board?! What’s happening!?

Yes, I choose a hardboard because I also admit that not everything is super dandy with inflatable SUPs. In terms of On-water performance, inflatable SUPs are getting closer but they still cannot outcompete solid fiberglass boards like the Rackham 14. 

The Rackham 14 is a great pic for bigger and taller anglers who want to go a bit further offshore. The pointed nose allows you to smash through chop to get to those deeper areas that you desire. 

On-Water Performance

If on-water performance is super important to you and things like speed and tracking are non-negotiable then the Rackham 14 would be your angler answer to this. The razor-thin nose allows you to cut through coastal chop while the 34” provides a stable base for which you can stand on.

In terms of wind and outside elements, this would be the board that would be least affected by this. 

Board Features and Design

Probably the quickest paddling board on the list, the Rackham solid board is a great pick for those who want the true traditional paddle boarding feel with all the fishing capabilities. The Rackham solid board offers, including Kula cooler capabilities, bucket and standing fishing rack slots, as well as wheel rack slots for when you need to transport the SUP to the shoreline.

Truth be told, some people just prefer the feeling of hard boards because, rather than floating on top of the water, they are partially submerged. Unlike the Rackham Aero, the Rackham hardboard has a pointed hull and would be the better choice for fishermen who want to travel longer distances to hook something, like offshore fishing, for example.

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6. BOTE Low Rider (Comfort Pick)

• Dimensions: 10’6” X 36” X 6”
• Weight: 30 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 300 Lbs
• Materials: AeroBOTE Technology

Total Score: 7.9 (Averages of Below Scores)

• On-Water Performance – 8.1
  • Stability 9.5
  • Tracking 7
  • Speed 7
  • Maneuverability 9
• SUP Construction – 7.5
• Board Features  – 8.2
  • Deck Pad 9
  • D Rings 8.5
  • Deck Bungees 8
  • Action Mounts: 7.5
  • Handles 8
• Accessories – 7.6
  • Kayak Conversion Kit 9
  • Backpack 8
  • Paddle 8
  • Pump 7
  • Fins 7.5
• Set-Up/ Take Down – 8

Why is It a Good Fishing SUP?

While the BOTE Low Rider is marketed to be more of a kayak hybrid SUP we did find that the board was super stable. And this kayak hybrid capability made it a good pick for fishermen who want the choice to SUP or paddle in kayak formation. In my testing, we also found that the board was super stable both when seated on the kayak seat and standing.

The Low Rider also has some of the same fishing attachments as some of the other BOTE boards, including having a slide-in fishing rack mount towards the back of the board. 

On-Water Performance

Maneuverability and stability were by far this board’s strong suits. Which is great for SUP fishermen who are paddling in tighter areas like mangroves or tight, slow riverways. Also, the seat acts as a nice perch for you to go from sitting to squat formation relatively easily if your mobility allows it (practice those squats!).

I would not classify this as a good long-distance SUP, though, even in kayak formation, as the board does fishtail more than other boards I have tested over the years. In our tracking test, the board did 4 strokes a side, whereas our average is 5.8 for inflatable all-around SUPs. 

Board Features and Design

The BOTE LowRider comes with a good amount of features, including the mentioned kayak seat and a full-length traction pad. The seat is probably the most comfortable kayak hybrid I’ve sat in which definitely helps when you are on the water al those hours casting your line in your favorite honey holes. 

The package offers a good accessory offering with a big wheeled bag, a carbon hybrid SUP/ kayak paddle, pump, fin and a repair kit. 

You can see our BOTE LowRider Review we did here.

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7. Atoll 11 (Affordable Pick)

Features

• Dimensions: 11’ X 32” X 6”
• Weight: 21 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 550 lbs Tested
• Materials: Fusion Laminated PBC, Drop Stitch

Total Score 8.2/10 (Average of Below)

• On-Water Performance: 8.5
  • Stability: 9
  • Tracking: 8
  • Speed: 8
  • Maneuverability: 8
• SUP Construction: 9
• Board Features: 8
  • Deck Pad: 8.5
  • D Rings: 9
  • Deck Bungees: 7.5
  • Handles: 7
• Accessories: 7.5
  • Backpack: 7
  • Paddle: 7
  • Pump: 7
  • Fins: 8
• Set-Up/ Take Down: 8

Why is it a Good Fishing SUP?

I won’t lie, this is not a pick for you if you want all the bells and whistles included. In fact the Atoll paddle board sits at the minimum threshold for width you want in a fishing SUP so why is it #3? 

I wanted to add an All-Around board that is more representative to people who want a board at a reasonable price. Let’s face it not everyone has over $1000 + to throw at a paddle board. 

As an Atoll owner, I can attest that it actually feels wider than 32” when you are paddling it. You also don’t need all the bells and whistles when fishing. There beauty in simplicity, especially when you want an accessible board that is easy to take along with you in the backcountry. 

On-Water Performance

The Atoll 11 provides a good level of primary stability that does not make you feel wobbly when paddling and standing still. While I have not tried fishing on it I have experimented with standing, sitting, paddling vigorously, and keeping at a standstill while fiddling with my GoPro. 

Its responsiveness is also great because it is one of the lighter boards on the list. Meaning you can maneuver in the spot you like with less effort. Its light weight does make it get bullied by outside elements though so consider bringing an anchor before casting a line!

Board Features and Design

The Atoll 11 is a clutter-free SUP that is designed for 1 fishing rod in hand or in the bungee deck webbing. While this may not be the most fishing rod friendly set-up the board does offer an array of D rings the surround the board which makes it good for strapping in cargo such as coolers, bait wells, or even a seat. The bungee deck webbing in the front can be used to keep smaller tackle boxes onboard. 

The board also is very tough and rugged which makes it a solid fishing pick for it’s budget. The accessories that come with the boars are the bag, paddle, pump and repair kit. It should be noted that the bag is pretty comfortable which makes it not a bad back country pick for someone who wants a relatively simple paddle board without all the bells and whistles attached. 

You can see our Atoll 11 Review we did here.

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8. Retrospec Weekender Plus 2 (Budget Pick)

• Dimensions: 10’6” X 33” X 6”
• Weight: 23 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 300 Lbs
• Materials: AerGlide Fusion Material

Total Score: 7.83 (Accumulated Scored of Below)

• On-Water Performance – 8.25
  • Stability 9
  • Tracking  8.5
  • Speed 7
  • Maneuverability 8.5
• SUP Construction – 8
• Board Features  – 7.4
  • Deck Pad 7
  • D Rings 8
  • Deck Bungees 7.5
  • Action Mounts: 7
  • Handles 7.5
• Accessories – 7.5
  • Backpack 7
  • Paddle 7.5
  • Pump 7.5
  • Fins 8
  • Kayak Conversion Kit 8.5
• Set-Up/ Take Down – 8

Why Is It a Good Fishing SUP? 

Much like the Atoll 11, it’s technically not a designated fishing SUP, however, it does come with a lot of accessories at a really good price point. What’s more is that in my testing, I found the board to be perfect for those casual lake days and can more than easily have a line or two hanging off of it. 

The Retrospec Weekender comes with an inflatable chair package, which is actually pretty comfortable. Perhaps not BOTE level comfort, but for its price point, it’s nice to sit on an inflatable uplifted chair. Add a fishing rod, and you have the choice to sit or stand. 

On-Water Performance

The Retrospec Weekender Plus 2 offered some solid on-water performance, which surprised me for a board of its budget range. First off, is it stable enough to stand and fish on? Absolutely! The Retrospec Weekender Plus 2 offers fantastic stability both in paddleboard and kayak formation for most-sized paddlers. I’m about 6’1 and 180 lbs, and felt comfortable standing on this board. It feels wider than its dimensions in reality. 

This board also offers solid tracking and maneuverability thanks to the option of adding the 2 side fins. This helps customize the board’s handling. Use one fin for tighter quarters where you need more maneuverability and all 3 fins for larger areas that need more tracking. 

I would categorize this vessel as more of a recreational paddleboard that can be used for a variety of different activities, including fishing, but if you are looking for a fishing-specific SUP, the other options above may be a better fit for you. 

Board Features and Accessories

The Retrospec Weekender Plus 2 comes with a value-based package that includes a backpack, SUP paddle, kayak paddle attachment, inflatable chair with seat back, pump, shoulder strap, fins, and a repair kit. 

While there are no fishing-related onboard features and accessories that come with the board, it’s not a bad pick for casting a single line out and having a small tackle box or cooler out on the water with you. 

You can see our Retrospec Weekender Plus 2 Review we did here.

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9. Nixy Monterey (Rigidity Pick)

Features

• Dimensions: 11’6” X 34” X 6”
• Weight: 25 Lbs
• Maximum Capacity: 400 Lbs
• Materials: Fusion Laminated PVC with Woven Drop Stitch

Total Score: 8.8 (Average of Below Numbers)

• On-Water Performance – 8.4
  • Stability 9
  • Tracking 8.5
  • Speed 8
  • Maneuverability 8
• SUP Construction – 9.5
• Board Features – 9.2
  • Deck Pad 9.5
  • D Rings 9
  • Deck Bungees 9
  • Action Mounts: 10
  • Handles 8.5
• Accessories – 9.1
  • Backpack 9
  • Paddle 9
  • Pump 9
  • Fins 9.5
• Set-Up/ Take Down – 8

Why is it a Good Fishing SUP?

You won’t find this board on many best fishing SUP lists but I think this board belongs here for a few reasons. Nixy incorporates some cutting-edge technology like fusion laminate and woven drop stitching and double inflation chambers into their boards while still being affordable. 

This board also has 10 Action mounts, which is the most of any SUP on this list. With the action mounts you can mount cup holders, rod holders, action cameras, and cell phone holders to the board. On Top of this, the Monterey also features  2 Scotty Mounts to which you can install a roof rack to this SUP. 

On-Water Performance

The Nixy Monterey will be one of the boards that is one of the quicker ones on the list. This is because the board weighs 25 pounds, has an 11’6” frame, and has a well-designed triplefin set-up which allows the board to track well. 

At 34” wide it’s sufficient for stability but also does not drag in the water which gives you that sweet spot of speed and tracking that you normally have to compromise on. This board can also double down as a multi-day expedition board as well.

Board Features and Design

The Monterey G5 has been stripped back compared to the G4 model, hence why it has lost some spots on this list. It offers 4 action mounts that you can install rod holders on. The G4 (pictured here) offered 10 action mounts as well as Scotty mounts.  

You can see our full Nixy Monterey G4 Review we did here.

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Inflatable vs Hardshell SUPs

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that “inflatable sups are more portable” because you have probably read that half a million times on the internet. 

But I wanted to deep dive a bit further into this so that you can understand when to go inflatable and when to go solid for fishing. We’ll briefly go over when to use an inflatable board vs when to use a hardboard below. 

When to Use an Inflatable SUP

• When you are in calm water conditions
• You want something portable that you can take with you
• Environments like Lakes, slow rivers, and calm bays are ideal environments
• You want something less expensive
• You don’t want to worry about scratches and scuffs

When to Use a Hardshell SUP 

• You Are Paddling in coastal conditions and tidal zones
• You want good tracking and paddling speed
• You are paddling in more challenging environments and need responsiveness
• You have room to store an 11 – 14 foot SUP
• Budget is not an issue
• You want a quick set-up time

Even as an inflatable SUP blog I can recognize that hardboards still have a performance advantage over inflatables. 

This is because they sit in the water instead of on top of the water. As a result, things like tracking, stability, and speed make the board more responsive. This, on top of the V Shape Hulls being better for cutting through the water. 

However, we are not just discounting inflatable SUP’s just yet! Their popularity has exploded in the past 10 years and the technology has gotten better and better over the past 5 years. 

Inflatable SUPs are great for customizations like action mounts and Scotty mounts. There are a lot of really high-quality ones out there, including the ones in this list like Nixy Monterey, iRocker Blackfin, Bote’s SUP’s and the Hala Fame to name a few. 

Fishing/ Expedition oriented inflatable SUPs also have great stability. The wider the SUP the more stability you will have for those casts.

The other good news is that inflatable SUPs are less expensive than hardboards. A good quality fishing-capable inflatable SUP can start around the $700 range while a hardboard’s starter price would be at about the $1500 range. 

For a complete list check out our article Inflatable Paddle Board Vs Solid Board The Complete Comparison.

Inflatable SUP Fishing Buying Guide: things to Look for

Still onboard with an inflatable SUP? Good, now we will be going through factors to look at when looking for an inflatable paddleboard.

We go through some of the top SUP Fishing tricks reccomended by experienced anglers here.

Fishing Paddle Board Shape/ Size and How it Influences Stability

The shape of the paddleboard will influence how stable the board is and how it handles the water. For fishing you typically want a wider width and a bit of a longer length compared to other All Around boards. 

The sweet spot for this is usually around the 11’6” X 34” X 6” dimensions. Don’t use these measurements as exact criteria but more as a general guideline. 

For fishing, stability is the most important thing so look for a SUP that has a bit of wider width. Remember the longer and wider an inflatable SUP is the more it acts like a platform from which you can stand and fish off.

A Wide Spacious Deck pad

We already talked about width but let’s talk about the deck pad and how it can be used to your advantage. A wide spacious deck allows you to bring more fishing accessories with you and gives you more room to land your fish and operate. 

Some things to look for on this Deck pad include:

• Bungee Deck Rigging for smaller gear
• Free D rings that you can use
• Action mounts and Scotty mounts that allow you to attach a wide variety of accessories. 

The deck pad should also be grippy and thicker in nature, especially when you are out there all day on your feet. Most Inflatable SUPs come with EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) pads that come in different shapes, colors, sizes and thicknesses.

Bungee Tie Down Storage Points

Its pretty hard to say you have a good fishing sup if you don’t have bungee tie-down points! How many you want depends on your preferences! But typically I like to see bungee deck lacing on the front and back of the boards. 

Things you can store in them are:

• Tackle boxes
• Extra rods
• Dry bags
• Small soft coolers
• Fishing net

A lot of these will also depend on if you are bringing a cooler with you. If you are bringing said cooler then you may not need the rear bungee deck storage compartments. Thankfully most bungee deck rigging on stand-up fishing paddle boards can be removable. 

A Weight Capacity that Suits Your Needs

The weight capacity you need for your fishing paddle board will depend on your weight added to the gear you want to bring with you. The boards on this list should all have sufficient weight capacities to hold more gear than average SUPs. 

Inflatable SUPs on this list that have higher weight capacities: Sea Eagle FS126, Bote Rackham Aero, iRocker Blackfin XL, and the Nixy Monterey.

There are usually 2 types of fishermen, the ones who like to bring all the gear gadgets and what have yous and the fishing minimalists that have a rod, some tackle and maybe a cooler. Be honest with yourself as to which type you are and see what is best suited for you and your budget. 

Add-Ons Are not Essential But They Help

Add-Ons refer to mounting points on the board like Action Mounts and Scotty Mounts. Oftentimes SUP manufacturers either partner with a fishing mount company or they make their own. 

If you are a fishing minimalist who just wants to throw a line in once and a while you can even just make your own rod holder contraption and add it to your cooler. 

But if you are wanting to bring a lot of fishing gear with you then Add-Ons become more necessary as they give you more room for your stuff on deck. 

Instead of having your fishing rod strapped in by the rear deck bungees, you can add a rod holder mount to one of the action mounts of the board. 

Almost all of the above picks outside of the more simplistic Atoll 11 give you some sort of Action Mounts, Scottie Mounts or their own unique system. 

Were all about giving you ideas so we’ll list a few things you can do with Scotty Mounts and Action Mounts/

You can Mount:

• Rod Holders (Nixy, iRocker)
• Drink Holders (Nixy, iRocker, BOTE)
• Fishing Racks (Nixy, iRocker, BOTE)
• Sand Spears (BOTE)
• Action Cameras (Nixy, iRocker)
• Cell Phones (Nixy, iRocker)
• Cameras (Nixy)
• Speakers (iRocker)
• Navigation Lights (Nixy)

These add-ons are also a godsend when it comes to keeping everything in place and onboard. 

Good Company Warranty and Customer Service

This is often an afterthought but just as important as any of the above criteria. After all, whats the point in getting the board if it fails on you and you can’t track customer service!

The median acceptable warranty policy in my mind is a 2-year warranty and a 30-day return period. Before purchasing, be sure you read through the warranty terms as sometimes you may have to incur restocking fees depending on the company you deal with. 

How do you find out if a SUP company has good customer service?

1. Research the company, and look at places like Amazon, Facebook, and Trust Pilot for honest reviews. Often times the SUP brand will have reviews on their website. I would put a bit of grain of salt into these as oftentimes these websites can choose which comments are posted. 
2. Contact the company. Speak to them and get them to answer questions you have about the SUP. Be sure to include questions about shipping as well. 

Accessories to Include While Fishing

I’m not going to go into a huge amount of detail on this one as we have an article on Paddle Board Fishing Setup Here. 

But some of the things that are essential for your fishing trip:

• PFD (or life vest)
• Ankle Leash
• Whistle
• Fishing License (look into your local laws)
• Fishing Rod
• Dry Bag
• Tackle box
• Cooler

PFD’s, Ankle Leashes, Whistles and Fishing Licenses are must-haves. In Fact, most of these are required by law to have. PFDs depend on your environment and preference. If you are a so-so swimmer I’d recommend using a life vest as those are more reliable in my opinion.

Coolers are also pretty handy to have on board as you can use them as a live well to keep your catch fresh. Or simply as a cooler to keep those drinks ice cold on that hot summer day. Coolers can also double down as a seat. All you really need is to make your own strapping system to tie them down to your board. 

Another thing to think about is your paddle. Now, most of the SUP models that I have recommended have pretty good paddles that come with them. 

One paddle that I would avoid like the plague is an aluminum paddle. These are heavy, clunky, and do not allow you to extract as much performance as you need to with your SUP. 

If you really want to UP your fishing game I would upgrade to a carbon paddle. On an average 1-hour SUP trip you will be doing an average of 2000 strokes! It adds up over time! Especially if you are paddling for a longer time period.

SUP Fishing Tips to Get You Started

Below we will be going into some SUP Fishing Tips to help you start off.

Get Used to Paddling a SUP First

Once you find a board that you think is best suited to you. Go out and practice on it WITHOUT the fishing gear. Take a few tours of the like, paddle around the bay.

“In my personal experience, it took me about 10 tries before I fully got comfortable paddling and maneuvering on a SUP in calm conditions.

It could take you longer or shorter. Starting out I would have called myself “balance challenged”. But that means if you have a better balance than me you will get used to a SUP quicker!“

-Editors Notes

Get a Fishing License

This is the first thing you should get before you even attempt to fish. Take a quick Google of your local laws and see what you need and how much it will cost to get what kind of fishing license.

As an example: Here in BC, You have several license rates depending on if you are a resident or non-resident.

You can get:

• Annual License
• One Day License
• 8 Day License

Observe the Outside Elements and Have a Plan

For your first couple of fishing outings, you will want to fish on clear days with not a lot of wind or chop. If you live by the ocean take out your tide table and find a time to go when the tide is at its highest. 

The first few times I would advise fishing with a friend. If anything were to happen your chances of survival are much greater. As you get more experienced you can fish by yourself but you must have all of your proper equipment with you.

You should also tell a friend or loved ones where you are and when you plan on coming back.

Choose a Rod for a Variety of Fish Species

According to the Product Manager of Sea Eagle: Dan Dejkunchorn. 

“To cover a variety of species and techniques, choose a medium-heavy, six-foot, parabolic rod. Less backbone means I can bring the fish closer to the board without high sticking and breaking the rod. I use a conventional reel spooled with 30-pound braid and four feet of 30-pound monofilament leader. When I’m targeting bluefish, I’ll switch to 100-pound wire leader.”

Of course Dan is talking about fishing on the North East coast here but rods between the 5’-7’ range can usually be used for a wide variety of fish if you are casting. 

Consider the Wind Before Casting

Before you do your first cast, pause your paddling and just stand there. Which way is the wind pulling you? 

Preferably you want to be casting in the wind, not against it. This lessens the chance of the hook coming back to hook you. I have friends that have some horror stories about that!

If properly calculated then you can position yourself so that when you cast the wind will carry your lure right to the spot you want to fish from. 

The wind is also known to bully inflatable paddle boards so properly position your SUP away from sunken logs or rocks below. 

Be Prepared for “Sleigh Rides”

For those new to fishing sleigh riding means you are on a SUP, kayak or boat and the fish is pulling your vessel.

To brace yourself you can get off and wade, use a sand spear or use your paddle one-handed to fight against it. If you choose to be on the SUP board then you can lower your center of gravity to brace yourself. 

The above video shows how bigger fish can pull your SUP!

Inflatable SUP Fishing FAQs

Below are some common questions I hear and see around the internet for inflatable paddle board fishing.

Where do I Store My Fish After I catch them?

Usually, a cooler is the best bet for storing both live and otherwise. Coolers like Yeti and Engel are great coolers to have with you while on your SUP. You can also use Fish Stringers, nets, insulated bags, and dry bags to keep fish onboard as well. 

What’s Better a Kayak or a SUP for Fishing

I can’t tell you outright what’s best as that depends on you but what I can say is that I have come across a lot of anglers who like the fact that they can stand more while casting. 

SUP fishing also requires a different skill set than kayak fishing as it requires more balance and precision. It’s also wise to get some practice paddling on your SUP first before casting. 

How Do You Rig a Paddle Board for Fishing?

Things like D Rings, Action Mounts, and Scotty Mounts are your friends when it comes to this. You can strap a cooler using a strap and some knots, you can mount accessories like fishing rods and drink holders using action mounts and smaller items can go into front and rear bungee deck storage. 

Take a look at our Paddle Board Fishing Setup guide to really dig into this. 

How Do You Attach a Cooler to an Inflatable Paddle Board?

There are a few ways to attach a cooler to an inflatable paddle board. The easiest way I have found is done by Trip Smith.

1. Get some 3/4“ velcro strapping
2. Run velcro through each side of the cooler (fuzzy side facing cooler)
3. Run it through the closest D ring on deck
4. The hook side should be able to velcro through the fuzzy side
5. You are done! You have a hooked cooler!

What Do you Do With Your Phone While Paddle Boarding?

I like to put my phone in a waterproof cell phone pouch and have it around my neck so that it’s accessible. You can find these almost anywhere.

 But you can also put it in a dry bag or keep it in a zippered pocket if your phone is indeed waterproof like they make them today. 

So What’s The Best Fishing Paddle Board and How Do I Get Started?

The Best rated Fishing Paddle Board is the BOTE HD Aero because it blends good on-water perfomance, onboard features and a decent price point with a solid fishing vessel to stand on.

Its wide and stable platform allows you to stand and do just about any kind of casting while its inflatable platform allows you to sneak up onto fish with ease!

To get started sup fishing you need to:

1. Get all the potential equipment you need (PFD, SUP, rod, cooler, whistle)
2. Get a Fishing License
3. Get used to your SUP first before fishing
4. Learn the environment and the conditions

What do you think? What are some of your recommendations? Tell me on our Facebook Page!