According to TakeMeFishing.org, about 1-in-5 Americans enjoy some form of angling – myself included. Ask any shore angler and they’ll tell you that if they could just get their cast a little further, or a little closer to that bit of cover, or if they were able to fish more shoreline (or miles of riverbank) then they’d absolutely catch more, bigger, fish. At least that’s what I tell myself! One of the best ways to improve those conditions is to leave the shore and get out on the water – and Stand Up Paddle Boarding offers the perfect way to do it.
Inflatable SUPs are easy to transport, quick to set up, and can easily carry a large amount of fishing equipment. They can be converted for use as kayaks (and back to SUPs), and many of them even include built-in accessories to make fishing easier and more successful. While you can technically use any paddle board for fishing, those boards that are built for SUP fishing offer many more advantages to even the part-time SUP angler over a basic all-around board.
There’s lots to consider when picking a paddle board for fishing. First, you want something that is going to be stable enough to not only support you while paddling, but also while casting and landing fish. You’ll want to make sure that you not only have plenty of cargo room, but easy access to it as well. Let’s not also forget the ability to easily manage your fishing rods, tackle boxes, cooler, and other equipment. Last, but not least, you want a high-quality board that can take a bit of a beating as you work through those shallow sloughs, tidal estuaries, and flowing freestone rivers.
We’ve taken all of this (and more) into account when creating our list of Best Paddle Boards for Fishing. The first five boards on our list are specifically made with SUP fishing in mind. The last three are more general-purpose iSUPs that we think also work well for fishing.
Best Fishing SUPs Comparison Chart
| section-hd | Top-Rated Fishing SUPs |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOARD | DIMENSIONS | CAPACITY | WARRANTY | PRICE | |
| Bote Rackham Aero 12’4” | Bote Rackham Aero 12’4”
| 12'4” x 38" x 7" 45 pounds | 400 lbs | 2-years, 30-day money back | Read Review Check Price |
| Blackfin Model XL | Blackfin Model XL
| 11’6” x 34" x 6" 29 pounds | 485 lbs | 3 Years, 45-day money back | Read Review Check Price |
| Glide O2 Angler | Glide O2 Angler
| 11’0” x 36" x 6" 25 pounds | 500 lbs | 10 Years, 30-day money back | Read Review Check Price |
| Isle Switch 2-in-1 | Isle Switch 2-in-1
| 11'6"x 35.5"x 6" 19 pounds | 425 lbs | 2-years, 60-day money back | Read ReviewCheck Price |
| Gili Meno 11’6” | Gili Meno 11’6”
| 11'6" x 35" x 6" 24 pounds | 485 lbs | 2-years, 60-day money back | Read ReviewCheck Price |
| Bote HD Aero | Bote HD Aero
| 11'6"x 34"x 6" 30 pounds | 315 lbs | 2 years, 30-day money back | Read ReviewCheck Price |
| Thurso Max Multipurpose | Thurso Max | 11’6”x 34"x 6" 29 pounds | 370 lbs | 2-years, 30-day money back | Read ReviewCheck Price |
| Sea Gods Skylla | Sea Gods Skylla | 11'0"x 33"x 6" 19.5 pounds | 350 lbs | Lifetime, 30-day money back | Read ReviewCheck Price |
| Aqua Marina Drift | Aqua Marina Drift
| 10'10”x 38"x 6" 25 pounds | 287 lbs | 1 year, 30-day money back | Read Review Check Price |
Bote Rackham Aero 12’4”
12’4” x 38” x 7”
Availability: US
Read Our Full Review
The Bote Rackham Aero is first and foremost a fishing iSUP. It’s not an all-around that has good fishing capabilities – it’s built for anglers.
At 12’4” x 38” x 7” and 45 pounds, it’s also the largest board on our list in every aspect. The extra thickness comes in the form of an additional air chamber on top of the board to create higher sidewalls and a higher volume nose. The deck has several places to tie down and attach various fishing gear, including a wide array of accessories from Bote like the tackle rack seen in the photo above.
The size and stability of the Rackham Aero make it a great casting platform – even for fly fishing on a river – and the Rackham Aero also includes an inflatable kayak seat if you prefer to sit and fish. In the middle of the board is an oval hole (covered with a water-tight plastic port) that is ready to fit the Apex Pedal drive for those sit-down anglers wanting more speed.
Bottom Line:The Bote Rackham Aero 12’4” is the inflatable fishing SUP for any serious angler.
Blackfin Model XL
11’6” x 34” x 6”
Availability: International
Read Full Review Here
The Blackfin Model XL is purpose-made for fishing. This sleek paddle board cruising easily along the water to get you to your favorite fishing hole fast. The deck is thoughtfully adorned with 10 different accessory mounting points for everything from a tackle rack and rod holders to GPS units, sand spears, and speakers. That doesn’t even include the two large cargo areas on the front and back of the board.
The 34” wide board has a stable, rounded shape for casting, and is kayak seat compatible for those times where you’d like to sit and fish.
Bottom Line:With great performance for both paddling and fishing, it’s hard to beat the Blackfin Model XL for all your angling needs.
Glide O2 Angler
11’0” x 36” x 6”
Availability: US
Read Full Review Here
The Glide O2 Angler is not only purpose-built for fishing, but comes with several fishing-specific accessories right in the box! The Angler’s front quick-release mounting points work easily and quickly with the included fishing rod holders to keep your equipment within easy reach, but securely held, while paddling. The Scotty mounts at the rear of the board are also compatible with tackle racks or other fishing-specific accessories.
The O2 Angler also comes with a kayak seat for those anglers who prefer to sit while paddling or casting, but at 36” wide and a super-rigid construction, there’s no worries about tipping over on this board. The stability is excellent while still keeping things quick on the water.
Bottom Line:The Glide O2 Angler offers an out-of-the-box SUP fishing experience with great build quality and a lifetime warranty.
Isle Switch 2-in-1 iSUP/Kayak
11’6” x 35.5” x 6”
Availability: US
Read Full Review Here
The Isle Switch 2-in-1 iSUP uses new materials and a new internal construction to reduce weight (it’s only 19 lbs) without sacrificing performance.
The Switch’s 35.5” width and extra-wide tail make it incredibly stable, and even usable as a tandem paddle board, which is great for anglers who like to move around on their board. The full length deck pad provides traction across the entire surface, and the Isle Link attachment system lets you adjust cargo area size and placement, kayak seat placement (the Switch includes a fantastic kayak seat), and where you want to tie down your most-used fishing gear. It doesn’t have any dedicated accessory mounts and the full-length deck pad can make it tricky to add them yourself.
Bottom Line: The Isle Switch 2-in-1 iSUP is a great option for paddle board anglers who want high versatility, but don’t necessarily need lots of small accessory mounts.
Gili Sports 11’6” Meno
11’6” x 35” x 6”
Availability: US, International Shipping Available
Read Full Review Here
The Gili Sports 11’6” Meno offers great stability thanks to its 35” width and excellent stiffness. The carbon fiber rail reinforcements not only offer increased durability and protection against cuts and abrasion, but also increase the stiffness of the board.
On the deck the 11’6” Meno is ready to be outfitted for whatever angling adventures you are up to. The large cargo areas on the nose and tail are complimented with a pair of threaded accessory mounts each, the cargo bungees and extra handles are easily removable, and there are two Scotty-type mounting plates behind the standing area that can be used with tackle racks or with stand-alone fishing rod holders.
Along the sides of the board are four more sets of d-rings that are compatible with kayak seat attachments and the rearward rings are set up to easily hold a 25qt (or similar) cooler.
Bottom Line: The Gili Sports 11’6” Meno is a stable and versatile iSUP that offers a ton of attachment options for the SUP angler.
Bote HD Aero
11’6” x 34” x 6”
Availability: US
Read Full Review Here
The Bote HD Aero is ready for your fishing adventures. Significantly lighter and narrower (though still 34” wide) than the Rackham Aero, the HD Aero is faster and more nimble while still keeping most of the fishing-specific features.
There are mounting points for Bote’s paddle sheath (included) on the nose of the board and rack-foot receivers on the back of the board for either of Bote’s tackle rack options (not included). Additional D-rings are spaced to anchor a Bote Kula cooler (for your catch or your lunch… or both), and two spacious cargo areas can hold the rest of your equipment.
The HD is also incredibly stable and the wide tail and nose keep the board stable as you move around to cast at different angles, change equipment, or land a fish.
Bottom Line: The Bote HD Aero offers lots of fishing-specific accessories in a smaller and lighter kit than the Rackham Aero.
Thurso Max Multipurpose iSUP
11’6” x 34” x 6”
Availability: US, Canada
Read Full Review Here
The Thurso Max’s more tapered shape and advanced construction offer a little more efficiency when paddling out to your favorite fishing hole.
While the Max does not have any mounts for a tackle rack, it does have five threaded accessory mounts and two velcro paddle/rod holders. The full-length deck pad also lets you confidently walk the entire length of the board, and it gives your favorite fishing partner (especially the four-legged variety) a comfortable place to sit as well. Built into the deck of the board is a 27” ruler to help you make sure your catch is legal and cast any doubts aside when bragging to your buddies later.
Bottom Line: The Thurso Max Multipurpose iSUP is a great option for fishing with a partner.
Sea Gods Skylla Cross Touring iSUP
11’ x 33” x 6”
Availability: US, CAN, AUS
Read Full Review Here
The Sea Gods Skylla has really proven itself to be an extremely versatile iSUP. Its 33” width and wide tail offers excellent stability and its sleek nose and light weight keep it efficient on the water.
In addition to its paddling performance, the Skylla has four threaded accessory mounts that can be used with paddle holders, cameras, or even to mount a fish finder. The well spaced D-rings and cargo areas also make it easy to tie down a cooler or other equipment.
Bottom Line: The Sea Gods Skylla Cross Touring iSUP is a great option for the destination-angler who wants to get to the farthest fishing holes and still have energy to fish.
Aqua Marina Drift 10’10”
10’10” x 38” x 6”
Availability: US, Canada
Read Our Full Review
The Aqua Marina Drift has three inflation chambers. The main standing area uses drop stitch construction and is similar in size to a standard all-around iSUP. On each side of the main board are two low-pressure pontoon tubes that add extra width and stability.
The Drift also includes two articulating fishing rod holders (the only board on this list that includes them with the board!) that attach to the proprietary mounting points just behind the standing area.
Aqua Marina also offers a 22L cooler that attaches to the board lengthwise, and has a folding hard seat back and storage compartment on the lid.
Bottom Line: The Aqua Marina Drift offers a complete fishing SUP package, including the fishing rod holders.
Fishing Stand Up Paddle Board FAQs
What is a Fishing SUP?
While you can technically fish from any SUP, a fishing-specific SUP is going to have higher-than-average stability, a high weight capacity, and features specifically designed with the SUP angler in mind. These features include (but are not limited to) multiple accessory mounting points, tackle rack mounting points, anchor/sand spear mounting points, extra d-rings, rod holders, and/or cooler mounting options. A fishing-specific SUP will make accessing and using your fishing equipment easier, though I can’t guarantee you’ll catch more fish – that’s between you and the fish!
What to look for when choosing an Fishing SUP?
First is the size and shape. If you fish lots of small rivers where maneuverability is important, a smaller board or one with more rocker may be a better option than a very large board. Either way, you’ll want a board with at least 33” of width (if not more) and a wide tail and nose for extra stability. The next thing to look for are fishing-specific features that you need or want. If you have lots of gadgets you like to have on hand (cameras, fish finders, etc.) then you are going to want a board with more accessory mounting points. If you want to carry multiple fishing rods, then it might be best to choose one that can accept a tackle rack with multiple rod holders. You’ll want to match the features with what equipment you have or what equipment you plan to have with you on the water.
All-Around vs Fishing SUP?
Fishing SUPs are larger than a typical all-around paddle board, so they can sometimes be more difficult to maneuver, or may be a bit slower – especially for smaller paddlers. I always recommend purchasing a paddle board (or really anything) to match the majority of your use. The wonderful thing about most of these fishing SUPs is that, while they do have features that make SUP fishing easier, they aren’t limited by those features either. You can certainly fish from an all-around SUP (here are some the best paddle boards that are our favorite) and you don’t have to fish from a fishing SUP. However, if fishing is something that you are interested in doing with your paddle board, having those extra features is very handy.
Recommended Gear for Fishing Stand-Up Paddle Boards
While all-around SUP kits will include everything the paddle board needs to get you out on the water, there are a few accessories that will give you a better and safer experience on your new SUP.
- PFD – A PFD (Personal Flotation Device), sometimes called a life jacket or buoyancy aid, is a critical piece of safety equipment while on your SUP and may be required by local law. There are thousands of options for PFDs, and it is important to choose one that not only fits you well, but is designed for paddling. A quality, well-fit PFD is not noticeable when being worn. See our Best SUP PFD reviews here.
- Tackle Rack – Keeping your equipment organized and accessible when fishing from a SUP can be a bit of a challenge. Tackle Racks are a great way to store rods, bags, nets, and other accessories within reach – and can offer extra stability while you’re reeling in “the big one.” Bote offers both a full-size Tackle Rack and a shorter Bucket Rack that fits all of their iSUPs equipped with rack receivers (like the HD and the Rackham).
- Coolers – whether you are keeping your drinks cold or your catch fresh, a great cooler can make the difference after hours out in the sun. Plus hard coolers make a great seat to take a break from standing! See our Best SUP Cooler reviews here.
- Electric Pumps – Using the hand pump that comes with your board is a great way to warm up for your day paddling. But every now and then it’s nice to relax while getting ready, too. Electric SUP pumps are easy to use and let you focus on other things while inflating your board. See our Best Electric SUP Pump reviews here.
Final Thoughts – Best Fishing SUPs
What is the best fishing SUP? While we like the paddle boards above for fishing, just like the best angler is the one who’s having the most fun, the best fishing SUP is the one you enjoy using the most. Whether it’s a simple, lightweight board with a milk crate tied to it, or a large fishing-specific SUP with all the bells and whistles, the important thing is that you are getting outside and fishing. Tight lines!
Hi I have bought a note stand up / sit on top kayak/ sup is there any fishing setup for them or add ons
I’m assuming you bought a Bote, although not sure which model. They have several add-ons which could be useful, including their Tackle Rac, Bucket Rac, and Rocket Rac. Check them out here: Bote Racs
Hi Jerry, the Aqua Marina Monster would be workable for SUP fishing if you add the attachment points. It’s a foot and a half longer than the 10’6″ BEAST, so it’ll be a faster paddling board.
Using an all-around board for fishing is perfectly fine, but choosing the right model is important. If the higher price tag is not an issue for you, I’d recommend the 10’6″ BLACKFIN Model X or the 11’6″ Model XL for you instead. They’re both bombproof all-around boards (quad-layer construction and carbon rails) that come with a great 2-year warranty, high-quality bundle of accessories, and plenty of tie-down points for securing your gear. Both models are versatile all-around models, yet they’re wider than most other all-around boards which provides you with additional stability. I can’t recommend them highly enough, but the downside is that they’re more expensive than the Aqua Marina models you’re asking about.
Would the Hala Fame be a good paddle board for SUP fly fishing? Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi Nick, thanks for your comment. Absolutely — the Hala Fame is a great fly fishing paddle board. It’s extremely stable on the water, well-built, and has plenty of tie-down attachment points for securing your cooler and other gear.
Would something like the Aqua Marina Beast be suitable for fishing? I like the light weight which would make it easier to hike up to mountain lakes. I would glue on a few D-ring patches to secure extra gear for fishing.
Hi Jerry, thanks for your comment. The Aqua Marina BEAST wouldn’t be an best choice if you’re looking for a dedicated fishing rig, but if you’re looking for a really affordable all-around board that you can also use for the occasional fishing excursion, it’ll do just fine.
As far as attaching additional D-rings for securing gear, you can definitely do that. Just keep in mind that the BEAST’s traction pad extends all the way to the rails and wraps slightly over the top of them — you won’t have quite as much room to attach the D-rings as you’d have on other boards.
Hope that helps, Jerry. Happy paddling and tight lines.
Thanks for the quick reply. I like the look of the Z-Ray FS7, but is it sluggish in the water? I’m thinking that it would be used for just floating with the family, as well as fishing. Maybe the Z-Ray would be a better choice for the fishing aspect. I suspect it will be going fishing quite a bit.
Do you know a source for PVC Daisy Chain patches? I used to see them in the kayak shops, but I can’t find them online anywhere. It was a piece of webbing sewn to a strip of PVC so that there were raised loops in the webbing to clip/tie to. Something like this would be ideal for adding attachment points without bulk/weight.
The FS7 will work fine for floating around with family and fishing, but when it comes to paddling performance, it will definitely feel sluggish.
As far as your question about the daisy chain patches — I’m sorry, I don’t know of a source for those. Having said that, if you decide to go with the FS7 they won’t be necessary as there are a large number of attachment points running along the rails (from mid-board to tail).
I don’t really want something that’s too much of a dog in the water so the FS7 is probably not for me. I have fished standing from a canoe for a long time, so I’m used to a less stabile platform. What about the Aquamarina Monster? It seems to be recommended for Yoga, so I would think it was okay for fishing. I know it doesn’t have the lash points for gear on the aft deck, but again I can glue on a loop track on each side. I was thinking it could be on the side itself, rather than on the top if the EVA pad is in the way.
As for gliding would the Beast, or the Monster be a better choice?
In terms of fishing is it just a bad idea to try to get an “all around” board to work?
Hi, Can you suggest a model for moderate current river fishing? What would be the main specs I should look for?
Thanks
Jose
Hi Jose, thanks for your comment. I’d go with something like Hala’s Fame or SUPonthefly’s Guide model — both have a very wide, stable shape that’s perfect for that sort of thing.
Tight lines!
Any info or idea if isup need to be licensed or registered in state like Maryland, NC, SC
Hi Bill. At this time, paddle boards are exempted from registration requirements in Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
If in MD and you put a trolling motor on it will require registration
Hi. Its hard to find many testimonials on these wider boards. I want a fishing isup because my knees are bad so I need the stability of a very wide board to enjoy the sport with my friends. But, am getting nervous because there are not many testimonials on the ones you have listed.
Some have a 3 year warranty and return, but how does one find out if a company is stable enough to be around in 3 years. Thanks for any insight and help on my dilemma. These wider fishing isup are more expensive, but I need the 36+ width and stability to help paddle and get back on the board. thanks
Hi Sandi, thank you for your comment. Based on what you’ve told me, I’d recommend the Sea Eagle FS126 for you. At 40″ wide, it’ll provide you with all the stability you need and Sea Eagle has been in the business of making inflatables since the 60’s. They’re not going anywhere, and you’re covered with an industry-leading 3-year warranty and 180-day money back guarantee to boot.
Hope this helps. Happy paddling!
Hi, I’ve always been curious about Bote Boards and I like the design and options, but I can’t seem to find too many sites that review them. Is there a reason for this, I’m just trying to do my research and was curious if I was missing something or not?
Thanks
Hi Tye, thanks a bunch for the comment. Bote definitely makes some really nice boards and I plan on doing some write-ups on them in the near future — please stay tuned.
Happy paddling!