I used to think inflatable paddleboards were pool toys. I thought hooks and air chambers were a dangerous combination. I was wrong. After paddling a ton of boards, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the versatility and performance of inflatable standup paddleboards.
I was stoked to see Boardworks introduce the new Badfisher SUP. Anglers have been using Boardworks’ utilitarian inflatable design for fishing with great success. The Badfisher offers the same smart hull design with features perfect for a fisherman. Start with Multi Chamber Inflatable Technology. The Badfisher line features two rounded outer air chambers and a flat inflatable deck. The outer chambers act as pontoons, improving tracking and wind- resistance.
The flat center chamber is low and solid to increase stability. A large, removable center skeg and two outer fins help keep the board on course. One of the surprises with inflatable SUPs is how fast the boards move. With little effort, I could scoot along or sit and spin. To improve on this proven design, Badfisher adds smart fishing upgrades. Color is one of the most important considerations, but not for looks.
The Badfisher is dark green with a flat grey non-slip coating on the deck. This keeps the sun from reflecting off the board into the angler’s eyes. A foam pad on the deck is easy on the feet and sheds water. Bungees are attached to beefy D-rings and criss-cross the deck. I can strap down a crate or cooler for longer trips or clip a dry bag and carry a tackle box for quick trips.
Best of all, the Badfisher includes three Scotty accessory mounting pads that are predrilled to accept Scotty’s bases and a long list of rod holders, camera mounts, bait boards and other cool stuff. The board is made of drop-stitched nylon and the nose is reinforced with heavy rubber. It may seem like inflatable boards would be lightweights on the water, but sturdy construction and indestructible materials mean I can paddle, drag and bounce the board places I wouldn’t take a kayak.
The biggest advantage to inflatable boards is transport and storage. The high-volume pump inflates the board in minutes and high-volume valves deflate in seconds. The Badfisher folds up and fits in a backpack. It even comes with a paddle and patch kit to make Boardworks’ Badfisher ready to go.
This article first appeared in the Summer/Fall 2015 print issue of Kayak Angler magazine. For more great kayak fishing content, subscribe to Kayak Angler’s print editions and digital editions, download issues on your device or view this issue for free on your desktop.
