Is paddleboarding your new obsession? If that’s the case or you are just simply looking for a new inflatable board, then we certainly hope you find what you’re looking for.
These stand-up boards allow you to go places a regular boat won’t and they give you a clearer sight of the water, but we are aware of how many products exist and these are the best ones.
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| Model | Length | Comes with Seat? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Eagle FishSUP 126 | 12’6″ | Yes | $$$ |
| Blue Water SUP | 10′ | Yes | $ |
| Aqua Marina DRIFT | 10’10” | Yes | $$ |
| Elkton Outdoors Grebe | 12″ | No | $$ |
| Zray Fs7 | 11″ | No | $ |
| SBBC Hippokamp | 11’6″ | Yes | $$$ |
| Blackfoot Angler | 11″ | No | $$$ |
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Reviews of the Best Inflatable Paddle Board for Fishing
1. Best for Professionals – Sea Eagle FishSUP 126
The Sea Eagle FishSUP 126 has a total of 6 inches of thickness and 12,6 x 40 inches when fully inflated.
In terms of portability, it’s extremely easy to carry when deflated since it only measures 45 x 15 x 10 inches and it can be rolled to fit in the backpack which is included.
This previous feature also makes it a lot easier for storing your board at home and it gives you plenty of room in your car for the rest of your equipment.
With this model this will only take 7 minutes to inflate and assemble.
Now let’s go over the features, although this is a stand-up model it does come with a swivel seat fish rig; which we truly like because if you’re out for long you can get a bit tired.
The board includes two paddles: a SUP paddle and an AB30 paddle.
We really like the fact that it includes both of these paddles because it makes this experience a lot more comfortable and easier for you, especially if you are a beginner.
It also includes a multi-purpose storage box placed behind the chair for your lures and baits.
This item comes with a built-in 36 inches ruler.
One more thing, this model comes with 4 rod holders.
We think that the feature mentioned above is a great plus for those professionals out there that can handle more than 1 rod at a time.
Lastly it has a motor mount appropriate for those of you that don’t like to paddle too much or want to go a bit further.
We do have to say that it’s definitely an expensive purchase but it could be the best decision for professionals because of the many features.
Pros
- Comes with a motor mount for faster speed
- Comes with 4 rod holders which improves your chances of a successful fishing day
- Includes a chair for better comfort during the day
- Assembling and inflation only takes 7 minutes
- Can be rolled up in a backpack for ease of transportation
Cons
- High price for people just starting out
- It doesn’t come with fins which prevents you from moving in a straight line
- Can feel a bit heavier than the other models
Go check out the Sea Eagle Fish SUP 126 here on Amazon.
2. Best for Touring – Blue Water SUP
The Blue Water SUP and kayak is the best option for newcomers in this hobby, measuring 10 x 32 x 6 inches.
This board is made from drop stitch with fortified laminated edges which could last you years.
This model has great advantages with one of them being the easy transformation from a stand-up paddleboard to a kayak.
This easy-to-do transition only involves the clip-on seat and the 2 in 1 adjustable paddle appropriate for each activity.
It also has a footrest which can be removed for a bit more space or for performing different activities.
The model offers a wide 32-inch deck which provides greater stability and control.
If you’re a bit of an explorer then get this: it comes with its own backpack which means it can be rolled up for fast and easy transport.
An additional thing, it comes with a 3 fin set up which improves the maneuverability.
A feature we are genuinely fond of is the EVA deck pad which prevents you from slipping and is also comfortable on your feet.
For onboard storage, there are 9 D-rings and a military stitch from bungee cord to keep things secure at all time.
It takes you a minimum of 12 minutes to get the board inflated with the included high-pressure pump.
In terms of value we think this model has a good price considering it’s a 2 in 1 purchase.
Pros
- Great for kids as it is very easy to use
- Comes with a backpack which makes it easy to carry around
- Great price for a start-up paddle board
- The kayak seat is very comfortable for long hours of use
- It’s good for plenty of water activities like yoga
Cons
- The paddle can sink and we recommend the purchase of a leash
- It doesn’t come with a rod holder
- It doesn’t include an on-board storage box
- Can be hard to pump at times
Get a look at the Blue Water SUP here on Amazon.
3. Best for Short Distance Fishing Trips – Aqua Marina DRIFT
The Aqua Marina Drift is a stand-up model with a total of 7 D-rings.
One placed on the tail to secure the leash, 4 on the nose attached with bungee cord and the other two in the center to maintain the cooler in place.
And another thing, the cooler has a chair attached to it for back support.
It’s built from double wall drop stitch. It has a large EVA pad to keep you from slipping.
It comes with 2 rod holders.
The model includes an easy to add fin for better control of the board.
An additional thing, it comes with a pump with gauge.
The air chambers placed in the center of both sides add extra stability and support to the board.
A backpack is included for ease of transportation and storage when deflated.
We think this model has an accessible price considering it has plenty of space to keep your catches, we think it’s a great choice for fishing.
One last thing we think you should know: this model does not include a paddle.
Pros
- The cooler and the chair are a 2 in 1 item which gives you more space
- It has two rod holders which increase your chances when fishing
- The air chambers provide better stability and they keep you from tipping
- The cooler comes with straps which makes it fast to adjust
- It has a large non-slip pad which gives you a lot of room to walk on.
Cons
- The air chambers can be a bit of a challenge during inflation
- It doesn’t come with a paddle which means you are going to have to buy a separate one
- You can’t attach a motor which makes your day a lot more slower
Have a look at the Aqua Marina DRIFT here on Amazon.
4. Best for Intermediates – Elkton Outdoors Grebe
The Elkton Outdoors Grebe is a stand-up board that measures 12 x 36 x 6 inches when fully inflated.
For on-board storage it comes with a bungee cord structure placed on both the nose and the tail.
It comes with 2 rod holders which can be removed if you just want some paddling time.
A high-pressure pump and valve are included for quick and appropriate inflation that lasts the whole day.
This model has many features to offer, when the model is completely deflated you can roll it up and secure it with a strap to keep it in place.
There is also a backpack with added wheels in which you can store it for fast transportation.
An adjustable length paddle is included, this feature is great because you can personalize the length accordingly.
It has quite a big EVA pad placed all throughout the center of the board for maximum use of space, which keeps you comfortable and safe.
The board includes an ankle leash that can be attached to the paddle to keep it close to you at all times.
This product is designed with two built-in fins and it comes with a bigger middle one that can be clipped on.
It has heavy duty D-rings that can be used for separately bought Elkton items which could be a plus for fishing.
We really like the fact that you can customize this model with a camera, anchor or GPS; these are all great add-ons to get the full experience.
In our opinion this model has an accordingly set price if you take in count all the features it comes with and all the options you can add later on.
Pros
- It comes with bungee cords on the front and back which give you more storage space.
- It includes an additional fin for more control
- Comes with strap and backpack with makes storing and transportation incredibly easy
- Has a grip handle right in the middle which makes it easy to carry when inflated
- You can remove the rod holders if you’re not planning on using them
Cons
- It doesn’t come with any form of back support which can be an issue after long hours
- Doesn’t include a cooler which means you’re going to have to buy it separately
- It only comes with a wide teardrop paddle which can make it hard to get far
Check out the Elkton Outdoors Grebe here on Amazon.
5. Budget-Friendly Choice and Highest Rated – Zray Fs7
The Zray Fs7 has the lowest price from the review but varies with multiple features.
It comes with a length-adjustable paddle which floats and we consider this a great feature because it makes it a lot more easier if you accidentally drop it.
The board is designed with 2 small side fins and one central fin which can be removed when preferred.
It comes with Zray’s pump which takes anywhere between 5 to 10 minutes to reach full inflation.
When deflated, the model can be rolled up and stored in the included backpack which allows you to carry it freely.
The product measures 11 x 32 x 6 inches which makes this model very much suitable for a relaxing fishing trip.
It comes with 4 D-rings on where your equipment of preference can be attached.
There is an elastic cargo bungee on the nose of the board which can be used as a small storage unit.
One last thing, it includes a waterproof phone case which can be used to remember your adventure.
We think this model is a good pick because it has the best price, it could certainly provide you a good day of fishing or kayaking.
Pros
- It comes with a backpack that can be used for ease of transportation
- You can remove the central fin when you want
- It only takes a maximum of 10 minutes to inflate
- You can take your dog with you because it can handle the weight and it’s pretty big
Cons
- It doesn’t include a cooler which means you have to buy it separately
- When you use it for kayaking, the paddle isn’t appropriate for that activity
- It doesn’t come with a leash which means you could accidentally lose your paddle
- A rod holder isn’t included for fishing
- It doesn’t include a chair
Take a look at the Zray Fs7 here on Amazon.
6. Best for Family Use – SBBC Hippokamp
The SBBC Hippokamp measures 11.6 x 32 x 6 inches.
It’s made from a durable drop stitch and it’s covered in military grade PVC layers and carbon fiber rails.
It comes with 2 D-rings suitable for a kayaking chair which can be useful when fishing for long hours.
It comes with two bungee straps, one on the nose and the other on the tail; this feature allows you to take more equipment if needed.
The board includes a 2 in 1 paddle that can be transformed appropriately for paddleboarding or kayaking.
One more thing about the paddle: it comes with a leash in order to keep it at sight at all times.
An additional detail, it comes with 3 mount locations and 2 built-in fish rod holders.
This item comes with 2 smaller fins on the sides and a bigger one for the center, which can be removed.
For storage, the board can be rolled up and put in the backpack which comes with wheels in order to make transportation a lot more efficient.
We recommend this model for use with your family as it can handle 400 pounds, it can very handy for some bonding time away from technology.
We do have to admit that it is a bit expensive but you should look at it as a way of only purchasing one paddleboard for your family.
Pros
- It includes a small cooler which could be useful to store lures
- Comes with a paddle that can be used for many activities
- Comes with its own pump which means you won’t have to purchase one separately
- Comes with a leash to attach to the paddle
- Includes a waterproof phone case
Cons
- High price for a paddle board
- It can be a bit hard when attaching the kayak seat
- Can be a bit heavy in comparison to the previous items
Go look at the SBBC Hippokamp here on Amazon.
7. Great for Heavy Equipment – Blackfoot Angler
The Blackfoot Angler can support a total of 450 pounds which is why we recommend it for fishermen with heavy equipment or for those of you that like to paddleboard with company.
Its measurements are 11 x 36 x 6 inches and it weighs 28 pounds which is fairly lightweight.
The weight of the board makes it suitable for transportation, the backpack that comes with it makes this process even easier.
One feature we extremely like is the 6 mounts that are distributed in the most easy-to-access places, you could potentially have 6 rod holders with plenty of activity going on.
It also has 4 D-rings which can come in handy for your cooler, these four rings will keep your equipment steady for your convenience.
There are two bungee storages located at the nose and tail for more of your essentials.
The board is made from premium grade drop stitch with a powerstrip material.
The main area of use is coated with an appropriate texture to keep you from slipping.
One more thing, it comes with a standard fin that can be easily replaced with one from another brand; this feature could save you time when in need on replacing it.
Lastly it has three straps all placed throughout the board evenly to make carrying it quite easy when inflated.
This is one of the highest budget paddleboards from the review but keep in mind it supports the most weight and it has useful features placed throughout the board.
Important note: you should know that the paddle isn’t included.
Pros
- It comes with 6 mounts which is great for serious fishermen
- It can be rolled up and stored in a backpack for greater portability
- It has plenty of storage on the nose and tail
- It’s large which makes it good for more than 1 person
- It has a non-slip pad to prevent accidents
Cons
- Doesn’t include paddles which means you have to purchase them separately
- Does not come with chair which could get tiring after a few hours
- A cooler isn’t included for extra storage
Give the Blackfoot Angler a look here on Amazon.
Shopping Guide for the Best Inflatable Paddle Board for Fishing
How to Choose a Proper Inflatable Fishing SUP Boards
If you are a professional fisherman then you should already know the basics of what to look for in a paddle board.
If that’s not your case have a look at the following points:
- Rod holders
- Bungee storage
- D-rings
- Motor mount
- Seat
- Pump
Rod holders are extremely important for fishing, as you may know this job (or sport) takes patience and that means time, so you shouldn’t have to be holding your rod manually.
And remember the more rod holders the better because that means more possibilities.
Bungee storage is common on most paddle boards but you should make sure of this because it can come in very handy to keep your catches or to keep your paddle in place when not in use.
D-rings are also quite common but some boards have a few more than other, this feature keeps your equipment in place.
This is not a must but if you want to cover more water then this is pretty important because paddling through large areas can be very challenging.
In this point we go back to patience, you can’t possibly be standing while some action occurs so a chair (or any kind of back support ) is highly needed.
Since all of the products in the review are inflatable, a pump is an essential so make sure it’s included for your convenience.
Those are the main points a suitable fishing paddle board should have.
How to Pick the Correct Paddle Shape
The two basic paddle shapes are:
- Wide teardrop
- Narrow teardrop
The wide teardrop shape gives you a lot of power and speed as soon as the tip touches the water and it has a back angle to keep you in the correct direction.
It’s also mostly recommended for when standing up.
On the other hand, the narrow teardrop paddle is on both sides of the shaft and it’s appropriate for longer distances and the back angle is smaller.
This is suitable for when sitting down.
Some of the boards in the review have a 2 in 1 paddle that includes both of these, we recommend a model with this option because they can be quite useful for fishing.
How Does Fishing on a SUP Board Compare to Kayak Fishing?
We personally prefer SUP board fishing over kayak fishing.
They both have advantages and disadvantages but here are our reasons:
Pros of SUP Boards
- You can approach your target without being detected
- You can walk around the pad to change your fishing angle
- You get a clearer view of the water especially when standing up
- They are a lot more easier to transport and store when not in use
Cons of SUP Boards
- You have less storage in comparison to kayaks.
Pros of Kayaks
- You have more storage for lures and baits
- You don’t require much balance
Cons of Kayaks
- You will have a hard time storing and transporting your kayak
- You can’t walk around as you are restrained to your seat which can get uncomfortable
- You can’t be steady around fish
- You have a limited sight
One last thing, for SUP boards we do recommend you to pick a model with both a stand-up and seat option.
What You’ll Need to Get Started Fishing on Your iSUP
These are the main things you need to get started:
- Paddle board
- Paddle
- Leash
- Fishing rod
- PFD (life vest)!
We know that some of these are pretty basic but it takes a lot of consideration when picking these items.
We hope this review has helped you choose a fitting paddle board and as we previously recommended go for one that comes with a 2 in 1 paddle.
A leash can be very handy to keep yourself or your paddle safe.
And lastly your desired fishing rod that should help you make your first catch.
iSUP Fishing Tips
Here are some tips we highly suggest:
- Have a look at the weather before deciding to go fishing
- Only bring your essentials, you won’t have too much extra space
- Beware of certain laws or licences you might need
- Have every single item on the SUP secure, you don’t want anything getting left behind
- If you decide to go to a new fishing spot then don’t go too far on your first time
Editor’s Pick – Final Verdict
Our top choice is the SBBC Hippokamp.
This model comes with 2 rod holders and 2 D-rings which are appropriate for a seat.
It has bungee storage on the nose and tail.
Lastly it comes with its own pump.
All in all this is our top pick, it comes with practically all the essentials needed for SUP fishing.
We hope to have helped you find the most suitable fishing paddle board.