Updated October 23, 2024
As it skyrockets in popularity, stand-up paddle boarding continues to develop. Early boards were not especially stable and storage options were minimal making fishing awkward, to say the least, for most paddlers.
Today many paddle boards are on the market that has lessened or even eliminated such concerns. To help you find a SUP that has the best features that allow you to fully enjoy the sport and use this form of watercraft to get some exercise, enjoy nature, and catch a few fish, some top models specially suited for fishing are introduced below. A comparison table is followed by key features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For other related information on SUP, please check out these popular reviews:
SUP Boards Yoga SUP Roof Racks SUP Life Vests SUP Boards Surfing Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards SUP Paddles Stand Up Paddleboards
Best Fishing SUP Boards
- Sea Eagle FishSUP Fishing Paddle Board
- Gili Meno Fishing Paddle Board
- Elkton Outdoors Grebe Fishing Paddle Board
- BIC Sport ACE-TEC Cross Fishing Paddle Board
- Aquaglide Blackfoot Tandem Fishing Paddle Board
- Zray FS7 Fishing Paddle Board
- NRS Heron Fishing Paddle Board
- Airhead SS Bonefish 1138 Fishing Paddle Board
- California Board Company Marlin Fishing Paddle Board
- BOTE Rackham Aero Fishing Paddle Board
Best Fishing SUP Boards Comparison Table
Sea Eagle FishSUP Fishing Paddle Board
The Sea Eagle FishSUP Fishing Paddleboard is ultra-stable at 40 inches in width with a generous 500-pound capacity great for bringing a friend and a lot of fishing gear.
It comes with an EVA foam deck pad and a swivel seat to keep you comfortable sitting or standing.
Plenty of storage opportunities are possible with front bungee webbing and 14 D-rings, and the removable transom permits a trolling motor with up to 55 pounds of thrust.
Performance is enhanced by a 4-inch nose rocker, swallowtail, and 3 removable skegs for tracking.
In addition, the accessory package has SUP and AB30 paddles, a manual pump, a backpack, and a repair kit.
- Type: inflatable
- 1100 Decitex reinforced drop-stitch
- EVA foam deck pad
- 4-inch nose rocker
- 3 removable rear skegs for tracking
- 14 stainless steel D-rings for storage
- Front bungee webbing
- Large rear D-ring for a leash
- Front and rear grab handles
- Removable transom for a trolling motor with up to 55 pounds of thrust
- Swallowtail
- Accessories: backpack, AB30 paddle, SUP paddle, swivel seat, storage box, manual SUP pump, repair kit, and instructions
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
- Weight: 45 pounds (hull only), 48 pounds (with the transom)
- Dimensions: 12’6” x 40” x 6”
- Price: $$$
Gili Meno Fishing Paddle Board
The Gili Meno is a lightweight, versatile, inflatable SUP that is set up very well for fishing.
Durable with a triple laminated PVC shell and a carbon-fiber rail, it has a pointed nose and a 3-fin box for tracking and performance.
The Meno is loaded with 18 D-rings, 3 built-in Scotty mounts, and front and rear bungees for heaps of storage and places to put your fishing gear.
Accessories include a fast high-quality hand pump, rolling backpack, and carbon-fiber paddle.
It has a large EVA deck pad for traction, grab handles front, center, and rear, two attractive color schemes, and to top it off, a 2-year warranty.
- Type: inflatable
- Triple-layer fusion laminated PVC
- Extra-large brushed EVA traction pad
- Pointed nose
- Carbon-fiber rail for durability
- Fin kit includes a 9-inch center fin and removable side fins (4.5-inch or 3-inch) for tracking
- Action camera mount and D-ring on the nose
- 3 built-in Scotty mounts for gear
- 18 D-rings for storage
- Front and rear bungee webbing
- Front, center, and rear grab handles
- Comes in teal or blue
- Accessories: dual chamber, 3-stage pump, rolling backpack, carbon-fiber paddle
- Weight Capacity: 485 pounds
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Dimensions: 11’6” x 35” x 6”
- Also available in a 10’6” model
- 2-year warranty
- Price: $$
Check the Price & Details at Gili
Elkton Outdoors Grebe Fishing Paddle Board
The Elkton Outdoors Grebe Fishing Paddle Board is another versatile, lightweight, inflatable SUP that is stable and durable with double-layer PVC construction, and a nice batch of features that make it a good choice for casual or serious fishing expeditions.
Although the 290-pound capacity is not as much as on other 12-foot models, there is still enough for a single paddler to store a lot of gear and baggage using bungee webbing front and rear and with Scotty mounts.
It has a non-slip foam deck for a good grip when paddling or reeling in a lunker and a 3-fin box for tracking.
The accessory package includes an aluminum SUP paddle, a high-pressure pump for quick inflation, a carry bag, and an ankle leash.
- Type: inflatable
- Rigid air drop-stitch PVC
- Non-slip foam deck
- Pop-in center fin and two side fins
- Action camera mount and D-ring on the nose
- 3 built-in Scotty mounts, 2 with rod holders in place
- Front and rear bungee webbing
- Front, center, and rear grab handles
- Comes in green
- Accessories: aluminum paddle, carry bag, high-pressure pump, ankle leash
- Weight Capacity: 290 pounds
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Dimensions: 12’ x 36” x 6”
- Price: $$
View More From Elkton Outdoors
BIC Sport ACE-TEC Cross Fishing Paddle Board
The BIC Sport ACE-TEC Cross Fishing Paddle Board is a durable, lightweight, stable, all-around solid body SUP that performs well for fitness, yoga, family fun, and general cruising, as well as for fishing.
BIC’s ACE-TEC design uses a closed-cell foam core with a sturdy polyethylene shell and delivers good performance using a keeled nose, low rocker, and single 9-inch fin for tracking.
Storage of fishing gear and accessories is ample with 3 integrated tracks and 12 attachment points.
Unfortunately, if you want a bungee you will have to purchase that separately as you will a paddle, leash, and other accessories.
It does come with a full-deck EVA pad for excellent traction and a comfortable base for yoga and relaxing.
- Type: solid
- Polyethylene with a closed-cell foam core
- Keeled-nose with a low rocker
- Full-volume rails for stability
- Embossed EVA full deck pad for traction
- Ergo-grip carry handle
- 12 attachment points for storage
- 3 integrated tracks for fishing accessories
- Removable 9-inch center fin for tracking
- Accessories: none
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Dimensions: 12’ x 35” x 6.5”
- Also available in 10’ and 11’ models
- Price: $$$
Aquaglide Blackfoot Tandem Fishing Paddle Board
The Aquaglide Blackfoot Tandem 14’ Fishing Paddle Board is a long, stable inflatable with a high capacity that can be custom-fitted for your angling mission and gear.
The durable shell uses premium 15cm drop-stitch material and Powerstrips for extra stiffness, and a textured EVA deck pad provides a good gripping surface for paddling or fighting that record muskie.
Multiple Scotty mounts, D-rings, and bungee webbing are available for attaching gear and affixing your cooler or dry bag.
Accessories include a backpack, repair kit, and high-pressure pump to go with a Harley-Roberts high-pressure valve, and a ruler on the bow to measure your catch.
A US fin box aids in tracking and it comes with a limited 1-year warranty and a pretty high price.
- Type: inflatable
- Stiff premium 15cm drop-stitch material
- Powerstrips for stiffening reinforcement
- Teak-colored textured EVA non-slip deck pad
- Bow and stern bungee webbing
- 6 Scotty mount pads and D-ring attachment points
- Harley-Roberts high-pressure valve for inflation/deflation
- Bow, stern, and center carry handles
- Ruler on the bow for measuring
- US fin box with center and side fins for tracking
- Accessories: backpack, high-pressure pump, repair kit
- Weight Capacity: 450 pounds
- Weight: 39 pounds
- Dimensions: 14’ x 36” x 6”
- 1-year limited warranty
- Price: $$$$
The Zray FS7 Fishing Paddle Board is a lightweight, easily portable inflatable that delivers stability great for beginners and anglers.
It has durable double-layer construction with a reinforced side rail and cotton pad inside for a soft feel.
While not the fastest board out there it has a 3-fin box for tracking and a grooved EVA deck pad to minimize slipping.
Storage opportunities for gear and accessories are substantial with grommets, D-rings, and bungee webbing and it comes with an efficient high-pressure pump that can inflate it in 5-10 minutes.
The FS7 packs away into a small backpack for easy portage, and to top it off, this high-quality board is easily the lowest-priced model reviewed here.
- Type: inflatable
- Double-layer PVC fabric with reinforced drop-stitch construction, and a cotton pad inside
- Side rail PVC reinforcement layer
- Grooved EVA deck pad for traction
- 11 grommets on each side
- 4 D-rings for storage and 1 D-ring for leash attachment
- Front bungee webbing for storage
- Slight bow rocker
- Center carry handle
- 3-fin box with a removable center fin
- Z-shape twist air-valve – 5 to 10-minute inflation
- Accessories: adjustable, floating, aluminum paddle, large backpack carry bag, waterproof case, high-pressure rapid fill pump with gauge
- Weight Capacity: 330 pounds
- Weight: 23 pounds
- Dimensions: 11’ x 32” x 6”
- Price: $
NRS Heron Fishing Paddle Board
The NRS Heron Fishing Paddle Board is a sturdy, wide, and stable inflatable designed expressly for anglers.
The durable drop-stitch PVC construction can take what you and nature dish out and the 7-inch side chambers provide enhanced stability.
With 3 Scotty mounts, front and rear bungees, multiple D-rings, and daisy-chain rigging, you have many options to customize your gear and load placement.
It comes with removable grass and touring fins to suit conditions and a nice accessory package with a carrying pack, a high-pressure pump and gauge, and a repair kit. You will have to provide your own paddle.
The Heron is a fantastic fishing SUP but is a little bit pricey.
- Type: inflatable
- PVC drop-stitch and 3-chamber construction
- Round nose and square tail
- Adjustable daisy-chain rigging on the back
- 6 D-rings for storage
- 3 Scotty accessory mounts
- Front and rear bungee webbing for storage
- Slight bow rocker
- Fore, aft, and center carry handles
- Removable nylon-reinforced plastic fins for tracking (one grass and one touring fin)
- Pressure relief valve for no overfilling
- Accessories: repair kit, high-pressure pump, pressure gauge, travel carry pack
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Dimensions: 11’ x 39” x 5” (7” side chambers)
- Price: $$$$
Airhead SS Bonefish 1138 Fishing Paddle Board
The Airhead Bonefish 1138 Fishing Paddleboard, specially designed for anglers, is wide and super stable even in rough water in part due to inflatable sponsons on each side of the deck.
The teak-look EVA deck pad gives the board a unique look and good traction for paddling and fish-fighting.
Heaps of options are available for storage and gear attachment including 14 D-rings, bungee webbing fore and aft, 4 mounting pads, and 2 smaller accessory mounts.
A 3-fin box with a 9-inch removable center fin is a big help for tracking as are 3 grab handles and a mesh backpack for portage.
Other accessories include a high-pressure hand pump, pressure gauge, repair kit, valve wrench, and board strap.
It is also available in the 1132 version which is much the same except that it doesn’t have the sponsons.
- Type: inflatable
- Military-grade PVC with drop-stitch construction
- 2-inflatable sponsons (one on each side of the deck) for stability
- Teak-look EVA decking traction pad
- 4 integrated mount pads
- 2 smaller accessory mounts
- 14 D-ring for tie-downs, towing, and a leash
- Bungee webbing fore and aft
- Molded carry handles center, fore, and aft
- 9-inch removable central fin and two 6-inch side fins
- 3 EZ push high-pressure valves and 1 PRV valve
- Accessories: mesh backpack, high-pressure hand pump, pressure gauge, valve wrench, repair kit, board strap
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
- Weight: 41 pounds
- Dimensions: 11’6” x 38” x 4”
- Price: $$$
California Board Company Marlin Fishing Paddle Board
The CBC (California Board Company) Marlin Fishing Paddle Board is a relatively short, basic solid body model suitable for a single angler and his gear.
A removable metal rack provides good support for fishing equipment and a cooler with additional storage from bungee webbing front and rear.
Not the speediest at 10’ and not as stable with a width of 33”, it is maneuverable and has a center fin for tracking.
Also, the traction pad is a bit small covering only the central portion but the pricing is quite reasonable and the package is rounded out with an adjustable, floating aluminum paddle, leash, and simple foam roof rack to handle its 26 pounds.
- Type: solid
- Rigid epoxy with a high-density waterproof EPS foam core
- Center traction pad
- Fore and aft bungee webbing storage
- Removable metal rod and gear rack with a cooler mount
- Central fin for tracking
- Center grab handle
- Camera mount
- Accessories: adjustable, floating aluminum paddle, single foam roof rack, leash
- Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Dimensions: 10’ x 33” x 5”
- Price: $$
BOTE Rackham Aero Fishing Paddle Board
The Bote Rackham Aero Inflatable Fishing Paddle Board is a high-performance, top-quality SUP for anglers.
Long and wide (12’4” x 38”) with an entry rocker style hull, it is speedy and stable and a 3-fin box provides the tracking.
Extra durable PVC 2-chamber construction makes it safe and durable and a large EVA foam pad gives you a good foot grip.
In addition to bungee storage front and rear, numerous anchor points, and paddle and sand spear sheaths, rack receivers are in place should you take it a step further and add on cooler or gear racks.
A quality accessories package includes a 3-piece adjustable paddle, an efficient hand pump, and a sturdy backpack carrying bag.
This is a great choice if you can afford the fairly stiff price.
- Type: inflatable
- PVC with composite drop-stitch fiber construction
- 2 chamber construction
- Entry rocker-style hull
- EVA foam deck pad for traction
- Front and rear bungee webbing
- Anchor points
- Paddle and sand spear sheaths
- Rack receivers (for optional cooler and gear racks)
- Grab handles center, fore, and aft
- Removable center fin and 2 side fins
- Comes in 3 color designs – bug slinger, classic, and verge camo
- Accessories: repair kit, 3-piece adjustable paddle, hand pump, backpack carrying bag
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Weight: 45 pounds
- Dimensions: 12’4” x 38” x 7”
- Price: $$$$
Best Fishing Paddle Boards Buying Guide
Paddle Board Size and Shape
When fishing on a SUP, a lot of movement and activity is inherent as well as the necessity for a substantial amount of gear, a cooler, and other accessories onboard. To accommodate this, a stable, wide, long, board is most effective. For a single angler, a 10-foot length is probably as short as you’ll want with a minimum width of 30-33 inches to achieve the desired stability. For more than one person onboard and larger weight capacities, lengths to 14 feet and widths to 40 inches are available that are effectively configured especially for fishing.
Storage and Fishing Features
As mentioned, fishing requires a lot of gear and accessories. You need to make sure there are adequate places and methods to secure it with easy availability. Bungee webbing is a basic starting point for holding tackle boxes, dry bags, and the like. Multiple D-rings, paddle holders, rod holders, and Scotty mounts are useful and there are even boards with seating and racks that are built-in or optional. Distributing your load securely around the board is essential for stability.
Solid versus Inflatable Paddle Boards
Inflatable boards are usually made of sturdy plastic material, often PVC, which is resistant to dings and bumps, though it does have a chance of tearing or puncturing. They are generally less expensive and much lighter in weight and more portable with a backpack or carry bag for use when deflated. Inflating is usually pretty convenient, taking 5-15 minutes.
Solid boards can have a buoyant foam core or be hollow. Oftentimes the core is made of EPS or polyurethane foam. This core can have a shell of fiberglass, epoxy, other plastic materials, or in some cases wood. Dings and cracks are possible but of course, tearing or punctures are not. Generally sold boards have a lower center of gravity, good for stability. Unfortunately, they are often heavy and unwieldy making transport and storage more inconvenient.
Deck Pad – For a day of fishing, you will spend substantial time on your feet, a lot of it casting and manipulating your gear and accessories on the surface of the board which has limited stability. To decrease the likelihood of slipping, fishing SUPs have a textured EVA pad to provide a grip for you and your equipment. Many pads are soft so that if you kneel or sit down on them a degree of comfort is provided. Because you operate all over your board, a pad that covers a broad area is desirable.
10 Tips for Paddle Board Fishing
For other related information on SUP, please check out these popular reviews:
SUP Boards Yoga SUP Roof Racks SUP Life Vests SUP Boards Surfing Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards SUP Paddles Stand Up Paddleboards
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