3 Amazing Fishing SUPs To Discover New Spots And Slay Fish

Three years can bring a lot of changes. Three years ago, fishing SUPs weren't even a thing, and we only reviewed two decent models. Today, it turns out that the original two fishing SUPs I reviewed for this article are no longer available.

That's OK, though! It's more than OK. Since I wrote that first article with recommendations for the best fishing SUPs, SUP technology has advanced by leaps and bounds. Due to its increasing popularity, there are now more quality fishing SUPs than ever.

As a result, you'll get not just two but three tips in this new, updated article, plus a bonus tip at the end! The best fishing SUPs for fishing. Check out the latest and greatest fishing SUPs to help you find new spots and catch more fish!

Introduction

You have bass and bonefish on your mind and know a few spots you'd love to fish, but you can't access them by boat. How are you going to get there? Although you've heard of SUP fishing, you're unsure what it's all about. After all, you've never fished anywhere other than a boat and aren't sure if paddleboard fishing is proper for you.

So what is SUP fishing? I know you have questions, and here are some answers. Check out our picks for 3 of the best fishing SUPs below, including everything you need to know about SUP fishing!

Precisely What Is SUP Fishing?

In simple terms, SUP fishing refers to fishing while on a standup paddleboard (duh). SUP boards are typically wide, long, and stable enough to accommodate the fishing gear you'll need to catch some fish while standing atop one of these boards.

You can also use paddle boards to get to otherwise hard-to-reach places that are too shallow for a motorboat if the idea of balancing on a board while casting and reeling in big fish doesn't appeal to you. Using a paddleboard, you can sneak up on some fish much more stealthily than a boat with a loud motor announcing your presence. In place of anchoring your board, you can wade into the water and catch some fish once you arrive at your destination. For those who enjoy fishing in all its forms, SUP fishing is just another method to try.

Kayak VS. SUP Fishing

I know you're interested in SUP fishing, but how does it compare to kayak fishing? We'll examine what's similar between them and what's different.

Similarities Between SUP Fishing And Kayak Fishing

• Non-motorized vessels allow for a stealthy approach to sneak up on fish.
• Great for getting to places that would otherwise be too shallow for boats.
• Paddle to your favorite spots while getting exercise.

Differences Between SUP And Kayak Fishing

Fishing from a paddleboard is more convenient than fishing from a boat. If you bring a cooler, you can stand or sit while tying flies or taking a break.Since some kayaks aren't stable enough to stand on, you must sit while fishing.You can get on and off a SUP more efficiently, and the board makes it easier to get on and off if you want to wade while fishing. With an excellent sit-on-top fishing kayak, there is still room for people who wish to remain in the boat rather than get out.With a fishing kayak, you have more storage space than with a fishing paddle board. SOT kayaks come with ample deck space plus a hatch inside for storage. Typically, you only have deck space on a fishing paddle board exposed to the elements.

Most differences between SUP fishing and kayak fishing are minor and can be overcome. If you're looking for one factor that will influence whether you purchase a fishing paddleboard or a fishing kayak, your decision comes down to whether you prefer to sit and fish or stand and fish. It's the essential difference between the two, and which boat you buy depends on your answer.

SUPs That Are Best For Fishing

Now that you know more about paddleboarding for fishing, it's time to choose the right SUP. Here are three boards that are highly rated and recommended for fishing. Then, we'll discuss what makes each unique and what essential considerations you should make.

Hippocamp Fishing 11'6" ISUP Package From South Bay Board Co.

This paddle board is exceptionally well-designed and is the total package, literally! It has put together an accessories-heavy paddle board with all the bells and whistles you could want in a fishing paddle board.

Features And Accessories Galore

This premium package includes the following features:

• Waterproof fanny pack
• Fins, leash, and pump
• Four-piece carbon fiber paddle (converts to a kayak paddle if needed)
• ISUP kayak seat
• XXL ISUP Backpack
• ISUP cooler

If an ISUP package had everything you could want, what more would you need? Are you interested in all the features you need to transform a paddle board into a stealthy fish-slaying machine? Aside from 3 mounting points (for fish finders, GoPros, or other equipment), this board has two fishing rod holders, front and back bungee netting, and D-rings for attaching a kayak seat and other gear. There is plenty of space for mounting and storing all the equipment you need for your excursion.

Board of directors and customer service of the highest standard. Most customers have praised the company. One satisfied customer said,

This board doesn't have much to dislike. Given all the accessories included with the board, it's well-designed. They wanted the board to be as versatile as possible and appeal to many paddle-boarding market segments.

On the downside, the premium accessories package included with this ISUP does make it more expensive than some of its peers.

In addition, all the extras included are solid quality, not cheaply made throwaways. Small business owners who stand behind their products and provide exceptional customer service make the product in the United States. A carbon fiber paddle is a massive upgrade compared to most boards' standard aluminum paddle.

If you are interested in fishing, you should consider this SUP. The 11'6" Hippocamp Fishing ISUP is the perfect "turnkey" fishing SUP with everything you'll need to start paddling immediately.

IBIS Pro Hybrid Angler SUP Kayak Package From Elkton Outdoors

In contrast to the Hippocamp inflatable paddle board, the IBIS Pro paddle board from Elkton Outdoors has an exterior shell made of molded plastic and a foam core. In other words, you will feel more like you are riding a kayak than a traditional SUP. It has both advantages and disadvantages.

A significant advantage is its durability. Taking this board into the shallows means you won't worry about sharp sticks, oyster beds, river rocks, or other debris damaging your board. Moreover, the board's rigidity makes the craft more stable and performs better. On the flip side, the board is relatively heavy. SUPs are often preferred over kayaks because they are easier to handle and transport.

A traditional SUP weighs only 15 pounds more than this board, almost double the weight of an inflatable board. However, if you're used to hauling fishing kayaks, this is a much lighter load than the big gadgets, which usually weigh 65+ pounds.

Fishy Features

Let's move on to the good stuff. The Elkton IBIS is packed with features that will help you catch your limit of fish.

The Elkton IBIS angler SUP has the following features:

• Front and rear bungee storage zones
• Five aluminum gear tracks for custom rigging
• Two swivel mount rod holders
• Two bungee paddle holders
• Multiple D-ring tie-down points for a seat, cooler, and other gear

SUPs That Convert Into Kayaks

It makes sense that a SUP that shares many of the same materials and design as a kayak could be turned into a kayak, which is possible with the Elkton IBIS Hybrid Angler SUP. The No-Flex Deck is super stable, and you can cast from it, attach a seat via the conveniently located D-rings, or cast from a sitting position at your favorite honey hole.

Elkton Outdoors sells a stadium-style seat that attaches easily to the board. The ultimate in comfort and function, it's light and elevated for a better view of the fish.

You should consider this fishing SUP if. Elkton's IBIS Hybrid Angler SUP Kayak Package has the stability, durability, and versatility you want in a fishing SUP.

Brooklyn Kayak Company UH-SUPYN Paddleboard

The BKCs have done it again. This company has created a feature-rich product that does everything its competitors do AND manages to do it at an affordable price.

BKC also offers a fishing SUP similar to the Elkton IBIS: the UH-SUPYN:

• Furthermore, it provides a solid construction hull identical in form and function to the bottom of a kayak.
• It, too, can be converted from a SUP to a kayak by adding a seat.
• The BKC fishing SUP offers the same features as the Elkton IBIS, including rod holders, dual bungee zones, gear tracks, and paddle holders.
• BKC's UH-SUPYN also includes an ergonomic chair, which you must purchase separately from Elkton's IBIS.

The Same Features For Less Money

Since the Elkton IBIS and the BCK UH-SUPYN offer almost identical packages, what are the significant differences? Cost. However, the Brooklyn Kayak Company fishing SUP is much cheaper despite providing similar products and packages.

With the Elkton IBIS, you must purchase each seat separately, which means you're looking at a price difference of nearly $200. The SUP's hull construction might be responsible for the price difference. Both are made of high-density polyethylene, but the Elkton IBIS has a foam core, whereas the BKC fishing SUP has a hollow body.

As a result of the hollow core, the BKC SUP may be less durable than the Elkton, which could also explain the significant price difference between the two products. Buyers would have to weigh this factor for themself when deciding on a fishing SUP.

You should consider this SUP if. When it comes to price, you'll find great value in the Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC UH-SUPYN, though perhaps at the expense of a slightly less durable craft.

Honourable Mention: Fish Stalker Inflatable Fishing Paddleboard

As an Honorable Mention, I decided to include this one because of its unique and intriguing design. The Fish Stalker is relatively obscure in the SUP world, but I thought it was worth mentioning in case our readers don't mind venturing into the unknown. The most notable difference between the Fish Stalker and other SUPs is its unique trimaran shape.

In contrast to most SUPs, this board has two outer pontoons sandwiched between an inner center deck. The main advantage of a catamaran's design is its supreme stability and ability to glide across the calmest seas. In addition to those qualities, a SUP is an excellent fishing SUP, with strength while standing and casting and a stealthy approach of utmost importance when trying to catch a fish.

Trimaran Design That Is Unique

The Fish Stalker is unique in its trimaran design, making it stand out from other SUPs. In contrast to most SUPs, this board has an inner center deck and two outer pontoons sandwiched against it. Catamarans are known for their supreme stability and ability to glide across favorable sea surfaces.

When trying to slay fish, those features also make an excellent SUP for fishing, including stability while standing and casting and a stealthy approach.

A Trolling Motor Includes

In addition to its trimaran shape, perhaps its most unique feature is that it is pre-equipped with a trolling motor mount system. Most people who purchase fishing SUPs plan to add a trolling motor after the fact to cover more considerable distances and bodies of water in their search for prime fishing spots.

Fish Stalker's 'done for you' mount system makes installing a trolling motor on your fishing SUP easy without having to jerry-rig a DIY setup. It has already been designed to accommodate the additional weight of the engine and battery to not detract from the performance of the Fish Stalker Inflatable Fishing SUP.

Unproven But Intriguing

These design details, from the board shape to the trolling motor mount system, are certainly unique and are sure to pique the interest of any demanding fishing SUP enthusiast. Although the board appears unproven based on my research, there are very few reviews.

SUPs may be right for you. You might be rewarded with a stealthy and stable fish slayer that allows you to easily reach your favorite honey hole if you're willing to take a chance on a potentially badass (but ultimately unproven) board.

Conclusion

There has been much advancement in fishing SUPs over the last few years. In the past, quality fishing SUPs were few and far between, but now there is no shortage of options to fulfill your dreams of catching fish.

This article taught us what we needed to know.

If you're looking for a fishing SUP with high-quality accessories, the South Bay Board Co. 11'6" Fishing ISUP package is needed.If you want a fishing SUP that can be converted into a fishing kayak, then the Elkton Outdoors IBIS Pro is the board for you.The Brooklyn Kayak Company, BKC UH-SUPYN Paddleboard With Seat, is an excellent value if you sacrifice durability and performance.Fish Stalker Inflatable Fishing Standup Paddle Board is an inflatable fishing SUP that has the potential to be epic but is unproven.

As you can see, plenty of high-quality fishing SUPs are available today, and it is just a matter of choosing one. Hopefully, you are closer to finding answers after reading this article and on your way to fishing nirvana!