Depending on a report from 360 Research Reports, the global fishing SUP market is anticipated to rise at a considerable rate between 2022 and 2026.

This is no surprise to me because statistics already showed that from 2011 to 2021, the number of participants in stand-up paddling in the US alone, jumped from 1.15 million to 3.74 million.

Manufacturers now are developing their products consistently to get a share of this rising market. That means that you have to your fishing SUP wisely in order to get the best fishing experience possible. In this article, I will help you get the best inflatable fishing paddle board for your needs.

Before getting into that, make sure to join our SUP Facebook Group, where our friendly staff and SUP specialist will give you the best support and help to get started!

Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned angler, reading this article will only benefit you. So, let's get started.

SIZE

The size of the paddle board is very important, especially for fishing purposes. It should be roomy and provide enough stability.

LENGTH

The length of the board determines the amount of wiggle space you have in any case. If you want to bring a lot of gear and other accessories, a longer board (like the Chasing Blue Solar Spirit) is preferred.

A long SUP board may be advantageous for bigger paddlers, particularly guys. It has outstanding stability, allowing it to easily support your weight.

WIDTH

Stability and storage should be the top priorities when it comes to fishing boards. This is why a wider fishing paddleboard (preferably 34 inches wide or more) like the Chasing Blue INFINITE FISHING iSUP board is recommended for an average-size paddler. You'll have plenty of storage to store your fishing gear, as well as excellent stability.

THICKNESS

The buoyancy of your board is usually determined by its thickness.

A board with a thickness of roughly 6 inches is a smart choice because it will keep you a safe distance beneath the water's surface while also preventing water from seeping onto your deck.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL

The other thing you should think about before buying a fishing stand-up paddle board is the material used to make it. They're commonly made of a long-lasting PVC polymer that can deflate and collapse. Military-grade PVC-produced boards, on the other hand, are the way to go if you need more durability.

A board that is made entirely of dense materials is not only durable, but also chances of it getting damaged or scratched are minimal. It also contributes to the stability of the board by providing adequate support on the water.

WEIGHT CAPACITY

The weight capacity of your board is critical since it determines the maximum load that can be carried while remaining afloat.

Going for one with a limited weight capacity may be a deal-breaker if you plan on bringing a lot of fishing gear and accessories.

Given your weight and that of your belongings, you may experience a lot of buoyancy concerns. Check the board’s weight limit and choose one that can readily support you, your gear, food, water, and your catch or any extras.

FISHING MOUNTS

A board with mounts is an absolute must. Racks, rod holders, and other fishing gear will need to be accommodated. While D-rings are useful for a variety of fishing gear, a SUP board with action mounts is preferable. If you can find one with Scotty mounts, that's even better. Your fishing gear will snap right into it with no problem.

DECK PAD

It makes sense to choose a fishing paddle board with a more comfortable and robust deck pad. A board with EVA foam deck pads will be very useful. It's ideal for extended periods of time. They are pleasant in touch and provide a good grip, particularly if they have diamond grooves.

HULL TYPE

There are two types of hulls: displacement and planing.

If you're looking for a fishing board, a planing hull is a good option. It's wider and flatter, and it's both stable and nimble, which is just what you need for fishing.

PADDLE HOLDER

Your hands will most likely be busy while fishing from a SUP. As a result, you'll need a place to store your paddle safely, which is where a paddle holder comes in. It will not only free up your hands, but it will also ensure that it is safely secured on deck.

ACCESSORIES

FISHING PADDLE

Paddles for fishing SUP boards come in a variety of styles. Most come in three pieces, making storage a breeze. On the other side, one-piece paddles are bulkier but provide excellent performance.

You may choose an aluminum or plastic paddle. However, they are typically heavier and less comfortable to carry. They are, nonetheless, quite serviceable.

The fiberglass paddle is included in most mid-levels. Aluminum paddles are heavier and less comfortable to use. So a board that comes with a fiberglass paddle is something you should keep an eye out for.

Carbon fiber paddles are the greatest performers and some of the lightest. However, you may need to purchase it separately because usually does not come included with SUP boards.

However, they can be well worth the money if you plan on fishing for an extended period of time. The Chasing Blue Carbon Fiber Paddle from Outdoor Master is a lightweight option that weighs only 28 oz and can be adjusted between 72″ and 86″. What I like about it is its durability and how it doesn’t twist.

LEASH

A leash is included with the majority of SUPs. If you get trapped in a big wave or current, or if your paddleboard turns over due to a strong pulling force from a larger fish on the hook, this device can save you by keeping a floating body (SUP board) near you.

Because it is worn around the ankle, choose one that is comfortable. Also find one with dual swivels and a coiled cord so that it doesn’t get in your way.

PFD

It's yet another important piece of equipment that is often not included in the package. When you fall into the water, a PFD can help you stay afloat.

Get one that is comfortable, fits you properly, is quick, and easy to inflate at the same time.

KAYAK CONVERSION KIT

The majority of fishing boards have four central D-rings that are compatible with most kayak conversion kits. If you plan on fishing in rougher waters, make sure your board is compatible with this kit. It will assist you in paddling through more difficult waves. This equipment is also quite useful in calm water. Throughout the fishing, you can sit comfortably.

COOLER

You'll definitely need a SUP cooler that can store your water and catch. It also serves as a seat, so make sure you get a rigid one of the right size so you can sit on it while fishing.

STABILIZERS

While this will slow you down, it will aid you in one important area. Stabilizers improve board stability by effectively increasing board width. It has everything you require to improve your water balance, particularly if you are a beginner.

If you have a lot of gear on board, it will help you keep your stability.

ROD HOLDER

When you're fishing, a rod holder comes in handy. It keeps the board deck neat and clear of fishing lines and hooks by securing your rods. In any case, if your board lacks rod holders, a crate with built-in rod holders is an option.

ELECTRIC PUMP

If you want to pump air into your inflatable fishing paddleboard quickly and effortlessly, you might consider using an electric pump. It is far superior to manual pumps in terms of efficiency and speed. Yes, it will be more expensive, but what it can accomplish makes it desirable.

The best electric SUP pump I recommend is the Outdoor Master Shark II. It can inflate your typical SUP in about 10 minutes, with a built-in cooling system that makes it able to inflate up to 3 boards in a row.

LIGHT

SUP fishing is enjoyable, and you may find yourself fishing late at night; for this, you will require a source of light to see around you and to be seen to others. Because a flashlight may not be appropriate, above-water lighting is used.

You may think of using your cellphone light, but it will occupy one of your hands.

STRIPPING BASKET/MAT

You have no idea what this can accomplish. When fishing, lines can become tangled and crossed, which many of you will not appreciate. This is when the stripping basket and mat come in handy.

A stripping mat is essentially a spiked mat. By placing it under your feet, it can effectively collect your line. On the other hand, a stripping basket can be worn around the waist to help collect lines.

ANCHOR

It'll come in handy once you've identified a good fishing area. When fishing, it stabilizes your board and avoids drifting caused by strong currents.

Before choosing an anchor, think about your total weight (board weight, your weight, and the weight of your gear). A heavier board should be anchored with a heavier anchor. You'll need 1/2 pound of anchor for every 100 pounds of board weight. The depth of the water will also be a factor; you'll need an anchor with a long enough rope to reach the bottom.

SEAT

A lot of times, a fishing SUP board should be used in conjunction with a seat because you will spend the majority of your time sitting. You may need to acquire one if your board lacks one. If you can find a solid and secure cooler, it will make sense in any situation. As you may know, it also serves as a seat.

If you already have a cooler and you need a kayak seat, I recommend you this one from the Outdoor Master store. It is adjustable, lightweight, and very easy to carry and set up.

DRY BAG

You'll need a dry bag to keep most of your belongings dry, such as money, telephones, clothes, and anything else you don't want to come into touch with water.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FISHING iSUPS

BOTTOM LINE

The best inflatable paddle boards for fishing is one that is large, wide, stable, with plenty of cargo space, a high weight capacity, and has pre-installed rod holders and Scotty mounts.

That's all for this article, if you need any further help, don't hesitate to post your question on our SUP Facebook Group, where you can get support from our friendly staff and SUP specialists.

Remember if you ever decide to shop from Outdoor Master, Use Code: OMBLOG20 for 20% off