In this article we show you the best SUP fishing coolers, including both the hard and soft type as well as answering some of those important cooler questions!
Stand up paddle (SUP) fishing has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Not only is it an excellent way to get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors, but it also allows anglers to access hard-to-reach fishing spots.
One of the most important items for any SUP fishing excursion is a high-quality cooler to keep your catch and drinks cold.
How Do You Secure Your Cooler To Your Fishing SUP?
When it comes to SUP fishing, securing your cooler to your board is essential to prevent it from shifting or falling off during your trip.
Here are some ways to secure your cooler to your fishing SUP:
Bungee Cords
Many fishing SUPs come with bungee cords that run along the deck of the board.
You can use these bungee cords to secure your cooler to the board.
Simply place the cooler on the board, thread the bungee cord through the handles of the cooler, and secure it by looping the bungee cord over the top of the cooler.
Tie-Down Straps
Tie-down straps are another great option for securing your cooler to your fishing SUP.
To use tie-down straps, place the cooler on the board and wrap the straps around the cooler and the board.
Tighten the straps until the cooler is secure and won’t shift during your trip.
Cooler Mounts
Some fishing SUPs come with built-in cooler mounts that allow you to secure your cooler to the board using brackets, clips or even velcro.
These mounts are usually designed to fit specific cooler brands, so make sure to check if your cooler is compatible with your board’s mounts before purchasing.
Deck Pads
Some fishing SUPs have deck pads with built-in straps or bungee cords that can be used to secure your cooler to the board.
Simply place the cooler on the pad, thread the straps through the handles of the cooler, and secure them in place.
No matter which method you choose, make sure that your cooler is securely fastened to your board before heading out on the water.
A Hard Or Soft Cooler For SUP Fishing?
Here are some factors to consider when deciding between a hard or soft cooler for SUP fishing:
Durability
One of the biggest differences between hard and soft coolers is their durability.
Hard coolers are typically made of plastic or metal, which makes them extremely tough and resistant to damage.
Soft coolers, on the other hand, are made of materials like nylon or canvas, which are not as durable as hard cooler materials.
If you plan on using your cooler in rough conditions or carrying it long distances, a hard cooler may be a better choice.
Portability
Another factor to consider when choosing a cooler for SUP fishing is portability.
Soft coolers are generally lighter and easier to carry than hard coolers.
Many soft coolers also have shoulder straps or backpack-style straps, which make them easy to carry on your back or shoulder before you start using your SUP.
If you plan on carrying your cooler a long way or if you have limited space on your SUP, a soft cooler may be a better option.
Ice Retention
The ability to keep ice for a long time is important when it comes to keeping your catch and drinks cold on a fishing trip.
Hard coolers are generally better at ice retention than soft coolers because they have thicker walls and better insulation.
If you plan on being out on the water for a long time or if you need to keep your catch and drinks cold for several days, a hard cooler may be a better choice.
Capacity
The size and weight of your cooler is also an important consideration when choosing a cooler for SUP fishing.
Hard coolers come in a wide range of sizes, from small personal coolers to large party coolers.
Soft coolers are generally smaller than hard coolers, but they come in a variety of sizes as well.
If you need to carry a lot of drinks or a large catch, a hard cooler may be a better choice.
Price
Price is always a consideration when making a purchase, and coolers are no exception.
Hard coolers are generally more expensive than soft coolers, but they also tend to be more durable and better at ice retention.
Soft coolers are generally less expensive, but they may not last as long or keep ice as well as hard coolers.
The Best SUP Coolers For Fishing
Engel 19 Quart Drybox/Cooler with Rod Holders
The Engel 19 Quart Drybox/Cooler with Rod Holders comes in this 15 litre size and a larger 28 liter size.
The 15 litre size that we used carries 30 x 12oz cans and can hold four fishing rods.
As well as the white color, it also comes in tan.
It has a carrying handle as seen in the photo and a shoulder strap so you can easily carry it to your SUP.
This is a solid yet lightweight option with a nice 5 year warranty for some peace of mind.
Igloo Trailmate Wheeled Cooler
The Igloo Trailmate Wheeled Cooler is not a small cooler so you will definitely need one of the bigger more stable fishing SUPs.
It has a massive 66 liter capacity and the two fishing rod holders.
The off road wheels make it extremely versatile if it is hard going getting to the place where you are launching your SUP.
Excellent insulation kept our ice from melting for a whole 5 days and it has excellent small pockets and nets for storing your fishing gear.
Aquaglide Fishing Cooler
The Aquaglide Fishing Cooler is a great option if you are looking for a lighter weight more minimalist cooler.
With this fishing cooler you get 8.5 liters of space in the main compartment, 4 fishing rod holders, 3 separate smaller pockets for your tackle and lures and even a clear top pocket for a map or license.
This cooler has a velcro bottom which fits directly to Aquaglide kayaks but there are plenty of lashing points so you can secure the cooler to any fishing SUP.
YETI Side Mounted Fishing Tackle Unit
The YETI Side Mounted Fishing Tackle Unit isn’t a cooler in its own right but you require a Yeti cooler to use it!
Yeti coolers are arguably the best coolers on the market and seem to be better insulated and keep things cooler than the other leading brands.
This fishing add on is brilliantly designed with two fishing rod holders, a plier holder, a knife holder and a tray for all your lures.
The unit is compatible with all Yeti coolers so you can choose the size of your cooler depending on the length of your trip and / or the size of your fishing SUP.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are a limited number of devoted stand up paddle fishing coolers on the market, but each has its own unique set of features and benefits.
When choosing a cooler, it’s important to consider your specific needs and the type of fishing you’ll be doing.
Whether you’re looking for a compact, soft cooler or a larger wheeled cooler, there’s sure to be an option that’s perfect for your next SUP fishing adventure.
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