The Best Fishing SUP Buyers Guide and Reviews

If you love fishing in your kayak and paddling on your SUP, how about mixing both the loves and trying out a fishing SUP?

Fishing on a SUP is both fun and very productive. You get a great workout and you can reach fishing spots which you won’t be able to in a boat.

It is also very easy to carry and you can see the fish in the water much more easily due to your elevated view. With fishing SUPs becoming a craze, there are many brands in the market. We have reviewed the best SUPs so that you can choose one that gives you the most stability and the best fishing experience.

The best advantage of using a SUP is that you can use it for multiple purposes. You can start with exercising while you paddle, do some yoga on the board and finally end the day relaxing while you fish.

We have mentioned below the top 6 sup fishing boards below:

Best Hardboard SUP for Fishing

1. California Board Company 11 ft. Angler Fishing Stand up Paddle Board
2. Fish Stalker Upright Fishing Vessel
3. California Board Company CBC 10 feet Marlin Foam Fishing Stand Up Board

Best Inflatable SUP for Fishing

1. SeaEagle FishSUP™ 126 Inflatable Fishing Paddle Board 
2. iROCKER Cruiser Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board 
3. Aqua Marina Drift Fishing Inflatable SUP Board

Best Hard Sup Fishing Board Reviews

These Stand Up Paddle Boards for Fishing are ideal for primary stability while standing up and fishing making them  ideal fly fishing paddle boards. They are typically quicker in the water and have more glide per stroke. Fishing Paddle Boards also feature more add on fishing accessories that you can use because some of them are compatible.

1. California Board Company 11 ft. Angler Stand up Fishing Paddle Board Review

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

The California Board Company is not a famous name in the world of SUPs however, the Angler Fishing 11 feet SUP is an excellent board. The price range is excellent for the quality and the versatility of the board. The board is made of high-quality and is an excellent stand-up paddleboard for fishing. This board is made keeping in mind fishing which makes it a great board for fishing.

The California Board Company Angler is 11 feet in length as its name states and has more than enough space for you to move around on the board. The board is 30 inches wide so it is comfortable to fish in. The total weight of the board is 50 pounds and it can carry the weight of 250 pounds. This ensures that your gear and you can easily be carried by it.

The price of the 11 feet hardboard angler is very attractive as the price range is more in line with an inflatable. The design of the hardboard is very durable. The board is made of two layers of fiberglass cloth which is then covered with five layers of Epoxy resin. This ensures that the board is very durable.

You get a lot of speed in the water since the nose of the California Board Company angler a V-hull shape. This reduces the stability as well though.

The hardboard is very spacious since it is 11 feet in length and 30 inches in breadth. In addition to that, it has bungee straps which are securely attached to the tail and nose and tail of the board. This helps in strapping the gear. You can take your cooler if you want extra storage for your catch. It has a cooler mount. You can also use it as a seat.

The board has a traction pad deck. This gives you a lot of comfort if you are sitting when you fish. It also gives you a good grip when you are standing especially when you fish in choppy water.The board also has metal tackle rack. You can hold two fishing poles in the rack which helps a lot for angling.

The board has a SUP handle which makes transporting the board easy though since the board weighs 50 pounds it is a bit difficult to transport

The only issue is that the board is not very stable. If you are a beginner the California Board Company 11 feet angler may not be the SUP for you due to the stability. Other than that considering the high-quality, the price and the number of add-ons, the hardboard is a great board for fishing.

Pros

• Very Durable
• Excellent price range
• Great speed for a fishing SUP
• High-quality material
• Very spacious
• Good storage bungee straps
• Good grip
• Metal tackle rack for two fishing poles

Cons

• Not very stable
• Not great for beginners
• A bit heavy to transport

2. Fish Stalker Upright Fishing Vessel Review

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

When it comes to extremely stable hardboard SUP which can carry a heavy load, the Upright Fishing Vessel by Fish Stalker is an excellent choice.

When it comes to design, the Fish Stalker Inflatable Standup Paddle Board literally stands out. If you are into touring or angling then this SUP is great for you. The board is very comfortable and very stable. You can use it to catch a wide range of fish.

The Fish Stalker Upright Fishing Vessel is light when you compare it to other hardboard SUPs even though it is a dual constructed SUP. It is made of high-quality military grade PVC so it is very durable.

The hardboard has a 3 Chamber catamaran design which is very unique.

The length of the SUP is 12 feet so you have a lot of space on the SUP to move around. The width of the SUP is a comfortable 34 inches so the SUP has a lot of stability. The hardboard can carry a load of 500 pounds which is more than enough for all your gear, the catch, and your weight

The SUP has dual trutrack™ front fins. These two fins are detachable and impact resistant. This increases the stability of the board.

The board has a cooler mount which you can use to keep a cooler for additional storage. It also has many D-rings so that you can attach and store tackle, etc

The Sup has 4 rugged handles and has a shoulder strap duffle bag which makes the board very easy to carry. The SUP also comes with a high volume dual station pump and an adjustable paddle for the SUP which can be detached into three pieces and stored. You also get a mount for a trolling motor if you wish to install one.

You can watch the hardboard in action below:

You can spend the whole day on the board as it is very broad and stable. You can pack in everything that you want since it is so spacious and more importantly it can carry 500 pounds.

Many tall people reviewed that they can use it easily unlike other SUPs which they have used. They also mentioned that the stability of the vessel is amazing.

Pros

• Unique design
• Very stable
• High quality
• High weight carrying capacity
• Cooler mount
• D-rings for attachments and easy storage
• Easy to transport
• Light in weight
• Adjustable paddle
• 3 Chamber catamaran design
• Many accessories including an adjustable paddle and a duffle bag

Cons

• None that we could find

3. California Board Company CBC 10 feet Marlin Foam Fishing Stand up Board Review

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

The California Board Company 10 feet Stand up Paddle Board for fishing is an excellent SUP which is very cheap when you compare it to other hardboards. It comes with loads of features and freebies. The board is light and rugged as it is made of high-density EPS. The core is 100% waterproof and it is very easy to maneuver in the water and transport out of the water.

The metal gear rack on the board is removable and it can hold two fishing rods. This makes it excellent for fishing. At a weight carrying capacity of 275 pounds, it is better than the 11 feet angler which we reviewed above.

The California Board Company 10 ft. Marlin Fishing Stand up Paddle Board has a unique custom molded shape. It has 3 wood stringers and an EPS core which is 100% waterproof. The bottom is made of polyethylene and it is foam SUP. Even though it is made of foam, the quality of the SUP is excellent and it is very durable.

The SUP comes with a built-in carrying handle in the center to carry it easily. It has an attached traction pad for better grip, it has a camera mount, and finally a dual bungee on the deck.

The board is made of foam due to which the board weighs only 26 pounds. The Sup comes with a metal rod and with a gear rack which has a cooler mount for additional storage.

You get an adjustable aluminum paddle, a leash, and a 9-inch fin. You get free roof racks which you can use to transport your hardboard on top of your car to the beach.

The board has a 33-inch breadth which makes it comfortable to move on and it has a 5-inch height which is excellent as you don’t have to worry of your feet getting wet if the weather gets choppy.

One of the issues which we have with this Sup is that it only has a 30-day manufacturer’s warranty. Generally, you get a one-year warranty and many manufacturers even offer a 3-year warranty.

Another disadvantage of this SUP is that it is 10 feet in length. That additional 2 feet in the above reviewed upright vessel or even an additional one feet in the above-reviewed CPC angler helps you to move comfortably on your board. This board is not great for tall or heavy people.

Since the board is 10 feet in length and light, the stability of the board is not great due to which we won’t advise it for beginners.

Pros

• High-quality material
• Very attractive price (most affordable hardboard reviewed)
• Light in weight
• The height of 5 inches makes it easy to ride even in choppy water
• 33-inch breadth makes it comfortable
• Free paddle, leash, fin and roof racks
• Excellent for fishing
• 275-pound weight carrying capacity

Cons

• One month manufacturer’s warranty
• Not great for beginners
• Not very stable

Best Inflatable Fishing SUP Reviews

Inflatable Fishing Paddle Boards have the obvious advantage of being compact and extremely portable. These sup fishing boards are the obvious choice for fisherman who may not have a lot of room or have a roof rack to transport their SUP.

1. SeaEagle FishSUP™ 126 Inflatable Fishing Boat Review

>>Check Price on Sea Eagle<<

When it comes to an inflatable SUP for fishing, the FishSUP™ 126 is an excellent choice. The board comes in a wide range of choices and you get to choose from beginner level right up to a two-person expert fishing SUP.

One of the first things that come to my mind when I bag a big fish is to check its size. The FishSUP™ 126 allows you to do just that. It has a 36 inch Fish Ruler which is very conveniently located. You don’t have to worry about a fish ruler anymore.

The board has a water camo-patterned deck pad which is non-slip and protective and is made of EVA foam. This ensures that you won’t slip when you are standing and fishing. It also helps when you are tackling a big fish onto the board as it gives your feet a good grip. It helps in another way also by giving more protection to your board. It protects it against hooks, fishing tools or the sharp teeth of a struggling fish.

The SUP has 14 D-ring attachment points that are made of stainless steel. This is more than enough to attach and secure all your equipment, accessories, and gear. The rear D-ring which is used for leash attachment is extra rugged.You also get a removable motor mount that you can use to mount a 55-pound electric motor. This adds extra speed to your board.

You can check the FishSUP™ 126 in action below:

You get a convenient paddle pocket in which you can store the paddle securely when you are fishing. That way you don’t have to worry about keeping an eye on your paddle when you fish.

The FishSUP™ 126 comes with a swallow tail. You get a tremendous amount of buoyancy, stability, and maneuverability with this board. The board can easily accommodate the weight of an electric motor and a battery.

The board is massive which is great for stability. The length is 12.5 feet. The width is a broad 40 inches and the depth or height is 6 inches. This makes it very comfortable to spend the entire day on the board along with all your gear. It is excellent for a beginner due to its stability. However, it is a bit difficult to carry on your own when you are out of the water.

>>What Customers Think<<

The construction of the board is well made. It is made of drop stitch military-grade PVC. You don’t have to worry about it getting scratches regardless of the punishment it gets in rough water.

The middle of the SUP is placed with a carrying handle which makes it easier to carry the board when you inflate it fully. You also get a grab handle near the nose and two handles at the tail to carry it. These handles will allow you to pull the board into the water and back on to shore.

The FishSUP™ 126 has very durable fins. The stainless steel D-rings, grab handles, and air valve of the FishSUP™ 126 are very high-quality.

Pros

• Wide range
• High-quality
• Free fish ruler
• Convenient paddle pocket
• Stable
• Removable motor mount
• 14 D-rings for attaching gear

Cons

• Heavy if only one person has to carry it

2. iROCKER Cruiser Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Review

>>Check Price on iRocker<<

The Cruiser from iRocker is a very stable and very rigid SUP which makes it a perfect inflatable board for fishing. At 10.5 feet in length, a breadth of 33 inches and a 6-inch height, the board is very stable and easily crests choppy water.

You can carry the weight of up to 350 pounds on this board. This makes it one of the most weights carrying inflatable around. The board is 33 inches wide and it has a tail that is extra wide so you get excellent stability. This makes it perfect for beginners. The shape of the board ensures that even though the tail is extra wide, you can still get a very fast tracking experience.

The board is as rigid as hardboard when you inflate it fully to 15 PSI. The advantage of the iRocker Cruiser over hardboard is that it is very easy to store and literally half the weight of it.

The board is very durable and you don’t have to worry about it getting torn even in the harshest weather on the roughest surface.

The iRocker Cruiser comes with a fiberglass paddle which is made of high-quality fiberglass and is adjustable. It is half the weight of a normal aluminum paddle which reduces the strain on your muscles. The blade edge is made of rubber so there is no chance of accidentally chipping the blade if it hits rocks. You can also use the paddle with your kayak by putting a blade on each end. When you want to fish, you can dismantle the paddle into three parts and store it in the bag until you want to paddle back again.

Since the board is an inflatable, you will need a hand pump to inflate it. The iRocker Cruiser comes with a very light high-capacity, dual action hand pump. This makes inflating your SUP very easy. You can switch between the single and double action which increases the efficiency of your pump.

>>What Customers Think<<

You can use the dual action mode when you start inflating the board and switch to a single action mode once the board is inflated to a decent level and the PSI is high.

You get a wide range of accessories with the iRocker Cruiser. It comes along with a very comfortable backpack which you can use to carry the SUP form your car to the water. You can fit your SUP and all the accessories easily into the bag. You can even store some fishing gear in it.

You get all paddling essentials which include an adjustable paddle, an ankle safety leash, repair kit, dual action hand pump, and an easy to carry backpack.

Pros

• High-quality material
• Strong and light paddle with rubber ends to the blade
• Dual action hand pump
• Comfortable backpack to carry the SUP
• Reasonable price
• Lots of accessories
• 2-year warranty
• Light in weight at 24 pounds
• Very stable
• Great for beginners
• 350-pound weight carrying capacity

Cons

• Not great for tall people

3. Aqua Marina Drift Fishing Inflatable SUP Board Review

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

Aqua Marina is one of the most reputed brands in the world of water sports. You can choose a wide variety of inflatable SUPS from this brand. We reviewed all their boards and feel that the Drift fishing SUP is the perfect SUP for fishing.

The quality and finishing of Aqua Marina products are excellent. Their designs are very convenient and the material is high-quality. The Aqua Marina Drift is one of the latest designs when it comes to inflatable boards for fishing and has very innovative features.

The biggest advantage of the Aqua Marina Drift over its competition is that it is very safe and very stable. This makes it an excellent beginner-friendly SUP for fishing. It has two side air chambers. These air chambers give the SUP a tremendous amount of stability. In addition to stability, it also increases the safety of the SUP. When you fish, you move around on your board a lot and the stability helps you to balance on the board and not fall over. Even when you are reeling in the fish, you don’t have to worry about your balance and can focus on getting the fish.

The only issue is that the two separate air chambers need to be filled separately. This becomes very tedious especially if you are using a hand pump and go out fishing frequently. It also takes some time. Instead, you can opt for a small electric pump which can do the job.

The Aqua Marina Drift allows you to carry a lot of gear with you. It comes with 7 stainless steel high-quality D-rings which become a bungee system. 4 of the D-rings are on the nose of the board and 2 are on the traction pad. These two allow you to secure the cooler. The last D-ring is placed on the tail of the Aqua Marina Drift for attaching the safety leash.

>>What Customers Think<<

You have an option to use the two built-in fishing rod holders which will be on both your sides. You can do so while you are at the back of the Aqua Marina Drift fishing. This increases your catch. You only need to fix the rod to the board and then paddle to the spot you plan on fishing. You don’t have to worry about the rods falling off or of you losing it.

You get a large central slide-in fin with the Aqua Marina Drift. You can remove the fin when you are packing the board back into the bag. The fin increases the stability of the board. The fin is very slim and it increases the water tracking ability of the SUP.

Pros

• Very stable due to its 2 independent air chambers which are on either side.
• The widest breadth of 38 inches among all the SUPs featured
• Very stable and safe
• Kool cooler to store bait
• 7 D-rings for attachments
• 2 built-in holders for fishing rods
• Easy to Transport

Cons

• Not very fast
• No paddle
• Price is a bit high for an inflatable board
• Inflating the SUP and its two side chambers take time and effort

Let’s get started on what you need to look for in a fishing SUP.

The Ultimate Guide to Identifying the Best Fishing SUP for You

Stability and a great fishing experience are two of the most important aspects that you need to keep in mind when you are looking for a SUP for fishing. In addition to that, there are a few more features that would be great for your SUP.

Weight Capacity

The capacity to carry weight is very important to check when you are buying a SUP. This is because, the board needs to carry your weight, the weight of your gear which includes the fishing rod, bait, tackle box, snacks, and water for you. And finally, you also need to keep in mind the weight of your catch.

Your board should be able to hold all the weight that you put on it and still remain afloat. If there is no buoyancy it will be difficult for you to fish and come back to the shore.

Board Size

There are three aspects that you need to keep in mind when you check the size of the board. They are the width, the length and the thickness of the board.

You should opt for a board that is 30 inches or more than that so that you get a fair amount of stability and it will be easy for you to balance on it. It will also allow you to throw a cast easily and allow you to get into the right position for fishing. You can also ride water which is choppy if the board is wide enough.

Ideally, your inflatable board should have a thickness of 6 inches or more so that when you ride high, the water won’t crest the stand-up board. This also helps when you are wearing socks if it is cold. You don’t have to worry when you are riding choppy water. You also need to check the weight of the board though. As you know, the higher the weight of the board, the more it will sink in the water.

Finally, the length of the board is very important. You need to make sure that it is long enough for you. This will vary with the height of each person. Ideally, you should have enough room on the board for you to move around on the board and to carry your entire luggage. The board should be 10 foot long or more.

Material

The next important aspect that you need to keep in mind when you are buying a board for fishing is that the board should be made of high-quality material. You have an option of hardboard or a soft (inflatable) board when it comes to stand up boards for fishing. Both have their pros and cons and we have reviewed both types below so that you can choose the board that is the most appropriate for you.

Even though most people think that hardboard may be more durable when it comes to paddle boards, inflatable paddle boards are often more durable, depending of course on the brand and the material that is used to make the board.

In most boards that are hard, the material used is foam or hard plastic. This ensures that the board doesn’t collapse and is rigid. If you are a beginner then hardboard is better as the rigidity increases the stability of the board and it is easy to use. It also comes with foam pads which are non-slip so you get more stability.

Most reputed brands make their inflatable boards with very high-quality PVC material. The PVC is military grade material. This ensures that the boards don’t crack, dent or bend. They also collapse easily when deflated so you can put them away in your backpack. You can easily bring your pets on the board too.

You will need more stability on a SUP for fishing than a normal SUP as you will move around a lot when you fish. This is why the SUP should have a stable shape.

Surf SUPs or touring boards are difficult to fish on as they are very narrow or very short. Ensure that the shape of the SUP is wide enough to balance on.

The nose of the board should be round instead of very pointed most times.

Grip

Many of the SUPs in the market come with padding on it. This ensures that you get an additional grip and increases your stability. If you are a beginner, then the grip is very important especially since you plan to go fishing on the board. When you are reeling in the fish, the fish may struggle and cause you to lose your balance. Having a non-slip grip on the board will help you to get a firm footing on the board. It will also help as your tackle box won’t slide around when you are paddling.

Foam pad for seating

Though you may not plan to sit much on the board, you are bound to get tired, especially if you are out in the water for the full day. At times like that having a seat which is comfortable is very important. Generally, fishing SUP board manufacturers don’t bother much about the seating space however it is important when you are fishing as you may spend a long time in the water. You want to be comfortable when you are fishing as it enhances your fishing experience. Even if you are on your kayak, you should ensure that the kayak has a comfortable. The foam non-slip pad that we mentioned in the earlier point is a good option when it comes to sitting comfortably on your SUP. This is because it already has foam so that you get some padding. You can also check if you can buy a kayak seat  and use it for your board in case you have backache issues and need back support when you go fishing.

Storage space

Though you may not think that you need a lot of space to store things when you go fishing on your board, you will need space. When you go out paddling you don’t need to carry equipment fishing rods, hooks, and bait. When you are out on your board fishing, not only you need to ensure that these things are stored safely; you also need to ensure that you have a proper enclosed area to act as a cooler and store the fish that you catch.

You can consider something like D-rings but it would be better if you have an enclosed cargo bay. You can use the enclosed bay to store the fish.

Warranty

The warranty speaks volumes of the quality of the board. Most of the board manufacturers offer a one year warranty. Some offer a money back guarantee or a warranty that goes up to three years.

Extra features which make the ultimate fishing stand up paddle board

Paddle holder

Since your main focus when you are on the water is fishing, it would be good to have a paddle holder when you go fishing on your board. This will give you a lot of peace of mind as you won’t have to worry that the paddles may fall into the water if the weather or the water gets choppy. If you need to worry about your paddle all the time, you will be distracted and it will diminish your fishing experience. Your board may not come with a paddle holder but you can buy a paddle that comes apart and then you can store it safely. This is not a huge factor however as most Fishing SUPS come with Bungee Deck lacing on the board that you can use to hold the blade of the paddle on the board.

Anchor

It would be great to have a compact and foldable anchor when you go fishing on your board. The anchor will help you to be in position when you throw the cast.

Stripping Mat or Basket

When you are paddle board fishing, you can use a stripping mat or a basket to collect the line as you retrieve your fly. You can either use a stripping mat which you need to keep below you and which will collect the line or you can wear a stripping basket around your waist in which you can collect the line. This helps to ensure that your lines don’t get tangled and fly off the board. Either one will help you so you can choose whichever you prefer.

Now that we have checked the main features that your fishing SUP should have and seen a couple of extra things you can buy when you get a fishing board, let’s check the best fishing paddle board in the market in 2019 below

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for excellent hardboard which is reasonable and high-quality then you should go for the California Board Company 11 feet Angler. If you want the hardboard to be stable and carry a lot of weight then the Upright Fishing Vessel by Fish Stalker is a great option. The features that we liked best about the SUP are that it is very stable and it can carry a load of 500 pounds. If you are looking for a high-quality but affordable hardboard for fishing then the California Board Company CBC 10 feet Marlin Foam Fishing Stand up Board is an excellent choice. It has a lot of features of the 11 feet angler and comes at an excellent price. The size is 10 feet and it is not as stable as the above two hardboards so even though it comes as a very competitive price, it is not advisable for a beginner.

When it comes to inflatable SUPs, the SeaEagle FishSUP™ 126 Inflatable Fishing Boat is the best overall fishing SUP. It is made of high-quality material, it is reasonable and gives you a wide range of options and price points that you can choose from and is very durable. The iROCKER Paddle Board is an excellent inflatable board for the price. Though the price difference between the three inflatable SUPs is marginal, it is still worth it considering the quality, the add-ons, and the features. It is very stable at 6 inch in height and 33 inches in breadth which makes it an excellent SUP for a beginner. Finally, the Aqua Marina Drift Fishing inflatable SUP board is one of the best designed and innovative boards for fishing today. It is made by Aqua Marine which is a very reputed brand in the water sports industry so you are assured that it is a high-quality product. Since it is very stable and safe, it is an excellent SUP for beginners.