My Best Fishing Paddle Board (fishing sup reviews)

MY BEST FISHING SUP COMPARISON:

MY BEST FISHING PADDLE BOARD REVIEWS

Sea Eagle FishSUP 12’6 – Best Overall Fishing Paddleboard

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Remarkably stable
• Tracks well
• Well-built
• Can be used with an electric trolling motor
• Designed specifically for fishing
• Built-in convenient ruler

Cons:

• Carrying it becomes heavy when the engine is mounted (but you can solve this problem with the EZ Cart).

If you are after a real fishing paddleboard, Sea Eagle FishSUP is what you are looking for.

With its size of 12’6 long and an insane 40” wide, a swallowtail design, and a load capacity of 500 lbs, you will appreciate its incredible stability.

Made using 1100 Decitex reinforce drop stitched, quadruple overlap seam, this fishing board is built to last.

The deck pad uses EVA foam to provide comfort and good grip and has an extremely convenient built-in ruler.

For easy carrying, you have a total of four grab handles, one in the front, one in the center, and two at the tail.

The three slide-in fins that let the board tracks well are all removable for adjustability.

You can choose between paddling standing up or sitting in the comfortable swivel seat, using the electric trolling motor that lets you get to those hard-to-reach fishing spots.

Inflating the FishSUP 12’6 takes just around 7 minutes using the included dual-action pump.

For storage, you have the included nylon mesh storage box that attaches with 4 D-rings, you have also other 4 D-rings at the center to tie down a cooler, tackle box, or any other fishing gear, and 2 more D-rings behind the traction pad as additional storage.

And to make your fishing sessions organized, you have built-in fishing rod holders and a paddle pocket at the front to keep your paddle secure and out of the way when not in use.

The FishSUP 126 has an easy-to-attach and remove motor mount if you want to use it with an electric trolling motor.

The Sea Eagle FS126 comes in five different packages to choose from depending on your budget and needs.

For the optional upgrades, I highly recommend you to get the swivel seat because it provides comfort with its back support and cushioned seat and the EZ Cart that allows you to easily wheel your board to the water.

The board easily gets in and out of the included backpack, which is made using durable nylon, and easy to store in small spaces with the deflated board inside.

To not worry about online purchasing, Sea Eagle lets you return it within 120 days if you are unhappy and a 3-year warranty against the manufacturer’s defects.

If you are looking for a fun and efficient fishing SUP, Sea Eagle FishSUP 12’6 is a fantastic choice.

BOTE Rackham Aero 2021 inflatable fishing board

Pros:

• Remarkably stable
• Durable and very stiff
• Compatible with a wide range of fishing gear
• 7″ thick but a recessed deck for a lower center of gravity
• Multiple gear configuration
• Sand spear sheath that can be used as an anchor

Cons:

• No engine mount
• No built-in ruler

BOTE Rackham Aero is a fishing-focused, long and wide inflatable with impressive performance.

With a size of 12’4″ long and an insane 38″ width, this board is remarkably stable at fishing.

The max load capacity of 350 lbs is enough for the majority of anglers.

Built with a drop-stitch core and layers of military-grade PVC, this board is durable and very stiff, which makes it not easy to flex.

One of the nicest features is the detachable paddle sheath at the front that conveniently stores your paddles when not in use.

The recessed deck that lowers your center of gravity has a pad that sheds water with its micro-texture.

For storage, you have two bungee areas (one at the front and one at the back).

One of the cool features is the sand spear sheath that lets you use a sand spear as an anchor. You can also mount a Power-Pole Micro anchor to hold your boat in shallow waters.

With BOTE’s RAC receivers, you can choose between a Bucket Rac that you can use as a seat, or Tackle Rac that you can lean again and have rod holders like the Bucket Rac (without taking much of the deck space).

The included rolling travel bag is water and rip-resistant, the pump is a two-stage one that lets you reach high pressures, and the injected plastic paddle with the fiberglass shaft is reliable.

Rackham AERO is one of the stiffest and incredibly stable fishing-focused inflatables.

BOTE backs its product with 30 days guarantee that lets you try and return the board if you aren’t happy and a limited 2-year warranty against material or manufacturing defects.

Bluefin Voyage – 2021 inflatable fishing board

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Stable (widest board for its price range)
• Durable built
• Versatile
• 5-year warranty when the market standard is 2

Cons:

• No seat included
• No sand spear sheath that can be used as an anchor
• A limited max load capacity (286 lbs)
• No built-in ruler

The Bluefin Voyage is made with one thing in mind: stability. Its dimensions of 10’10″ long and 38” wide, make it amongst the stablest board for fishing on the list.

The drop stitch technology and the military-grade PVC constructed with, its a stiff and rigid board.

The EVA foam with Croco-Diamond texture makes the deck pad grips well when it’s wet.

Behind your seat placement at the center, you have two fishing rod holders.

Storage areas in this board are limited to only one 4-point bungee storage area at the front of the board. The same bungee area features two safety handles for a kid to hang to.

Behind this bungee area, you have 6 D-rings for added customization.

Bluefin Voyage has a total of 5 grab handles, one at the front, one at the center of the board, two at the center but on the rails, and the last one on the rear end of the board. The center grabs handle doubles as a paddle holder to keep your paddle secure and out of the way when not in use.

For anglers that want to record their adventure, you have one action mount at the front that lets you attach your camera.

The Bluefin Voyage pack includes a lightweight adjustable fiberglass paddle, a coiled leash, a dual-action pump, 2 fishing rod mounts, a carry bag, a center fin, and a minor SUP repair kit.

If you are looking for a stable inexpensive paddleboard for fishing and also good for other purposes, you should consider Bluefin Voyage.

Because Bluefin believes in the durability of its boards, it backs them with a bold 5-year warranty against manufacturing defects, and a 60 day returns guarantee.

Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler

Pros:

• Tracks good and glides smoothly
• Built-in convenient ruler
• Enough max load capacity (450 lbs)
• Not that stable, but enough for beginners
• 7 built-in attachments for Scotty mounts

Cons:

• The paddle is not included
• Inflating with the included pump takes longer because it’s not a dual-chamber
• No guarantee is offered

The Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 11 is 36 inches wide board that is stable enough for beginners.

Constructing this board using a 150 mm thick drop-stitch material makes it stronger and rigid when inflated.

Rails are also carbon-fiber-reinforced to get additional rail stiffness without adding much weight.

Blackfoot Angler 11 is not that speedy (which is expected) but tracks good, glides smoothly on water, and feels stable.

When used as a sit-on-top kayak, turning becomes easy and speed rises.

For carrying your board in and out of the water, you have three grab handles (front, center, and rear) with neoprene that makes them cushy for your hand.

Starting from the front, behind the front grab handle you have the first bungee storage area that can be used to store your fishing gear. The second one is behind you, at the rear of the board.

Behind the front bungee storage area, you have the built-in 30-inch ruler that is convenient for fishing.

Just behind the ruler, you have a MOLLE system that allows you to attach gears.

Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 11 totals 7 mounts that let you attach Scotty accessories like rod holders, a fish finder, a compass, etc.

To get a great grip and comfortable standing up or kneeling, Aquaglide provides you a large enough microtexture EVA deck pad.

From the center of the board and going to the rear, you have 6 cloth D-rings that let you attach the optional Aquaglide frame seat or a cooler that doubles as a seat.

Behind the back bungee storage at the rear end of the board, you have 2 stainless steel D-rings to attach your leash that ensure your board stays close in case you fall off or an anchor to hold your SUP in shallow waters.

The pack includes the board itself, a backpack, the standard AquaGlide double-action pump, fins, an ankle leash, and a repair kit. Unfortunately, no paddle is included.

The standard AquaGlide pump is not a dual-chamber, which makes it takes time to fully inflate the board, but at least it’s a double-action, which means easy pumping, but not the easiest possible pump.

The only thing I like about this included pump is the metal pump shaft because cheaper SUPs like the Waterwalker 132 (not a fishing SUP) include a dual-chamber trip-action pump.

The backpack that comes with the Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 11 features padded shoulder straps and a hip belt that transfer the majority of the backpack weight to your lower body for comfortable carrying. The backpack is filled with pockets for storage and organization, and side straps to cinch down your load, a top handle, and a rear carrying handle.

With the deflated board inside the backpack, you can easily fit it inside a closet or in the back of your car.

At the rear bottom of the board, you have three Aquaglide flex fins. The center fin that measures 9” is glass-filled and removable.

Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 11 is roomy enough to carry all your fishing gear and stable enough to feel safe while you fish.

If you are looking for a versatile SUP that can be a fishing board by the morning and a family board by the evening, Blackfoot Angler 11 is one of the best.

To make online purchasing not stressful, Aquaglide backs this fishing SUP with a 2-year limited warranty against any manufacturing defects. Unfortunately, no guarantee is offered that lets you return the board for a refund if you aren’t happy.

Blackfin Model XL 2021 – Best Budget Fishing SUP

Pros:

• Price
• Great balance between speed and stability
• Good for fishing and fun sessions with another partner
• Rigid and durable
• Tracks well
• Comfortable deck pad that grips well
• 20 D-rings and 8 action mounts
• Attachment points for fishing accessories

Cons:

• No engine mount
• Quick sharp turns may disappoint you
• Requires buying additional fishing accessories
• No sand spear sheath that can be used as an anchor
• No built-in ruler

Blackfin Model XL is an all-around stable SUP that delivers great performance and a nice platform for fishing.

Being 11’6 long and 34 inches wide, this board balances between speed and stability.

With its size, is still maneuverable but quick sharp turns are harder to make.

A weight limit of 485 lbs is more than what you need and outweighing it is unlikely to happen.

Built using a triple-layer composite PVC and Drop stitch core with carbon-reinforced rails, you get a light but durable and rigid board.

The three fins make the board does a good job of tracking and the ability to remove them makes it also adjustable depending on the situation.

Speed is decent because it not a racing SUP, but it moves smoothly in the water.

The deck pad uses EVO foam that makes it super comfortable and grips well.

What makes this all-around SUP easy to convert into a fishing board is the 20 D-rings, 8 action mounts that allow you to attach rod holders, action cameras, and other attachment points for the fishing rack and sand spear.

If you are a handles lover, you will appreciate the standard three grab handles plus the other four safety handles (two at the front and two at the back).

Blackfin Model XL comes with a backpack that is large enough for the board and your accessories and with lots of pockets to store your stuff, and a triple-action double-chamber hand pump with a pressure gauge to not guess the pressure.

To convert this board into a fishing SUP, you can get yourself a rod holder or a fishing rack that has dual rod holders, a kayak seat that supports your back, a kayak seat cushion for additional comfort, and a cooler to keep your catch fresh.

Blackfin XL is good for people that want a good performing fishing paddleboard that still is good for fun paddling sessions with another partner without breaking the bank.

To encourage you to place your order, iRocker gives 60 days no-questions-asked guarantee to return it if you are not fully happy with the board, plus a 2-year limited warranty against manufacturer defects.

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HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FISHING SUP

BOARD HULL TYPE

You need a fishing paddleboard with a planning hull.

• DISPLACEMENT HULL

Displacement hulls have a V-shape front end, which makes boards with this shape able to slice through the water and be speedier and stay straight, but not stable and less maneuvrable.

• PLANING HULL

SUPs with planing hulls are wider and flatter, making them more stable and very maneuverable, which we need for fishing.

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BOARD SIZE

The bigger the size of the board the more stable it is.

• LENGTH

For a fishing SUP, you need at least a length of 12 ft. The longer length is what allows you to move freely while carrying your gear, taking a buddy with you, and add a little bit of stability.

• WIDTH

If you are an average size and agility paddler, you need at least a 35” wide board, and more width means more stability.

• THICKNESS

A thickness of 6” is required, especially in inflatable SUPs, to make sure you stay stable and high enough.

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BOARD WEIGHT CAPACITY

Weight capacity is one of the main things to look at because if you undercalculate it, keeping floating will be harder or impossible.

The more weight capacity you have the more stable but less maneuverable your board get.

Your weight plus the estimated weight of your total gear is the minimum board weight capacity you should get, and anything above that will be added as a margin of error in your ability to be stable.

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INFLATABLE OR RIGID

For a fishing SUP, I recommend inflatable paddle boards over rigid ones.

INFLATABLE SUPs

Pros

• Most inflatables are thicker than rigid boards, this provides you more a better field of vision and fewer chances of your gears getting wet.
• Inexpensive prices make it a good option for fisherman on a budget
• Easy transport, due to its ability to fold up
• A great option for people limited in storage space
• Lightweight

Cons

• Speed is limited (not a big deal for fishing)
• More prone to tearing
• Less stable
• Takes inflating time to get out on the water (you can make it short by using an electric pump)
• Less maneuverable, compared to a rigid board

RIGID SUPs

Pros

• Speed
• More maneuverable than an inflatable
• Durable, so no risk of tearing
• More stable with its lower center of gravity
• No inflating time or effort

Cons

• Takes a lot of storage space
• Transportation requires a pickup truck or a vehicle equipped with a roof rack
• Smaller surface area
• Expensive, compared to an inflatable
• Heavier
• Limited size options

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PADDLE

Because the paddle is a tool that will move your board through the water, you should avoid the heavier options because they cause fatigue and tire muscles quickly.

You will usually find the materials in paddles are plastic, wood, aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.

While fiberglass and carbon fiber paddles are considered lighter options, fiberglass paddles have a great balance between price, performance, and low weight.

Compared to a canoe paddle, SUP paddles looks the same except a little bent near the blade.

The best paddle for a fishing SUP is one that is lighter to not fatigue you, adjustable to be sharable between paddlers with different heights, has a comfortable grip, and breaks down to multiple pieces for easy storage.

The perfect size for fixed paddles is 4 to 7 inches taller than you.

The ability to float is a nice additional feature that a perfect paddle should have, to be less vulnerable to sink if it falls from your hand accidentally.

LEASH

The SUP leash is a very important safety tool that will help you not lose your life or your board by keeping it close to you when you fall from it.

The best leash is one that has dual swivels and a coiled cord to not impact your SUP experience.

STORAGE

The more storage space your SUP offer the more suitable it becomes to fishing.

Your fishing SUP should offer multiple different storage areas enough for your gears and any potential catch.

At least, your fishing SUP should come with one bungee storage area and the possibility to attach a SUP cooler.

DECK PAD

A nice deck pad provides good cushioning to stand or kneel on it comfortably, and it also grips well to make you stable and prevent your gears from sliding off your board.

WARRANTY

The more a company feels confident in its products the longer the warranty it offers.

The standard is a 2-year manufacturer’s limited warranty and a 30-day guarantee.

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PADDLEBOARD FISHING GEAR & ACCESSORIES

Fishing accessories are one of the things that makes a SUP specialized for fishing.

ROD HOLDERS

When you fish on a SUP, rod holders become a necessity, because laying your rod flat on makes it easy to step on it and break it or falling off your board.

Rod holders make your life easier by securing your rod safely and keeping it upright for an organized deck.

If you need rod holders because your SUP doesn’t have enough, I recommend you get a crate with built-in rod holders like Hobie H-Crate.

RACK

Some fishing SUPs come with (or adapted to) a rack that you can grab on for stability and provides you at the same time rod holders or convenient accessories.

STRIPPING MAT/BASKET (LINES ORGANIZER)

When you have a big fish or you are on choppy waters, your lines can easily get crossed and tangled and create a knot, which no anglers want.

This is where stripping mats or baskets come in handy.

A stripping mat is a mat with spikes that collect your line by being placed under your feet.

A stripping basket is worn around your waist to collect your lines.

COOLER

A SUP cooler is what you need to keep your bait and catch fresh, and why not your soda and water for some sips once in a while.

If this is not enough for you, a perfectly chosen one can also serve as a seat and even a casting platform to get elevated and spot fish from a distance.

PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE (PFD)

No matter your level of experience, I recommend you to have a personal floatation device when you are SUP fishing.

NRS Ninja PFD is a PFD that is comfortable to wear and looks great at the same time.

STABILIZERS

If you are a beginner and bad at balancing at the same time, SUP stabilizers can come in handy for you.

Even if you see yourself good at balancing, don’t forget to add the weight of your cast and gears to the water instability.

SUP stabilizers are training wheels for SUPs, they add more stability by making the width of your board larger.

Airhead is what I recommend, even for experienced paddlers, when you are out in ocean waves or in cold water.

The drawback of using stabilizers is slowing you down, but since you are not racing this becomes less of a problem.

DRY BAG

A nice dry bag like Sea to Summit Big River is what you need to keep your things like gears, money, cell phone, and any other valuables safe and dry.

DETACHABLE SEAT

When we talk about a SUP specialized in fishing, it should come with an included seat.

But if for whatever reason your board doesn’t have a seat, you need one for sure.

However much strong you are, you will spend quite a bit of time sitting when you are fishing for hours.

As I mentioned before, you can get a durable and easy tie-down cooler like Igloo Leeward Marine Grade that doubles as a seat.

GPS

A GPS is not necessary for SUP fishing, but it will help you when you want to go back to a specific spot.

LIGHT

When it’s darker, a flashlight is not suitable as a source of light or to make yourself visible to others, this is where a board with above-water light comes in handy.

ANCHOR

Imagine yourself sure about your fishing target is hiding somewhere but you keep floating past it due to the current, or your monster fish pulls you all over the lake, this is not good.

A SUP anchor helps you drift less while you are fishing.

Seattle Sports anchor is what I recommend to you for lakes and rivers.

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WHY I PREFER SUP FISHING OVER KAYAK FISHING

KAYAK FISHING

Pros

• Kayaks have a seat to relax in (My #1 recommended fishing SUP supports a 360° swivel seat).
• Sit-in kayaks are less vulnerable to weather.
• Kayaks are less likely to tip with their lower center of gravity

Cons

• A restricted field of vision because you sit lower
• Requires a roof rack or a trailer to transport it to the beach

SUP FISHING

Pros

• Inflatables SUPs can be transported in small vehicles, and easily stored in small apartments.
• Gives you a better field of vision, to easily spot fishes or if you’re in weeds
• Let you move around on your board for a better angle, instead of paddling to move your entire kayak
• Cheaper prices make them more accessible

Cons

• Less storage space, compared to a kayak, but bungee areas and attachments let you create more storage if you need.
• Getting wet is more likely to happen on a SUP than in a kayak

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SUP FISHING TIPS AND ADVICE

GET A LICENSE

Unlicensed fishing fines are steep and they will get you into unnecessary troubles.

Search if you need any documents before making any purchase.

CHECK WEATHER AND BE FAMILIAR WITH THE AREA

Sitting higher in water and being lightweight makes you more susceptible to wind, tides, and currents.

Checking the weather, observing the elements, and knowing the area help you stay safe in multiple ways, like spotting flat calm waters even on windy days.

START SLOWLY AND HAVE A CLEAR PLAN

If you are just beginning, use your first day just to learn and familiarize yourself.

Analyze the location you are heading to, how to get there and how to get out, where it’s safe to get off at, where are rocks that can damage your board.

Another piece of advice to beginners is to start with the least possible equipment, and as you practice you start to know your preferences.

BE MINIMALIST ESPECIALLY ON DAY ONE

Don’t let your excitement fool you to bring non-essential items, especially when you are still beginning.

Essentials are your rods, a cooler, a paddle, your ID, your phone, and security equipment like a PFD or a life jacket.

Other than losing your fancy non-essential gears, bringing too many things makes your SUP slower and hard to maneuver.

ALWAYS TIE YOUR GEAR DOWN AND HAVE SYSTEMS

Get used to always tie your gear when you are moving to or from a spot.

Have habits for every repetitive task, like when you catch a fish, one I do that, two I do this.

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FAQ

What is SUP fishing?

Fishing from a paddle board is a new way to fish.

A paddleboard is affordable and makes accessing hard-to-reach places more easily.

Who invented SUP fishing?

For stand-up paddleboard, I don’t know the exact inventor because, according to Wikipedia, records of SUPing have been found as early as 3,000 B.C.

The stand-up paddleboard as we know it today began in the 1940s in Waikiki, by a local Hawaiian, who started standing on his board and paddle because he gets older.

Fishing SUP how wide?

The fishing SUP board width I recommend you should be at least 35”, and more width means more stability.

Which SUP board is best for fishing?

My number one recommended fishing SUP board is Sea Eagle FishSUP 126 inflatable.

What kind of paddle board should I bur for fishing?

Personally, I recommend fishing specialized SUPs like Sea Eagle FishSUP 126 instead of a regular SUP.

What are the available fishing paddle board brands?

Starting with my preferred brand, you have Sea Eagle, BOTE, Thurso Surf, iRocker, Fish Stalker, and NRS.

Where to put SUP paddle when fishing?

Fishing SUPs have built-in loop straps that let you secure your paddle to the side.

How to keep fish fresh while SUP fishing?

Many people bring a bucket of water with them, but it can heat up after an entire day under the sun.

My perfect recommendation is to get you a garbage bag for your catch that separates it from your food and water inside your SUP cooler.

How do you stabilize a fishing SUP?

The first stabilization tool is you, you should learn how to properly stand up, etc.

The second tool is your board, you should choose one that is at least 35” wide.

If after all, you are still unstable, you can get yourself an Airhead inflatable pontoons that attach to the side of your SUP board for added stabilization.

The downside of this additional stabilization tool is that it makes your SUP speed slower, but since we are fishing and not racing this is not a big deal.

How to stow your paddle while fishing on a SUP

How do you stow your paddle depends on your board, some boards like the Waterwalker come with built-in loop straps that let you secure your paddle to the side, other boards come with a paddle pocket in the front half that lets you stow your paddle in it.

If your board does not has these features, you can get paddle clips that you can attach to the side of your board.

Do fins help with your fishing board stability?

Of course.

Without fins, just a little bit of breeze or a light current from the side is enough to turn your board.

The more your board is lighter, the more is it susceptible to these effects

If you are beginning, I recommend you always use the fins that come with your board.

Where should you stand on a fishing paddleboard?

When your board is still empty (no motor, no battery, and no catch yet), the best place to position your feet is in the middle of your board.

If you are a little bit on the heavy side, like there is something like a battery or a motor on the back, you should move a little bit to the front.

The essential is to keep the balance between the front and the back.

How much does a fishing SUP weigh?

Inflatable fishing SUPs usually weigh between 30 to 55 pounds, add around 4.4 lbs if he uses an electric motor.

Are fishing paddle boards good for fishing in rivers?

If you will fish in rivers from time to time, it can be possible with a challenge depending on the weather, your experience, and how strong the current.

If rivers are the only fishing option available for you, I recommend you a rigid board, because underwater obstacles can puncture your inflatable or weaken it at least, and falling in can be more dangerous.

Is fishing from a paddle board good in shallows?

This is where SUPs shine.

In warm weather, you can easily get on and off the water, jump or at least dip your feet in the water to cool them.

Where can I fish with a fishing SUP?

You can SUP fishing in lakes and rivers, and as you gain experience, you can go to ponds, streams, oceans, and creeks.

Which PFD for fishing sup?

I recommend you Onyx M-16 because its lightweight, comfortable, and freedom of movement.

How fishing SUP anchor?

You can make your board less floatable by using small and compact SUP anchors like Grapnel Anchor kit.

Where to SUP fishing in Jacksonville FL?

I recommend you the Intracoastal Waterway and its merger with the St. John’s River.

That’s all for this article, if you still need any assistance or help to choose your fishing paddle board, let me know in the comments below.

Updated on December 6, 2021 by Ben