After many wobbly sessions out on the lake, we all agreed that the best SUP for fishing was the OddPaddle stand-up paddle board.
The Odd Paddle is an inflatable SUP with a super wide deck making it really feel like you’re on a floating dock. We managed to make casts from out on the lake back into the reeds and it felt much more stable than the other fishing canoes or kayaks we tested.
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best OverallOddPaddle Stand Up Paddle Board |
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| Best Budget OptionFEATH-R-LITE Inflatable SUP |
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| Best InflatableFunWater Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board |
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| Best LightweightBEYOND MARINA SUP |
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| Best Extra FeaturesHydro Force Oceana Inflatable Paddle Board |
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| Best for BeginnersPortal SUP Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board |
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There are a few reasons why a stand-up paddle board (SUP) is a great choice for fly fishing.
- First, SUPs are very stable, so you can easily stand up and cast your line without worrying about tipping over.
- Second, SUPs are very quiet, so you won’t scare away the fish when you paddle up to them.
- Lastly, SUPs give you a great vantage point for spotting fish in the water.
Best Fishing Paddle Boards
Check out these concise fishing paddle board reviews to find which one suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a higher weight capacity or accessories to turn your SUP into a sit in fishing kayak, you’ll find it here.
OddPaddle Stand Up Paddle Board – Best Overall
4.6 Stars
Key Features:
- Extremely durable military-grade material
- Inflates in just five minutes
- Deck is 33 inches wide
- 330-pound weight capacity
This 11-foot board has a 33-inch deck, giving it impressive stability. Whether you’re a beginner learning how to use a stand up paddle board or a pro on the SUP, you’ll love what the OddPaddle board offers.
This board has a textured non-slip pad that relieves foot pressure so you can enjoy longer outings on the water. The bungee cords have enough stretch to secure a bag, hat, or other necessities. The board weighs just 17.6 pounds and is very easy to transport with the built-in handle in the middle of the board.
OddPaddle includes a foot leash, backpack, pump, paddle, and three fins. There’s also a waterproof bag to keep your phone safe on the water.
FEATH-R-LITE Inflatable SUP – Best Budget Option
4.5 Stars
Key Features:
- Extremely affordable inflatable paddle board
- Deflation valve helps you pack up quickly
- Deck is 30 inches wide
- 280-pound weight capacity
The FEATH-R-LITE inflatable SUP is one of the most affordable inflatable paddle boards. It comes with plenty of accessories, making it a real bang for your buck. You’ll get three fins, a light aluminum paddle, a pump, an ankle leash, and a carrying bag.
There’s even a bright green waterproof bag with a strap so you can keep your phone secure and protected. The strap lets you keep your device safely around your neck, attached to the board, or tucked away with your other gear.
This board is just as light as the OddPaddle board at 17.6 pounds. However, the weight capacity is a little lower—280 pounds. That’s an impressive feature for such an affordable paddle board.
FunWater Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – Best Inflatable
4.3 Stars
Key Features:
- Bright orange and white board is easy to spot on the water
- Includes a 10-liter waterproof bag
- Deck is 33 inches wide
- 330-pound weight capacity
The FunWater Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is the best inflatable because of its impressive weight capacity—330 pounds! This board meets paddle board standards in other ways, with a length of 11 feet, deck width of 33 inches, and thickness of six inches. It’s standard makes the large weight capacity even more remarkable.
It comes with a paddle, pump, storage bag, and waterproof phone case. You’ll also get a foot leash for safety and three fins you can add or remove according to your steering needs. Those features make this one of the most customizable inflatable fishing paddle boards.
BEYOND MARINA SUP – Best Lightweight
Image Source: Beyond Marina
4.3 Stars
Key Features:
- Only weighs 16 pounds
- Rigid design once inflated
- Deck is 32 inches wide
- 308-pound weight capacity
The BEYOND MARINA SUP is the lightest board on the list at just 16 pounds. It’s no trouble to carry around, whether it’s packed up or inflated. When inflated, it will hold air for years without leaking, so you’ll get a lot of use out of this inflatable fishing board.
The standard accessories come with this board; a leash, fin, paddle, and storage bag. The included pump is better than you might expect, as it inflates on both the upstroke and downstroke.
Hydro Force Oceana Inflatable Paddle Board – Best Extra Features
4.6 Stars
Key Features:
- Comes with a kayak seat
- Includes an extra paddle attachment
- Deck is 33 inches wide
- 265-pound weight capacity
The fishing-specific accessories that come with the Hydro Force Oceana Inflatable Paddle Board make it one of the best stand up paddle boards on the list.
First is the additional paddle attachment. You can use a standard paddle when you’re standing out on the water, but there’s an additional paddle you can attach to the end for a more versatile tool.
This extra attachment comes in handy when you install the included kayak seat. You can sit down on the paddle board and steer it easily with the double-ended paddle. Getting a kayak for the affordable price of a stand up paddle board is a fantastic way to stay within your budget.
Portal SUP Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – Best for Beginners
4.8 Stars
Key Features:
- Sturdy design to help beginners feel stable
- Non-slip surface extends across the deck
- Deck is 33 inches wide
- 300-pound weight capacity
Many stand up paddle boards are ideal for beginners as well as for fishing. This Portal board is just over 10 feet long and 33 inches wide, providing a solid foundation for beginners to get their footing. A non-slip material covers the deck for optimal safety.
This board also has a higher weight capacity than many on the list. Unfortunately, that makes it a bit heavier at 19 pounds. It’s not the best board to cart around at the ocean or lake, but it’s so solid that beginners will feel comfortable immediately.
iROCKER Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – Best Weight Capacity
4.4 Stars
Key Features:
- Extra safety handles
- 20 D-rings for other accessories
- Deck is 31 inches wide
- 385-pound weight capacity
iROCKER is one of the best SUP brands, along with Sea Eagle. It has a solid design and offers impeccable stability. It also has the highest weight capacity of all the boards on this list, withstanding 385 pounds. You can bring along a lot of gear, your dog, a child, or even another person.
Along with a high weight limit, this board has additional safety features like safety handles and 20 D-rings for leashes and other attachments. These rings allow you to easily attach other accessories from iROCKER, including cell phone holders, cup holders, and fishing rod holders.
Fishing SUP Buying Guide
The seven fishing paddle boards on this list are great options. If these options don’t give you exactly what you’re looking for, check out the following buying tips. It will help you figure out what you need in an inflatable paddle board, even if you’re not buying from big-name brands like iRocker or Sea Eagle.
How to Choose the Best SUP
Most fishing paddle boards are solid options for a day on the water. However, you want to consider your size and needs before choosing the right stand up paddle board.
We recommend that you buy a paddle board that suits your size. If you’re a smaller person, you’re best suited to use a smaller and thinner board, which will be easier to carry. Bigger people will balance better on larger boards, which also have higher weight capacities.
When it comes to fishing paddle boards, bigger is usually better. You’re not focused on darting across the water as you would during a typical stand up paddle board outing, so there’s no need to get something small and thin. SUP fishing lets you stay in one place for a longer time, and when you do move, you do it carefully so as not to disrupt the fish, so speed isn’t crucial. Stability, however, very much is.
Things to Look For in a SUP
Before you buy a paddle board, you want to make sure you’re getting what you need. Understanding the following features can help you find the right board.
Size
The size of the paddle board is one of the most important factors to paddle boarding success. Most stand up paddle boards are at least 10 feet long, which gives you a sturdy foundation for the water. You might prefer a longer board to feel more stable. This extra length will also give you more room for fishing gear.
The width of the paddle board also factors into the stability. Narrow paddle boards are more streamlined in the water, but a wider deck will give you more space to plant your feet. When you’re fishing, you’ll prefer to have a comfortable stance.
Board thickness is the last size consideration. Like the other measurements, thickness impacts how sturdy you’ll feel on the water. When you’re fishing, you want to feel secure, so a thicker board will be better in the long run.
Weight Limit
A fishing paddle board needs to be able to carry you and your gear without a problem, so you need to pay attention to the weight limit. Several stand up paddle boards on this list have a weight capacity of 300 pounds or more, so you know you’ll feel secure on the water. This is especially important for more complicated fishing techniques, such as fly fishing.
Even if lower-capacity boards will support your weight, consider the fishing gear you’ll carry with you. You don’t want your bag, rod, and bait to disrupt your SUP balance.
Accessories
Most paddle board manufacturers include some basic accessories with the board. Inflatable boards come with a pump, and almost all boards include an ankle leash for safety. They will also typically have a paddle and fins, along with a carrying bag. However, you might also want fishing rod holders to keep your gear secure.
The quality of the accessories can vary across brands. Some of these accessories are more than enough, so you don’t need any supplemental gear. However, you might want a more efficient pump to quickly inflate your SUP and get out on the water.
It’s always nice to have a waterproof bag for your personal items. Some fishing paddle boards on this list include a waterproof cellphone bag, like the FEATH-R-LITE board. But if your board doesn’t come with one, you’ll want to buy it yourself to protect your device so you don’t have to leave it on land or risk water damage.
Cost
A paddle board is an investment, but it’s up to you how much you want to spend. There are plenty affordable paddle boards that will fit your budget, or you can save up to invest in a more expensive option, like the iROCKER inflatable board or anything from Sea Eagle.
Even a budget-friendly paddle board can last for years with proper care. Regardless of what you buy, maintain it well and you’ll get your money’s worth.
Caring for Your SUP
You want to take proper care of the paddleboard whether you buy a budget-friendly SUP or make an investment in an upscale model. Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure that your fishing paddle board will last for years. It also keeps it (and you!) safe on the water.
If you have an inflatable fishing SUP, make sure to let it completely dry after each use. Folding it up for storage while it is still wet leads to mold and mildew growing on the surface. Fortunately, most inflatable paddle boards hold air for months, so you can leave them inflated to dry naturally.
Another easy maintenance tip is to keep your fishing paddle board out of the sun on hot days. It’s better to keep it in the shade to prevent sun damage. You also shouldn’t leave it in your hot car, as the extreme temperature can compromise the durability of the materials.
FAQs
Which paddle boards are the most stable?
The most stable paddle boards are usually wide, thick boards with a lot of volume. All-around boards and touring boards are typically the most stable, as they have a wide base and a lot of width. Inflatable paddle boards are also very stable, as they are usually wider than hard boards and their extra layer of material adds additional stability.
Is a longer or shorter paddle board better?
The length of the paddle board you choose depends on the type of paddling you plan to do. A longer board is generally better for touring and open-water paddling, as it will provide more speed and tracking. Shorter boards are better for maneuvering, surfing, and whitewater paddling, as they are more agile.
How long will an inflatable paddle board last?
Inflatable paddle boards are typically very durable and can last for many years if properly cared for. With proper care, an inflatable paddle board can last up to 10 years or more.
Conclusion
The best paddle board for fishing is the OddPaddle Stand Up Paddle Board. The weight of the board makes it easy to transport and store, but it doesn’t compromise the build. It can still handle up to 330 pounds, which is impressive for an inflatable fishing SUP.
The board is wide enough to make you feel stable while you’re fishing, and the non-slip pad keeps your feet comfortable for hours on the water. OddPaddle includes a lot of accessories, so you’re getting a great value for your money. If you want a solid, affordable, inflatable paddle board, OddPaddle is the one for you.
Stand up paddle boards are a fantastic and unique way to spend time on the water. With just a little research and effort, you’ll be casting your line in no time!
