10 SUP Fishing Accessories [Smart Gear List]

sup fishing accessories
Inflatable paddle board rigged for fishing

Paddle Board Fishing Accessories

Fishermen love gear. But you have limited space on a paddle board. So when you’re creating a SUP fishing setup you need to prioritize.

When it comes to fishing accessories for paddle boards my philosophy is “less is more.” Sure, you can load up your paddle board with every type of fishing gear on the market. But for me, and many other anglers, keeping things simple enhances the SUP fishing experience.

There are paddle board brands that specialize in fishing boards. Like Bote Paddle boards. These paddle boards have mounts for adding all kinds of accessories. But don’t think you have to buy one of these boards. While they are nice, you can fish off any paddle board that provides a stable platform.

…keeping things simple enhances the SUP fishing experience.

I am going to assume you are bringing a flotation device, ankle leash, emergency whistle, water and first aid kit. In case you’re not sure the Coast Guard does require you wear a personal flotation device.

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Read: Rigging an Inflatable Paddle Board for Fishing

Read: Inflatable Paddle Boards with Trolling Motor Mounts

Read: Best Inflatable SUPs for Fishing

Pro Tip: Wear This When SUP Fishing

Recommended SUP Fishing Accessories

  • Rod Holder
  • Cooler
  • Deck Bag
  • Small Tackle Bag
  • Small Watertight Storage Box
  • Polarized Sunglasses
  • Sun Hat
  • Anchor
  • Deck Light
  • PFD

1. Rod Holders

There are inflatable paddle boards that are made for fishing and come with rod holders. But the good news is that you can add rod holders to your existing inflatable. There are two ways to go:

A. Zomchain Rod Holder & Mount

Zomchain makes a nice rod holder with mount. The Zomchain will rotate 360 degrees vertically and horizontally. And it has a locking mechanism to keep your rod secure. Adhesive must be purchased separately. Do your own research on adhesive for inflatable boats and buy the best.

Zomchain Rod Holder & Mount for sup fishing
ZOMCHAIN Kayak Fishing Holder, Kayak Rod Holder Mount, Adjustable 360 Degree on amazon
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3M 05203 Marine Adhesive/Sealant 5200, White on amazon
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HH-66 PVC Vinyl Cement Glue with Brush 8oz on amazon

B. Scotty Mounts

Scotty Mounts are always a good choice and they make a glue-on pad for inflatables. Then you need to buy a Scotty Mount. Then you add your Scotty Rod Holder. Once you have a mount installed you can add a Scotty Sounder Mount for a fish finder. Cool.

scotty mounts for sup fishing
Scotty #341-BK Glue-On Pad For Inflatable Boats on amazon
scotty mount rod holder for sup fishing
Scotty Rod Holder Mount on amazon
scotty rod holder for sup fishing
Scotty #229-BK Power Lock Rod Holder on amazon
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Scotty #368 Universal Sounder Mount on amazon

2. DIY Do it Yourself Rod Holders

You can mount rod holders to an existing cooler or a plastic milk crate. Milk crates seem to work well. You can zip-tie pvc pipe in the corners for rod holders. I see them strapped on a lot of fishing sup boards. Personally I like a cooler because it can double as a seat.

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10 SUP Fishing Accessories [Smart Gear List] 6
Rod holder brackets
cooler with rod holders for sup fishing

Engel 19 qt. cooler w/ rod holders
paddle board milk crate fishing rod holders

3. Paddle Leash (for your paddle and/or fishing rod)

Imagine that somehow your paddle went overboard and you lost it. Not a good thought. You need someway of securing your paddle.

Another option is a paddle leash you attach to your SUP board. You can use this leash to secure your paddle, fishing rod or anything else you want on the deck of your paddle board. I use one for a tripod I like to keep on my deck. And I use one to secure my GoPro if the mount should fail.

sup paddle holder

4. Small Tackle Bag

You don’t need a giant tackle box on a SUP. Think of what you truly need and have a few back ups. There are some great small tackle bags that you can strap to your board or carry yourself with a shoulder strap.

small tackle bag for sup fishing

Blisswill Tackle Bag

5. A Watertight Case (for your wallet, cell phone and keys)

It’s a good idea to bring a cell phone but you want to make sure it comes back working. I suggest you strap this down tight to your board by itself. I wouldn’t put in in my tackle box. If you carry your wallet, cell phone and keys in this box you want to make it 100% secure.

watertight box

6. Polarized Sunglasses and a Sun Hat

When you’re fishing on a SUP you have a great height advantage. Be sure and bring a pair of polarized sunglasses to help you spot the fish. It’s great fun paddling with polarized sunglasses on. Plus it will reduce glare and protect your eyes.

And don’t forget a sun hat or you will end up burnt reynolds.

sup hat
polarized sunglasses

7. Dry Bag (for basic storage)

You might want to bring food, water, an extra shirt if it gets cool or anything else. I like a cooler but a milk crate works. And there some nice waterproof deck bags or dry bags you can strap to you board deck.

Read: My favorite dry bags

sup dry bag

8. SUP Stabilizers

My paddle board is wide and stable so I have never used stabilizers. If you have a narrow paddle board, or your balance is not that good you may want to invest in a pair. You should never fall when SUP fishing. Falling is something I never want to worry about. If I had a problem balancing on my SUP when fishing I would buy stabilizers.If things get wobbly check out this

sup stabilizers
Airhead sup stabilizers

9. SUP Board Deck Light

If you like to get out on the water at dawn or push it hard at dusk you will need a light. It’s best to go with a bright light you can mount right on your deck. Like the Kayalu Kayak Light.

On top of that you might want to wear a headlamp for hand free illumination. Headlamps work well and make you look cool at the same time.

paddle board deck light
Kayalu Kayak Light

10. Bring an Anchor

.There is a time and place for drifting. With experience you will understand the wind and currents and be able to drift over the spots you want to fish. Other times you do not want to drift. If you hook a good size fish it can pull you right over the other fish and spook them.

sup anchor


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