There are pros and cons to having an inflatable or solid (traditional) stand up paddle board. Fishing kayaks also tend to have more things that can snag or catch, so they don’t typically make the best SUPs for children or beginner paddlers. Keep in mind that the more fishing-specific a SUP tends to be, the bulkier it might get. Some fishing SUPs can even transition into semi-kayaks complete with seat rests for when it’s time to simply sit and relax. You can also get a SUP that comes with a rod holder, built-in cooler box, and dedicated tackle area. You’ll want - at the bare minimum - a SUP that has a bungy section for tying down tackle boxes. One of the biggest differences between a standard SUP and a fishing SUP is storage capacity. If you want a fishing SUP that is lightweight and easy to transport, inflatable SUPs tend to be much lighter and can roll into the size of a backpack.įishermen often paddle with a plethora of gear.

Standup Journal has advice for transporting your SUP, so it’s possible that even a heavy board could still work for you. Some fishing-specific SUPs can be as heavy as nearly 70 pounds, a weight that’s too heavy for most people to carry long distances. Opt for a board on the lighter end of the scale if you won’t be getting a carrier. If your board is too heavy for you to carry, chances are that you’ll rarely use it. Fortunately, with the right paddle technique, you can easily make most fishing SUPs work for you thanks to their friendly and sturdy shape. The nose should be round, rather than very pointed, unless you have enough length to make the board more stable. An all-around board or yoga specific SUP could be a great compromise if you’re wanting a board that isn’t fishing-specific.įishing SUPs should be at least 10 feet long and 30 inches wide. Touring boards or surf SUPs won’t be great for fishing as touring boards tend to be too narrow and surf SUPs tend to be too short, loud, and slow.

Since you’ll need more stability than a standard stand up paddle board because of all the movement that happens whenever you fish, you’ll want a stand up paddle board with a wide, long, and stable shape. HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST FISHING SUPS SHAPE

Flats fishing sup