Read This Before Buying Your Next SUP Fishing Board

Catch some big fish. Catch some big fun. There are tons of things you can do on the water with stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). Gone are the days of no boat, no fishing. The advent of fishing stand up paddle board gives every angler an affordable entry to the world of fishing. Besides, they are easy to handle, fun to ride on, and will make you experience next-level fishing, as you’d be able to reach those no-go corners in a boat fishing. 

Fishing on stand-up paddleboards is exciting, but only when you have a great board. Your fishing experience on any is a dictate of the quality and usability of the board. So, what makes a good board? You should find an answer to this question before shopping for your next fishing board. 

Let’s start

1. Stability

Stability is by far the leading factor you must consider before putting in any board. Stability is how firm or upright you can stand on water without wobbling or falling. Since your purpose is fishing, you’d surely need to reel in some catch; some big catch at times, how stable your board is can make or mar this experience. 

To determine what board is stable, the general rule is that the wider, longer, thicker, and heavier the board is, the better. Although this might bring little drag to maneuverability, it’s necessary for that kind of on-water activity. More so, if the purpose is fishing, pulling off tricks and stunts like sharp turns should matter less to you. 

If you aren’t sure where to start and how to determine the stability of a board, start by buying a board that is specifically made for fishing. Manufacturers would have taken care of your concern. However, if you are interested in more than fishing, use the tips below to make your choice. 

2. Weight and Storage Capacity

It will be clever to think that SUP boards will have no storage due to their lightweight. The truth is they are not. Every paddleboard is designed to hold a certain amount of weight. Check this before you buy to be sure it will serve your purpose.

Paddleboards can accommodate reasonable weight capacity even with their light nature. Any standard fishing board will take in two adult riders comfortably. At least, a grown rider with a kid. Yet, it will still leave some storage space for their gears. 

By the way, it’s as well important you know this; do not expect boat-like storage on a SUP board. They are designed smaller to give every angler a go at it. They do not offer everything you will get in the boat. The storage is very impressive, especially for the kind of small vessel you have on there. 

For boat-fishers that want to try it out, you may need to cut down the amount of gear you carry along.  Make sure you opt for a large board as the case may be, but never forget the fact that it’s just a board, not a boat. 

3. Paddle

When we talk about the paddle, we are talking about the drive of your board. See it as the steering of your car. Typically your board should come with at least a paddle. The good thing is that most paddleboards come with a set of 3 to 4 pieces. However, paddles are from different materials, causing distinctions and suitability differences for some riders.  You should know what paddle type is best for you.

 A paddle can be made of aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, and carbon fiber, each with a significant usage option. Aluminum and plastic paddles are the heaviest in the lots and are intended for starters. Fiberglass is significantly lighter. They come with boards that are intended for mid-level riders and are more comfortable than aluminum and plastic. 

Carbon fiber paddles are the lightest and most comfortable of all but at the highest price point. In most cases, carbon fiber paddles do not come with boards. To have one requires a separate purchase. The level of comfort and superior lightweight carbon fiber paddle affordance is unmatched. You might want to consider investing in one if you are already an avid angler. It surely is worth the price. Else, stick to aluminum paddles till you become surefooted.

4. Material

Another aspect of a board you need to look into is the material. SUP board comes either as soft inflatable or hard materials. As humans, it is easy to assume that hard materials are more durable than soft ones. This is not the case with paddleboards.  

Hard material in this respect means that the board has rigid construction and will not collapse in size. Boards with hard materials are therefore called rigid boards. They are an excellent choice for starters who are still fighting the stability war. On the other hand, inflatable paddles boards are referred to as soft boards. This has nothing to do with their quality. Most boards today are made from military-grade PVC that are highly durable. They can be deflated and packed into your backpack and portable enough to go anywhere with you.  They offer the same durability as rigid boards. So, don’t be deceived. 

5. Padded Deck and Grip

Fishing on a stand-up paddleboard is a standing affair. You will spend most of your time on the board standing. You need a boat that will cushion your feet that long and give comfort. Otherwise, you are in a hot mess. 

Go for a board with a comfortable deck pad. Look for boards with foam deck pads that can handle your standing. Also, see what kind of grip a board has to offer before you purchase, EVA grip has become the industry standard, so don’t settle for less. You can look for other comforting features as well, but the least you should settle for is a comfortable EVA foam deck lad and grip. 

6. Warranty

Warranty is a show of confidence from the manufacturer. Checking the warranty of a stand-up paddleboard is a great way to evaluate its quality. The longer the warranty the better. Most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty. You don’t want to consider any board under that. However, some manufacturers extend up to two to three years and some even offer a money-back guarantee. Once again, it’s a show of confidence. Grab it. 

Conclusion

For those in the know, fishing on a SUP board is both adventurous and recreational. You can’t just get enough of it. But to have an outstanding fishing experience, you first need to have a great fishing board. With thousands of options available on the market, it is easy to get confused. The above are the fundamentals you should look for in a paddleboard, after which you can search for any other thing that makes you tick. Happy fishing.