When you want to get out on the water to fish, most anglers think of boats, kayaks and canoes. There is another way and that’s with a paddle board! Using a stand-up paddle board (SUP) is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy a nice day paddling. But what is the best fishing paddle board for you? To help you figure that out, we have researched the top fishing SUPs and review them below. We know you’re ready to get out and catch some big ones, so let’s dive in!

Best Paddle Boards For Fishing

	Sea Eagle FishSUP Paddle Board	BOTE Rackham Aero Inflatable Fishing Paddle Board	SBBC Hippocamp Inflatable Fishing Paddle Board
Type:	Inflatable	Inflatable	Inflatable
Length:	12.5 Feet	12.5 Feet	11.5 Feet
Weight Capacity:	500 Pounds	400 Pounds	400 Pounds
Rod Holders:	Two	None	Two
Rating:	5.0 / 5.0	4.8 / 5.0	4.7 / 5.0

For more of my fishing gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Life Jackets, Fish Finders, Tackle Boxes. Fishing Sunglasses.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Fishing SUPs For 2021

1. Sea Eagle FishSUP Paddle Board
2. BOTE Rackham Aero Inflatable Fishing Paddle Board
3. SBBC Hippocamp Inflatable Fishing Paddle Board
4. ISLE Sportsman Inflatable Fishing Paddle Board
5. CBC – Marlin Foam Fishing Paddle Board
6. Elkton Outdoors Grebe Inflatable Fishing Paddle-Board
7. Aqua Marina Drift Fishing Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board

Here is a feature comparison of my top rated fishing SUPs with a comparison table and our buyers guide below will help you choose a SUP for you.

Fishing Paddle Board Reviews

#1 Sea Eagle FishSUP Paddle Board

If you’re on the market for a super heavy-duty SUP, then take a look at the Sea Eagle FishSUP. This one caught our attention with the high weight capacity. This makes it the only true tandem fishing SUP on our list. The Sea Eagle measures 12.5 feet and an insane 40” wide! If you’re looking for the ultimate in stability and comfort, then don’t pass this one up.

The SUP board will handle up to 500 pounds, so you don’t have to worry about going ”overboard” with your gear. It’s also very versatile and can be used with a variety of accessories. It comes with a seat that swivels and has a trolling motor mount! It’s the only one that we know that has this feature.

Made with 1100 Decitex Reinforced Drop Stitched Material, you don’t have to worry about it ripping or popping as it’s made to last. The included dual-action manual SUP pump will inflate it quickly, usually in under 5 minutes. The traction pad is one of the coolest we’ve seen, with a unique green camo pattern made from long-lasting EVA foam. What’s more, is the fact that it has a built-in ruler to measure your fish! The sides of the traction pad feature 8 stainless steel D-rings, along with a nylon mesh storage box and built-in fishing rod holders on the rear. This addition is perfect for your tackle box, and the box is collapsible to fit easily into a bag. Unfortunately the bag is not waterproof, which seems like this should’ve been common sense to us, but other than that, it’s the best fishing paddle board!

#2 BOTE Rackham Aero Inflatable Fishing Paddle Board

If you don’t mind spending some cash to get one of the best fishing SUPs out there, check out the BOTE Angler Fishing SUP. The name isn’t the biggest out there, but we think it deserves a bit of recognition. At over 12 feet long, it’s pretty good-sized for the average fisherman (or hunter). The width is 38 inches, so it’s a very wide SUP and has incredible stability making it perfect for fishing! The weight capacity is a huge 400 pounds, so you can easily have two adults or a child along for the ride. It’s an inflatable design like the others we already covered, this one is made from layers of PVC with drop stitch construction giving it incredible rigidity. The large rocker nose design allows you to paddle through the water faster and easier. The camo design gives you the versatility to use it for duck hunting as well.

The only real complaint we had with this model was in regards to rod holders, we would have liked to see a few built in. Storage is good, it has bungee straps attached to both the front and rear of the board to secure your gear. We also loved the wheeled carry bag/backpack.

#3 SBBC Hippocamp Inflatable Fishing Paddle Board

What makes the SBBC II Inflatable so noteworthy? It’s an extremely well made board that comes with more accessories than most any other fishing SUPs out there, The board comes in at 10 feet, 6 inches in length, which is by no means the longest one on our guide, but still not bad. The 32” width is also not the widest, but it’s 6″ thick so it is plenty stable.We were, however, surprised at the fact that the weight capacity was at 400 pounds, so you can even bring a buddy along or take your dog! The drop stitch technology and military-grade dual PVC layers makes it durable and you can take in in the mangroves or over rocks and it won’t puncture.

As it’s so lightweight, it’s very easy to paddle and maneuver around. The thick EZ carry handle, combined with the light weight also makes it easy to carry in or out of the water. The IXPE top paddle deck features a unique fingerprint texture which is nice and soft, but gives you a good grip so you wont slip even wen it gets wet. The pre-installed D-rings make it easy to secure the included seat and secure a cooler to the deck. The bungee straps on both the nose and tail allow you to store plenty of gear. An included soft cooler bag is perfect for beverages and food. Rounding out one of the best inflatable sups for fishing are 3 Scotty Mounts with 2 rod holders leaving the 3rd for a fish finder.

#4 ISLE Sportsman Inflatable Fishing Paddle Board

Perfect for beginner and intermediate paddlers and anglers, the ISLE Sportsman Inflatable Fishing Paddle Board is ideal not just for fishing but perfect for recreational paddling. At 27 pounds, it’s quite lightweight for a board that is 11’6” long. At 36 inches wide so it’s a pretty stable SUP and perfect for beginners. You’ll find it easy to take in and out of the water, thanks to the built-in handles on the nose and tail. The 320-pound capacity isn’t quite enough for two people, but it’s definitely plenty for you, a cooler and tons of gear.

The military-grade PVC outer construction is very tough, so you won’t need to worry about scratches or rips. The stainless steel D-ring on the tail or one of the handles can be used to secure a leash on it. The soft-brushed EVA traction pad is both smooth and grippy enough so that you won’t have to worry slipping off the board while casting or even paddling through some waves. There aren’t any rod holders included, but there are Scotty Mounts so you can add rod holders of your choosing. If you don’t mind paying a bit more, it is one best fishing stand up paddle boards!

#5 California Board Company – Marlin Foam Fishing SUP

Are you looking for the ultimate budget fishing SUP? We can’t recommend the CBC Marlin Fishing Stand Up Paddle board enough. It’s almost half the price as some of the other top boards out there, while still being a good fishing SUP. The CBC is made with High Density EPS 100% waterproof foam. This material keeps the board lightweight while still being tough enough to use for fishing. It’s the shortest board on our list at 10 feet. This means it’s a very maneuverable board but it won’t be as fast or track as well as a longer board.The width is 33 inches, which is just okay in our opinion but it won’t be as stable as the wider ones we have talked about.

Don’t expect all the bells-and-whistles that you saw on the more expensive paddle boards. Like the CBC we reviewed earlier, it has a gear rack with 2 rod holders and cooler mounts. With bungee cord desk rigging in the front and back of the board you can secure plenty of gear for an all day trip. The traction pad is nice and soft for standing all day, but we did feel it should’ve covered a larger area on the board.

#6 Elkton Outdoors Grebe Inflatable Fishing Paddle-Board

Elkton Outdoors is a company already known for making high-quality products such as kayaks, fishing vests, and coolers. They have now released the Grebe, which in our opinion is one of the best fishing SUPs on the market. The inflatable SUP is perfect for the casual fishing excursions with its versatility, features, and generous amount of storage area. One of the larger boards on our list at 12-foot long and 3 feet wide you have plenty of room for you and your gear, not to mention the extra stability a larger board gives you.

Big, inflatable boards are ideal for bringing along lots of gear like coolers and tackle boxes, while still being able to deflate it and transport it easily when you’re done. That’s exactly what you get with the Grebe. Keep in mind that even if you typically have good balance, reeling in a big fish can throw off your balance and make it harder to balance on the board. We really appreciated how stable this model was for this reason.

What is it made out of? We understand you may feel nervous using an inflatable board when you may encounter sharp rocks, logs, and whatnot. Combine the heavy-duty PVC the body is made out of, with the drop stitch technology, and you get a lightweight model that’s resistant against punctures and rips. The included high-pressure pump will also make inflating it pretty quick and painless. Don’t worry about being slippery, as a textured EVA pad covers the area where you’ll be standing. The rest of the area is for your cargo, where they’ve thoughtfully added bungee cords and 6 extra-durable D-rings to keep your equipment secure. The 3 carry handles are located on the both ends, and one in the center, making transportation a breeze.

As far as gear mounts, they’ve included 3 Scotty Mounting plates, two of which have rod holders included while the third can be used to attach a fish finder, or other accessories.

#7 Aqua Marina Drift Fishing Inflatable Paddle Board

The Aqua Marina Drift Fishing Inflatable Paddle Board is another one of the better fishing SUPs we tried out. The overall build is high-quality, while you get a bunch of cool extras such as the fish cooler. Let’s give it a look. The length isn’t quite what the last model offered, but at 10 feet, 10 inches, it’s not bad at all. The width is actually a couple more inches wider than the Elkton (38 inches), which makes it more stable.

What make the Aqua Marina unique is the unique side chambers which will help keep you from tipping over. You will definitely appreciate the extra stability they give you if you want to cast standing up or fighting a trophy sized fish. The material is of military-grade, with double-wall drop stitching to ensure it can take a beating. Once it’s properly inflated, the body feels just as hard as a standard rigid epoxy SUP. The weight capacity is at 290 pounds, which is more than enough for most anglers. The diamond-grooved, heat-embossed EVA deck is excellent for traction and feels soft for bare feet or knees.

As for storage, you get 7 stainless steel D-rings and bungee cords to hold your equipment in place. There are a couple more D-rings on the traction pad so you can attach the cooler to the board. Having a cooler not only holds your fish and/or your favorite beverage and food but also doubles as a seat so you don’t need to get a separate one. The two built-in fishing rod holders will keep them secure when paddling or taking a break so don’t have to worry about them going overboard. If you’re on a budget, the Drift is the best inflatable fishing SUP for the money! We should note however, it does not come with a paddle. We have reviewed some excellent SUP paddles here.

Fishing Paddle Boards Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Fishing SUP – Buying Guide

• Paddle Board Size
• Inflatable vs Rigid
• Weight Capacity
• Deck Pad
• SUP Materials
• Storage Space
• Paddle & Rod Holders
• SUP Fishing vs Kayak Fishing
• FAQs About Fishing SUPs
• Tips For Fishing From Your SUP

Now that you’ve had the opportunity to read through our reviews of all of the best fishing paddleboards, you may be wondering which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve gone ahead and creating the user-friendly buying guide, below. We want to make sure you’re 100% happy with your decision!

Paddle Board Size

The first thing you’ll probably want to take a look at, are the measurements of the prospective board. While it’s not an absolute rule, oftentimes, the size has a direct correlation with the weight capacity. If you need a larger weight capacity, go for a board that’s longer and wider.

Length

If you’re planning on taking a buddy with you, chances are you’re going to need a SUP that is at minimum, 12 feet long and 32 inches wide. This is a good starting point, at least. You may find some that are shorter and thinner that still suit you.

However, there are really only benefits when you’re going with a longer and wider inflatable board. The reason why, is because you don’t have to worry about transportation on land or storage being an issue as you can simply deflate it and fold it up.

Width

If you can’t confidently throw a great cast while staying balanced, then the board is not going to work for fishing. The wider the board the more stable it’s going to be. This is especially important to beginner paddle boarders. At a minimum you want a board of at least 33 inches wide but wider is definitely better!

Thickness

This really on applicable to inflatable paddle boards where thickness can be an issue. When you are looking at inflatable SUPs you want to make sure they are at least 6 inches thick. This ensures they are plenty rigid and will provide a stable platform for fishing. All the inflatable fishing SUPs on our list are 6″ thick.

Inflatable vs Rigid

That brings us to our next point. Will an inflatable paddleboard or a rigid model be right for you? There are pluses and minuses to each.

Inflatable

These are obviously filled with air, and typically come with a pump so inflation will take just a few minutes to get out on the water.

When inflated properly, the board will become very rigid. These are often made of very durable, military-grade materials so you won’t have to worry about popping or ripping. However, we can’t say there’s not a slight chance that it could happen with regular use. This is the downside to inflatables.

The upside, is that they’re incredibly lightweight and easy to handle in the water and on land. When you are all done, you can simply deflate it, fold it, and stick it in your trunk.

Rigid

We only had a couple of these on our list, probably because there were so many benefits we found to the inflatables. However, there were a couple we enjoyed. The upside to these, is that there isn’t a risk of popping or tearing, and they’re made of high-quality materials made to last.

The downside, is that storage and transportation is going to be more difficult, most likely. You can’t simply fold it up like you can the others. This can make it difficult to own a bigger board, where you’ll get more comfort and stability out of it. If you plan on transporting it with your vehicle, you will most likely need a roof rack unless you have a pickup truck.

Weight Capacity

Obviously, this is a huge factor in selecting the right board for you. Before you even start looking, you need a realistic idea of how much weight you’re going to put on your SUP. Is it just going to be you and your equipment? How much do you and your gear weigh together?

Are you bringing someone else along? You must add in their weight, too, and both of your gear. If you undercalculate, you guys aren’t going to be floating for long, but you will be paddling!

Deck Pad

Grip is obviously important when you’re balancing on a paddle board in the water for long periods of time. As you saw above, most high-quality boards come with some kind of textured EVA pad for slip resistance.

This is important in terms of comfort and obviously grip. This will also help keep your equipment stable on the board rather than sliding around and possibly slipping off your board. If you’re going to be kneeling, we highly recommend a soft grip.

SUP Materials

As we briefly mentioned above, there are differences in the materials used in inflatable and rigid boards.

• Inflatable – These are typically going to be made from military-grade, double-layer PVC that makes sure your board doesn’t get punctured by sticks, rocks or if you fish in Florida, mangrove oyster beds.
• Rigid – Rigid SUPs vary a bit more, but are typically just going to be made of a foam core with a tough protective epoxy resin outer coating.The only real downside of the epoxy is it will chip and scratch if you paddle over rocks. They do offer a bit more stability than do inflatables with a lower center of gravity. For this reason these are more catered towards beginners or those who require added stability.

Storage Space

Again, think about what kind of equipment you’re going to be taking with you on your fishing trip. You’ll need to be realistic here. Also think about the kind of space the board you are considering offers. Some boards only have bungee cords in the front or rear. Ideally you want both for maximum storage and flexibility.

Does it include D-rings for you to attach extras, too? Never underestimate how useful bungee cords and D-rings can be. These will give you a space to secure your cooler, a seat, fishing poles, and much more.

Paddle & Rod Holders

Both are crucial to your fishing experience. What will you do with the paddle when you are fishing? Laying it on the board will probably work but better to have a paddle holder to keep it secure.

Have a few rod holders is of course a necessity, in fact that is really one of the defining characteristics of fishing  SUPs. All of the ones on our list have at least two or have Scotty Mounts that will allow you to mount a rod holder.

Price/Budget

Obviously, price is going to come into play, to some degree. What amount of money do you feel comfortable spending on a good fishing SUP? There are decent boards in a wide range of prices.

However, if you are on a tighter budget, the good news is that there are some incredible options available to you. These are still durable, visually-attractive, functional, and comfortable. A higher price is typically going to give you “extras” that one doesn’t necessarily need to have to catch fish, but it can make things more convenient.

SUP Fishing vs Kayak Fishing: Which is Better?

If you are not familiar with paddle boards you may not have realized that SUP fishing is the latest trend and for some very good reasons. The new fishing SUPs have all the equipment that a kayak has, like Scotty Mounts for attaching rod holders, fish finders or anything else you need mounted.

You may be wondering why you would want to fish from a SUP vs a kayak, well let’s take a look:

SUP Fishing Advantages

Now that we have given you some of the advantages of paddle board fishing, lets take a quick look at what type you should buy.

Rigid Epoxy Resin Fishing Paddle Board

Advantages

Disadvantages

Inflatable Fishing Paddle Board

Advantages

Disadvantages

Where can you take your SUP fishing?

There is almost no where that you can take a kayak fishing that you cant take a SUP. The only advantage a fishing kayak will have is in rough water and you probably won’t be fishing in those conditions anyway.

You can go to:

• Lakes
• Streams
• Ponds
• Marshes
• Rivers
• Even the ocean

FAQs About Fishing SUPs

Q: How can I stabilize my board enough that I feel confident casting and reeling in catches?

There are some that have systems which actually add stability to your time out there. There are some that come with inflatable “wings” on the side or you can purchase them separately. This will keep you from tipping over and will add confidence. Unfortunately it will also make paddling a bit more difficult and slow you down a bit.

Q: Where will I store my fish?

There are many who just bring a regular cooler, wrap it in a garbage bag, and place them in there. There are some boards that actually come with coolers, that double as seats, so you can sit comfortably while storing your catch with ease.

If you use the cooler to store you fish, make sure there is room on the board for another cooler to store your food and beverages.

Q: Are there any benefits to stand up paddle boarding?

Yes, absolutely. Aside from it being a fun time, there are other benefits.

• It can be done at any age and experience level.
• It can be a great way to connect with a friend or family member.
• It’s great for increasing core stability and full-body strength.
• It’s mentally relaxing to be out on the water and refreshes the lungs.

Q: Where can I use my SUP?

The most common places are in rivers and lakes, but you can broaden your horizons and take them out to oceans, creeks, and ponds. The only rule here is to make sure the water is deeper than your longest fin. Also, make sure that the water is calm enough for your skill level. As you get more confident you may go over choppy water, but it shouldn’t get dangerous.

Tips For Fishing From Your SUP

#1: Bring minimal gear

This isn’t the kind of fishing trip where you’re going to bring your Bluetooth speaker, a grill, and all that. Make sure you have just the essentials. Your rods, your cooler, your paddle, and your phone, ID, and other basics.

#2. Know your water entry and exit points

This is going to be a similar process as launching a kayak or a raft, however, coming back in can be a bit more difficult. Make sure you know where you’re going to come in before going out.

Know where it’s safe to get off at, and if there are any rocky areas or sandbars that could damage your board. It’s best to get off around waist-deep, then carry the board with one hand.

#3: Protect your paddle board

If you’re not using an inflatable model, you should definitely consider purchasing a SUP rack for the bed of your truck. If you have an SUV, try a board bag and attach it to the roof rack.

#4: Bring along your tackle box, but just enough tackle to get you through the day

Not only will it add unnecessary weight but will take up valuable space on the deck of the SUP.

#5: Invest in a waterproof case for your smartphone

We don’t need to tell you smart phones are expensive, invest a waterproof case that FLOATS. It won’t help you if your phone sinks down 50 feet!

Parting Thoughts

Now that you know pretty much all you need to about the best paddle boards for fishing, which one is the right one for you? No matter which one you select, know that they’re all excellent products. We hope that our guide has helped you in your decision. Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll see you again shortly!