SUP boards for fishing
The best SUP fishing boards
SUP Boards »Angel SUP Boards
A sign that Stand Up Paddling is thrilling the masses, but still a young and agile water sports are the many mixtures of sports that we have seen in recent years.
In particular, SUP Yoga – the yoga training on the SUP Board – has become established. In all of Germany there are courses. Fishing from the SUP Board is now a new trend that has been well received in the United States.
This article is about SUP boards for fishing. The best models are stable and have enough lift to carry you, the gear and your catch.
SUP is one of the fastest growing sports and is really a great sport. A day on the water combined with a few hours of fishing and best still prepare your own catch for dinner. There can hardly be anything better.
Aqua Marina Drift SUP Angel Board
- Brand: Aqua Marina
- Length: 240 cm
- Thickness: 7 mm
The 7 mm thick black drawstring Aqua Marina is made of durable material. Optimally, this SUP Leash can be used in shallow water.
- Length: 330 cm
- Width: 97 cm
- Thickness: 15 cm
- Maximum payload: 130 kilograms
- Extras: Double-stroke pump, carrying bag, freezer with seat, paddle
Aqua Marinas Drift SUP Fishing Board is my recommendation for you. Here you can get a board for little money that is tailored to the needs of a SUP angler:
- The drift board has two integrated holders for fishing rods. So you can sit back and relax and eat something and drink. You do not have to worry about fishing rods.
- The wide and reinforced edges increase the tipping stability enormously. The latter also ensures that your equipment does not go overboard.
- The package includes a freezer with a backrest. What more do you want?
- You can fix your gear on the stainless steel D-rings in the middle, at the back and on the luggage net at the bow.
- With a maximum load of 130 kilograms at 284 liters, the board will keep you and all your gear loose.
Aqua Marina has often been noted for its top quality at reasonable prices. Many older models of the brand are still among the bestsellers.
Product Reviews
So far, all customer reviews are very positive. The quality of the board and the equipment is praised. I can also confirm the only ones coming up. The Aqua Marina Drift has no double paddle. If you want to paddle while sitting, you’ll need a paddle with a paddle blade at both ends like kayaking.
Conclusion
I really put this offer to your heart. It’s a fair price for a perfect SUP. Especially the fishing rod holders are great feature.
Aqua Marina offers different sets, which differ only in accessories. The basic equipment is the same, only one set has a carbon paddle, the other two each have the Aqua Marina standard paddle and a set also has a leash from the manufacturer.
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Indiana 11'6 "Fisher Fiji iSUP
- Length: 350 cm
- Width: 83.8 cm
- Thickness: 15 cm
- Extras: Backpack with wheels, double stroke pump, repair kit
The Fishing SUP by Indiana is a real top model. In Indiana manner, it is unfortunately not only high-end in terms of design and quality but also in the price. Here you have to reach deeper into the bag, but you get a great SUP for fishing.
The big feature of the construction is the side mountable outrigger, which makes the SUP a small platform. If you drop an anchor, you can spend hours on your own fishing platform.
The 18 D-rings and two luggage nets are absolutely practical. On this board you can really attach everything to accessories. The outrigger also gives a lot of buoyancy and stability. The board alone carries already 120 kilograms.
Conclusion
From the equipment and quality, I can recommend the board unrestricted. Nothing is missing here. Instead of the reinforced edges as in the drift put the people of Indiana on the outrigger. This variant gives even more stability. With virtually unlimited attachment options, you can bring your entire equipment on board.
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Bluefin Voyage
- Length: 330 cm
- Width: 97 cm
- Thickness: 20 cm
- Extras: double stroke pump, leash, backpack, paddle, repair kit
The Bluefin Voyage is not an extra designed for SUP fishing board and still very suitable for it. Originally, the extra thick, wide and sturdy SUP board was designed for white water rafting. For that you need an extremely safe stand.
With the advent of SUP Fishing, the Bluefin Voyage is also used for fishing trips. At 20 cm, the board is also extremely thick and therefore offers a lot of friction. The Voyage carries up to 130 kilograms.
The six surrounding D-rings are also very handy for carrying the equipment. The raised edges and the almost ridiculous width of almost one meter guarantee a solid stand.
Conclusion: The Bluefin is a great board for tours where the water can sometimes be rougher. As Whitewater SUP it is outstanding. Its unique features make it a great fishing board too. The very special features of Angel SUPs like fishing rod holders or the matching freezer are missing here. But if you upgrade the Bluefin accordingly, you have a first-class fishing SUP.
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SUP fishing or kayaking fishing: which is better?
Kayak fishing vs. SUP Fishing : Stand Up Paddling board as well as kayaks are great for fishing. However, both have their respective advantages and disadvantages. So what’s better?
SUP fishing
advantages
- You do not sit as deep as kayaks, you can look around much better. This is how you discover fish much more easily at a distance.
- SUP boards are much less deep in the water than kayaks. You can approach a swarm of fish so much better without them noticing you.
- In particular, inflatable Stand Up Paddling Board (all featured here are inflatable models) are much easier to transport and store . You do not need a big garage like the kayak. You also have room for a backpack in an apartment in a big city.
- When fishing you have more flexibility . You can turn around without realigning the board.
- You can stand on the SUP. This allows you to properly eject your fishing rod .
disadvantage
- At SUP boards the storage place is quite scarce . Really good space is only for a cool box. Kayaks offer much more storage space.
- SUP fishing requires more balance . Especially when casting the rod or during fast turns, this is not so easy. The chances of getting wet with a SUP are much higher than in a kayak.
kayak Fishing
advantages
- Unlike SUP boards, kayaks have a built-in seat . This is more comfortable than the subsequently mounted Stand Up Paddling boards.
- You are usually safer . The focus on the kayak is much closer to the water surface. The chance to fall into the water is much lower.
- You are better protected against low temperatures . Sitting on the SUP you are unprotected from all sides. For the kayak you can even get a blanket and put it over your legs.
disadvantage
- The transport of kayaks is more expensive . They are more difficult to get out of the water and storage requires more space. Also, you definitely need a roof rack.
- In the kayak you are sitting very deep . The view of the water is a bit limited. Fish shoals in the distance you can hardly recognize from this angle.
In terms of maneuverability and price, the two options are similar
What is better, you have to decide for yourself. It also depends on the waters where you want to fish and your own kind of fishing.
What accessories you need for SUP fishing:
Fishing SUP Board buying advice
In this section, I’ll focus on the features of the best Angel SUP boards.
So: What makes a good board for fishing actually?
I talked to Gernot about FishOnSup about this question .
He himself is a huge fan of SUP Fishing. He already started fishing in 1976. He started with SUP in 2010. Inspired by the American model, in 2015 he started fishing with SUP Fishing. Today he offers his own SUP fishing tours.
In his opinion, tipping stability, sufficient space for the equipment and sufficient volume for the additional load are the most important factors, if you are looking for a suitable board.
If you want to buy a new SUP Fishing Board, you should pay attention to the following features.
Carrying capacity
Sufficient carrying capacity ensures that you have enough lift. Your board should be able to carry your weight, the weight of all your gear and your catch. Nothing is more annoying than a SUP board that has trouble lifting it.
size
Length: A long board in combination with a wide construction and a reinforced and ideally arched edge would be ideal for a fishing trip. Such a board can accommodate a lot of accessories, has enough lift due to the length and you can move freely on it.
Width: Fishing on the board can be difficult if you do not have the necessary balance. For the casting of the rod and fishing in non-windless waters, your board should be slightly wider than the average SUP.
Pay attention to a width of at least 78 cm. This gives you enough stability.
Thickness: For fishing, your board must measure 15cm (6 inches) in thickness. With thick boards, no water splashes on the floor space. Even if you only wear socks, you will still have dry feet after the tour.
A thick board does not bend so much either. From troubled waters and small waves it is harder to impress.
Also keep in mind that buoyancy depends on volume. Thickness, width and length determine how high the load is. Board with a thickness of 15 cm therefore have a significantly higher maximum additional load than just 10 cm thick boards.
Paddle holder
The perfect board has paddle holders. Once you get to your fishing spot, there is no longer any use for the paddle. Best you can stash it somewhere well. Using stanchions mounted on D-rings can also offer their own design.
Alternatively, you can at Paddle SUP Buy ensure that the paddle can be dismantled. These can be stretched comfortably in the front or rear luggage net.
Grip
When paddling a safe stand is very important, but especially for fishing you need really good grip. This is especially important for your accessories. Finally, your should freezer not constantly slide back and forth. Nowadays, all boards have one of several types of top deck coating for more grip.
Hardboard or iSUP?
The key question, whether hardboard or (soft) inflatable SUP, has been discussed often enough. When naming one often simply the wrong thoughts.
If you hear the terms “hard” and “soft” and have to choose the more durable product, the answer would usually be “hard”. This is not the case with Stand Up Paddling Boards.
Hard means SUPs made of hard foam or epoxy. These hard boards are similar in size to surfboards.
Soft means inflatable boards. Pumped up, these are felt rock hard. They will not bend or break, but can easily be stowed in a rucksack after the tour. Even the claws of a dog can not harm the tear-resistant cover.
Meanwhile, the “soft” variant accounts for over 90% of the market. You will hardly find hard boards because they are less practical, only about as durable and expensive.
D-rings and luggage nets
Space for accessories is super important at SUP Fishing. With no other sub discipline of Stand Up Paddling is sufficient storage space as valid as with SUP Fishing.
When buying, make sure your board has D-rings. At these you can tie up accessories. If everything else is perfect for a board, but the D-rings are missing, you can also retrofit the D-rings for a few Euros .
Alternatively, it also does a pre-assembled luggage network. The main thing is that you have enough loops, cords and rings. Then there are really no limits to your creativity and you can set the surface of the board the way you like it.
Warranty
A warranty period in which manufacturing defects are taken on board is a great sign of confidence in the quality of their own products. In the SUP market a 1-year term is standard. Some brands even offer warranties for two or three years.
Five SUP Fishing Tips
Finally, a few tips for your first tours.
1. Get a fishing license
To fish almost everywhere you need a fishing license. Do a quick research on the required documents and get the bill easily. The cost of the fishing license (~ € 200) is much lower than the penalty for fishing without a license (thousands of euros / offense).
2. Bring only the essentials
A SUP board has strictly limited space on board. Also, it is limited in carrying capacity. So you should not take too many accessories with you. Especially on the first tour that may be very exciting and you want to test your entire new equipment properly.
Try to pack only the essentials. With too many things on board, you have trouble reaching the fishing location at all. You are also significantly limited in speed. In the end, you may lose expensive parts of your equipment.
It is best to take only the above-mentioned items, something to drink and your fishing equipment. Everything works.
3. Tie down your equipment
It is and remains a SUP board on which you are traveling. Everyone has ever fallen off the board. It’s best to imagine what would happen if your fully loaded SUP tips over and you expel all your gear – or worse – you see.
What would you want to save first? So that it can not come to this fright moment, you should fix all your equipment. Suitable for this are all types of D-rings, loops, cords and luggage nets.
Small parts are best stowed in a waterproof backpack or a drybag.
4. Pay attention to the weather report
Sitting on the SUP you are fully exposed to the weather conditions. If it rains, your board will quickly become slippery. In wind, paddling becomes very strenuous. For water with waves most boards are not made anyway. If the weather is windy or there is waves you will not enjoy SUP Fishing.
5. Bring a small anchor
When you need SUP fishing, you just need an anchor. It is enough even a small model like this one completely. Constantly drifting while you wait for the fish to bite is just too annoying.
FAQ
Does it also do a normal SUP board?
In my list, there have also made individual normal allround boards. On the one hand, SUP Fishing is also Stand Up Paddling. On the other hand, this new SUP discipline is a very special twist.
The manufacturers have invested a lot of money and resources to develop special SUP boards that meet the requirements of SUP Fischer.
To begin with, a normal all-round board does have a few key characteristics, but in the long run, the specially made models are much better.
What is the best equipment for my fishing board?
One of the best purchases for your new board is a freezer. Twice used it acts as a storage place for snacks, drinks and your catch and it is also the ideal seat. Some manufacturers have built a backrest for maximum comfort.
Built-in fishing hooks and a lightweight anchor make your day even more comfortable. Your fishing equipment is best placed in a waterproof backpack. Little things you can also stow in a waterproof belt bag .
With a waterproof phone case , your phone is always there.
How stable is a Sup Fishing Board?
For fishing your board should be built very stable. I therefore recommend above-average boards that are 15 cm (6 inches) thick. With a normal length of about 320 cm, this gives your board enough lift to carry you and all the extra load through the baggage and your catch.
With such a board your feet will not get wet. In the summer this is a nice extra. If the temperatures fall below the comfort temperature in autumn you will be very happy about it. Even in winter, you can go properly dressed SUPs or you start the season early next spring.
Where to go with the fish?
Most anglers take a garbage bag with them, put the catch in the bags and stow it in the freezer. SUP anglers without a freezer simply have a bucket for the fish. If you are longer on the water in strong sunshine on the water, the bucket can heat up quickly.
Where do you pack the SUP paddle while fishing?
When fishing you want to be able to use both hands and do not constantly worry about the paddle. The common solution is paddle holde . If you have a collapsible paddle, you can also stow the items in a bag or in the luggage net.
Conclusion
SUP fishing can be a really great hobby that has many advantages over kayaking fishing. Equipped with the right board and the right accessories you can really have fun. I especially like the combination of the two quieter, meditative sports of fishing and Stand Up Paddling really good.
Almost all manufacturers are currently working on fishing rods and improving their existing models. It remains to be seen which features will be added in the next few years and whether the sport in this country can establish itself as it has already done to the USA.
It can not be mentioned often enough that all of the boards presented here for SUP fishing are just as suitable for SUP. Due to the wide design and strong edges, the boards provide excellent boards to explore and explore. Even with rougher waters, they do not have to hide thanks to the edges.
Further reading
-150 € SUP Sale
Smaller discount offer many manufacturers from time to time, but at supboard-99.dethere are currently up to 150 € discount on selected SUP boards.
If you do not hit, it’s your own fault!
-> To the reduced boards
Contents
Author
Hi, I’m Manfred. For years I’ve written here on standup-experte.com about SUP and everything that goes with it.
Comment by the author
2019 is a great year to enter Stand Up Paddling. Sure the summer will be just as great as last year. And the selection of boards has never been so great!
My favorites for this SUP season are:
- For newcomers without accessories: WOWSEA AN17 305cm (quality, low priced complete set)
- For families: Aqua Marina Atlas * (large board with space for several people)
- For experienced paddlers: Bluefin Cruise 330 cm / 365 cm (wonderful Touring Board)