Paddle board fishing 2025
Smalls reply :
I can’t make a decision on what kind of small lake/pond vessel I want to buy. I’ve been bouncing back and forth between a job boat, kayak, or inflatable with a floor.
My main issue is that standing stability is a must. Whatever I buy has to basically be a tiny bass boat. Sit to drive, stand to fish.
Just to to make my decision even harder, I’ve found a few stand up paddle boards for sale pretty cheap.
I feel like they have to be more stable because we’ll... they’re literally designed to be stood up on, and (most) literally don’t come factory with a sitting option. I plan on strapping a cooler or seat down to give my legs a rest. But how stable are they when I give a 5 pounder the hammer when frogging?
Anyone fish one have any pros/cons over a kayak? Any thought on minimum size for fishing?
CroakHunter reply :
Never understood the infatuation with kayaks and paddle boards. Anything they can do, a 8-10 foot plastic bass boat can do almost as well or better. And they are the most stable small water crafts I've ever been on. And they can be had for a couple hundred dollars instead of close to 1,000 or more for a decent kayak.
Smalls reply :
On 7/25/2018 at 11:27 AM, CroakHunter said:Never understood the infatuation with kayaks and paddle boards. Anything they can do, a 8-10 foot plastic bass boat can do almost as well or better. And they are the most stable small water crafts I've ever been on. And they can be had for a couple hundred dollars instead of close to 1,000 or more for a decent kayak.
Well, that was top of my list for a while. But whatever I buy will be car-topped, so weight is an issue. I drive a small sedan with no hitch. And a kayak can be paddled. A bass tender or pond prowler type boat pretty much has to be powered by trolling motor. So on top of lugging the boat down to the water, I have to then lug a battery and the motor.
NavionicsSpecJason reply :
SUP over kayak really depends on your size, and the water you want to fish. I've seen some big guys try SUP and get wet, a bunch. If you want a decent all around boat that is fairly light for the size and stability, I'd look into a Jackson Kilroy, or a Wilderness Systems Commander. If price point is an issue, check craigslist for used kayaks, but always always always demo before you buy.
lo n slo reply :
dont do the paddle board
Smalls reply :
On 7/25/2018 at 10:23 PM, lo n slo said:dont do the paddle board
Because of stability? Or something else
lo n slo reply :
On 7/25/2018 at 10:27 PM, Smalls said:Because of stability? Or something else
yes, stability
J Francho reply :
On 7/25/2018 at 11:27 AM, CroakHunter said:Anything they can do, a 8-10 foot plastic bass boat can do almost as well or better.
You mean running rapids, not having to lug around a battery and clamp on trolling motor, able to car top, be loaded and launched by one person, have tons of tackle storage, and not look like a gomer in a bathtub? Because I'm not seeing the comparison.
We get it, but quit coming on kayak threads just to bash them. Have something meaningful to contribute. A 10' Pelican Bass Raider is $600, and it comes with NOTHING. You'll need one or two deep cycle batteries, a trolling motor, and a paddle for backup. That puts your price comparo underwater. One benefit is you can take a buddy out, and you can hook each other's nose since your stuffed in so close, lol. I'm kidding about the last part, and I have fished out of one, and they work well for what they're made for (ponds, small, calm lakes), but won't handle water that a good, purpose built kayak can.
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OP: I've fished off a fishing SUP. These are for VERY specific purpose. Things like mother shipping to a shallow off shore reef, and using the SUP to cast to fish. They aren't general purpose. Look at the waters you'll fish, look at Bass Raider, Kayak, Canoe, and see how each will fit with your fishing. Last of all, get some seat time.
Choporoz reply :
Lots of cool different options out there....google kayak hybrids; raptor; native; versaboard; freedom hawk; diablo....
I think Diablos would be right up your alley, but they are a little heavy....good, stable designs, though
J Francho reply :
On 7/25/2018 at 11:18 PM, Choporoz said:I think Diablos would be right up your alley
Thermoform ABS, and glued together. Immediate red flags for me.
Fishingmickey reply :
On 7/25/2018 at 11:36 PM, J Francho said:Thermoform ABS, and glued together. Immediate red flags for me.
The Diablo Amigo is not thermo formed ABS it is roto molded.
J Francho reply :
The Adios and Chupacabra are.
RealtreeByGod reply :
On 7/25/2018 at 11:27 AM, CroakHunter said:Never understood the infatuation with kayaks and paddle boards. Anything they can do, a 8-10 foot plastic bass boat can do almost as well or better. And they are the most stable small water crafts I've ever been on. And they can be had for a couple hundred dollars instead of close to 1,000 or more for a decent kayak.
Storage is often an issue.
I can fit a 12-foot kayak on my property because I can just hang it on j-hooks bolted to the wall. A bass raider + trailer + accessories would be a bit more difficult.
CroakHunter reply :
On 7/25/2018 at 10:47 PM, J Francho said:You mean running rapids, not having to lug around a battery and clamp on trolling motor, able to car top, be loaded and launched by one person, have tons of tackle storage, and not look like a gomer in a bathtub? Because I'm not seeing the comparison.
We get it, but quit coming on kayak threads just to bash them. Have something meaningful to contribute. A 10' Pelican Bass Raider is $600, and it comes with NOTHING. You'll need one or two deep cycle batteries, a trolling motor, and a paddle for backup. That puts your price comparo underwater. One benefit is you can take a buddy out, and you can hook each other's nose since your stuffed in so close, lol. I'm kidding about the last part, and I have fished out of one, and they work well for what they're made for (ponds, small, calm lakes), but won't handle water that a good, purpose built kayak can.
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OP: I've fished off a fishing SUP. These are for VERY specific purpose. Things like mother shipping to a shallow off shore reef, and using the SUP to cast to fish. They aren't general purpose. Look at the waters you'll fish, look at Bass Raider, Kayak, Canoe, and see how each will fit with your fishing. Last of all, get some seat time.
Not once did the op mention anything about rapids or storage. He wanted stability. Did not bash kayaks. Just said I didn't understand the obsession with them. Sorry that you and I don't agree with something. And btw around here a bass raider is $250-$300 but i know at places like bass pro they are double that price. Sorry for getting everybody riled up
J Francho reply :
Just because someone doesn't mention, doesn't make it a prime consideration. Often, people new to something, and researching don't know what questions to ask.
12poundbass reply :
On 7/25/2018 at 10:47 PM, J Francho said:look like a gomer in a bathtub?
That's funny! ????
Smalls reply :
Storage isn’t an issue. But getting it on/off the top of my Malibu is.
Im not really concerned about quality, as next year I’m moving across the country, and buying a boat. So it’ll pretty much be used for the rest of the season and the beginning of next. It’ll probably be given to my uncle or brother when I leave.
Which is also why price is kind of an important deal. But I also don’t expect the best of the best for cheap. My only important feature is stability.
J Francho reply :
A good bet would an Ascend 12T from Bass Pro. Good mix of features, stability, and economic. Otherwise, I see quite a few used kayaks locally. Watch craigslist and local classifieds like a hawk.
When car topping, don't bother with J-hooks, just put a pool noodle on the crossbar, and use cam locc straps to secure it.
Smalls reply :
On 7/26/2018 at 2:34 AM, J Francho said:A good bet would an Ascend 12T from Bass Pro. Good mix of features, stability, and economic. Otherwise, I see quite a few used kayaks locally. Watch craigslist and local classifieds like a hawk.
When car topping, don't bother with J-hooks, just put a pool noodle on the crossbar, and use cam locc straps to secure it.
I’ve been eyeing that one. Every time I cruise Craigslist, people think their kayak is worth its weight in gold. Idk why.
I appreciate the input, and the advice for transporting it.
zeth reply :
I have a Bote Rackham paddleboard. Super expensive paddleboard. Long, wide and heavy. Takes a powerpole micro. I fish from it all of the time. Probably not worth the money as a fishing platform and I would not do it again. A kayak would be a better investment. Any wind and you are wishing you had a kayak. The smaller paddleboards and what not sure you can fish from but you'll also be going for a swim a lot do to stability issues. With my larger board the only time I fell in was when some idiot on a boat blew past me 1' from my board and nearly killed me. If you are in a rocky area paddleboards suck. They get damaged VERY easily. I am constantly making repairs. My board also has stress cracks in the gel coat all over the place. Actually this may have been one of the worst investments I ever made. It may look cool and seem like fun and it is but it's not worth the money. Get a kayak. and or get a paddleboard but get a nice inflatable board that is more durable, easier to transport and so on and don't expect to really enjoy fishing from it much.
Smalls reply :
Thanks, zeth. Was really hoping to hear from someone with experience. If your pricey one sucks, the ones in my budget have got to be a serious no.
AllTerrainAngler reply :
Look at the vibe seaghost 130 or 110. I have both. Great storage, tracks well, factory with a raised seat thats comfortable, rudder, and paddle. I stand to fish, flyfish, and bowfish with no problems. I've caught fish over 100lbs off of mine i nthe salt with no problem. Find them used around 500-600 with accessories
Gundog reply :
On 7/26/2018 at 8:46 AM, zeth said:I have a Bote Rackham paddleboard. Super expensive paddleboard. Long, wide and heavy. Takes a powerpole micro. I fish from it all of the time. Probably not worth the money as a fishing platform and I would not do it again. A kayak would be a better investment. Any wind and you are wishing you had a kayak. The smaller paddleboards and what not sure you can fish from but you'll also be going for a swim a lot do to stability issues. With my larger board the only time I fell in was when some idiot on a boat blew past me 1' from my board and nearly killed me. If you are in a rocky area paddleboards suck. They get damaged VERY easily. I am constantly making repairs. My board also has stress cracks in the gel coat all over the place. Actually this may have been one of the worst investments I ever made. It may look cool and seem like fun and it is but it's not worth the money. Get a kayak. and or get a paddleboard but get a nice inflatable board that is more durable, easier to transport and so on and don't expect to really enjoy fishing from it much.
It went from "A mild mistake to buy" to "Worst investment ever" in just 8 sentences. I've made similar posts myself and appreciate a great sudden revelation when I see one. Carry on Sir. ????
Quarry Man reply :
paddle boards have very little stability. I have one that isn't made for fishing and it is really hard to use. Moving around the lake takes work, you get wet, which is not good in the winter and you can't set the hook. also you lose all of your gear when you fall in and capsize. I would get a 10' Jon boat and trolling motor.
Smalls reply :
I ended up finding a 9” dinghy (made of hypalon, the real tough material and a factory floor) and a trolling motor for less than $100. Not ideal, but it’ll get me off the bank until I buy a bass boat.
I fished out of it this week. I’d like to make a small platform to get me above the water a little, but otherwise it suits my needs fairly well. Fits in my trunk, easy to set up, and a 30 lb motor scoots it faster than I thought it would.
greentrout reply :
Terry Gillespie reply :
I personally haven’t tried using a Jon Boat and a kayak for fishing before. But from what I know, kayak is the preferred choice for single-person use. They are also less costly and more manoeuvrable than Jon Boats. On the other hand, Jon Boats offer more space for people and gear but need some kind of motorised propulsion.
As for me, I did try using my inflatable stand up paddle board that I got from this seller for fishing before. I know it’s kind of silly for some, but it’s actually a good option since it’s very easy to carry, transport, and travel with. I’ve also been a paddler for several years so I have no problem with balancing.
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