The best paddle board fishing rod holder depends on how you’ll mount it. On an inflatable SUP, a strap-on kit like the SUP Angler Lite clips to your D-rings with no glue or drilling; on a hard board or fishing SUP with mounting points, the Scotty 230 Powerlock is the long-standing favourite.
We haven’t tested these holders hands-on. We chose them from the makers’ specs, Amazon ratings, mounting options that actually work on a paddle board, and whether you can buy them right now. All five holders from the 2021 version of this page are still available, so we’ve kept them and added two picks that solve the biggest SUP problem: where to attach the thing.
Our picks at a glance
- Best for inflatable SUPs: SUP Angler Lite, a strap-on mount that clips to your board’s D-rings.
- Best overall hard mount: Scotty 230 Powerlock, a locking, open-style holder that fits almost any rod.
- Best modular system: Railblaza Rod Holder II & StarPort HD, tool-free on and off with a 5-year warranty.
- Best low-profile holder: Scotty 280 Baitcaster/Spinning, a flat cradle that sits low on the deck.
- Best budget pair: Bekith 2 Pack, two adjustable holders with mounts for under $20.
- Best 2-pack with wide adjustment: HITORHIKE Fishing Rod Holder, nylon holders with 360° rotation.
- Best clamp-on: PLUSINNO Rod Holder, clamps onto an edge up to about 2” thick, such as a crate or cooler rim.
First, check your board. Many fishing SUPs come with gear tracks or Scotty-style mounts already, and those make this easy. On a regular inflatable you can’t drill, so your options are a strap-on mount, a glue-on base, or rod holders on a crate or cooler strapped to the deck.
A strap-on mount that needs no glue or holes
SUP Angler Lite
The SUP Angler Lite is a mounting bar made for paddle boards. You clip its carabiners to your board’s D-rings and ratchet the straps tight; the maker says it takes about 15 seconds. It fits D-rings between 13.5” and 22.5” apart, which covers most SUPs, and has star ports for rod holders, a phone holder or a cup holder.
It’s assembled in Denver with stainless steel hardware. At around 4.5 stars from about 65 Amazon ratings at the time of writing, it’s not as proven as the Scotty holders, but it’s the most SUP-specific option here.
Who it suits: anglers on inflatable boards who don’t want to glue anything to the PVC.
| Spec | SUP Angler Lite |
|---|---|
| Mounting | Straps to D-rings 13.5”–22.5” apart |
| Install time | About 15 seconds (maker’s claim) |
| Accessories | Rod holders, phone and cup holders via star ports |
| Hardware | Stainless steel, marine bungee |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Price | Around $65 at the time of writing |
Pros
- No drilling or glue
- Moves between boards
- Built for SUPs rather than adapted from kayaks
Cons
- Depends on your D-rings being in the right place
- Fewer reviews than the big brands
- Pricier than a single holder
Verdict
The cleanest way to add rod holders to an inflatable paddle board.
The proven, locking all-rounder
Scotty 230 Powerlock Rod Holder
Scotty describes the 230 as its most popular value-priced holder. The open-style cradle holds almost any rod and reel, and a front locking ring stops the rod from bouncing out while you paddle. It comes with Scotty’s 241 combination side/deck mount.
Scotty is the default mounting standard on many fishing boards and kayaks, so if your SUP has Scotty-compatible mounts, this drops straight in.
Who it suits: anglers on fishing SUPs or hard boards with Scotty mounts or a flat spot to bolt a base.
| Spec | Scotty 230 |
|---|---|
| Style | Open cradle with locking ring |
| Inside diameter | 1.95” |
| Mount included | 241 side/deck mount |
| Mount footprint | 4” x 2” x 2” |
| Price | Around $42 at the time of writing |
Pros
- Locking ring keeps the rod in while you move
- Fits nearly any rod and reel
- Huge range of Scotty mounts and accessories
Cons
- The included mount bolts on; inflatables need a glue-on pad instead
- Bulkier than a flat holder
Verdict
Still the one to beat if your board can take a Scotty mount.
Click in, click out, five-year warranty
Railblaza Rod Holder II & StarPort HD
Railblaza’s Rod Holder II slots into a StarPort base and comes out again without tools. It holds baitcaster, spinning, offshore and fly reels, rotates 360° and tilts 90°, and has a rotating collar so a hard strike doesn’t yank the rod out. This kit includes the StarPort HD base, which Railblaza designed to fit the same bolt pattern as Scotty, RAM and other mounts.
On an inflatable, Railblaza sells a RibPort base with 3M adhesive backing that’s designed to stick to inflatable boats without holes. Check with your board’s maker before sticking anything to it.
Who it suits: paddlers who want to move holders around or swap them for other StarPort accessories.
| Spec | Railblaza Rod Holder II |
|---|---|
| Reels | Baitcaster, spinning, offshore, fly |
| Adjustment | 360° rotation, 90° tilt |
| Base | StarPort HD included |
| Material | UV-stabilized, fibreglass-reinforced polymer |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Price | Around $40 at the time of writing |
Pros
- Tool-free on and off
- Longest warranty here
- Big ecosystem of StarPort accessories
Cons
- The base still has to be bolted or glued on
- Stock on this exact kit was low when we checked
Verdict
The most flexible system if you like rearranging your setup.
A flat cradle that keeps things low
Scotty 280 Baitcaster/Spinning Rod Holder
The 280 is a different shape from the 230: a cushioned cradle for a baitcaster, with a front slot for a spinning reel and a soft strap that snaps over the top. The side flange leaves the bottom open so trigger-grip rods fit. It comes with the 241 side/deck mount and weighs about 8 oz.
It sits lower than a tube-style holder, which suits paddle boards, where a tall holder can catch your paddle stroke.
Who it suits: anglers who want a rod close to hand without a tall holder in the way.
| Spec | Scotty 280 |
|---|---|
| Style | Cradle with strap |
| Reels | Baitcaster or spinning |
| Mount included | 241 side/deck mount |
| Weight | About 8 oz |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
| Price | Around $25 at the time of writing |
Pros
- Low profile, less in your way
- Quick to grab the rod
- Cheap for a Scotty
Cons
- Plastic build
- Strap is less secure than a locking ring in rough water
Verdict
A neat pick for smaller boards where deck space is tight.
Two holders for the price of one
Bekith 2 Pack Adjustable Rod Holder
This is a Scotty-style pair at a much lower price: two universal cradles with front locking rings, two combination mounts and stainless hardware. A spring-loaded tension knob lets you adjust the angle quickly, with 360° of movement.
With nearly 2,900 Amazon ratings at 4.4 stars at the time of writing, it’s the most-reviewed holder here.
Who it suits: budget anglers who want two rods ready to go.
| Spec | Bekith 2 Pack |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 2 holders, 2 combination mounts |
| Material | Heavy-duty ABS, stainless hardware |
| Adjustment | 360° with tension knob |
| Weight | About 1.5 lb for both |
| Price | Around $17 at the time of writing |
Pros
- Very cheap for two
- Locking ring like the Scotty design
- Lots of owner reviews
Cons
- Plastic isn’t as tough as Scotty’s nylon
- Mounts need bolting or a glue-on pad
Verdict
The best value if you just want two rod holders and don’t mind a no-name brand.
A nylon 2-pack with wide adjustment
HITORHIKE Fishing Rod Holder
The current HITORHIKE listing is a two-pack of nylon rod holders with screw-on base mounts. They fit spinning, baitcasting and fly reels, rotate 360° horizontally and tilt more than 90°. HITORHIKE sells matching mounts, including track adapters.
It holds 4.5 stars from around 160 ratings at the time of writing.
Who it suits: owners of hard fishing boards who can screw a base to the deck or already have a gear track.
| Spec | HITORHIKE |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 2 holders, 2 base mounts |
| Material | DuPont nylon |
| Adjustment | 360° horizontal, 90°+ vertical |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Price | Around $43 at the time of writing |
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant nylon
- Wide adjustment range
- Matching track mounts available
Cons
- Bases screw on, so not for inflatables as-is
- Costs more than the Bekith pair
Verdict
A solid pair for hard boards and kayaks.
Clamps on instead of bolting down
PLUSINNO Rod Holder (clamp-on)
PLUSINNO’s holder uses a clamp that opens up to about 1.97”, so it grips an edge rather than needing a base. On a paddle board, that usually means clamping it to a milk crate, a cooler rim or a rack strapped to the deck. It comes as a two-pack in ABS with stainless hardware and adjusts 360°.
It’s very popular, with around 4,200 Amazon ratings at 4.3 stars at the time of writing.
Who it suits: anglers who carry a crate or cooler on the deck and want holders without any permanent fitting.
| Spec | PLUSINNO |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 2 |
| Mounting | Clamp, max opening 1.97” |
| Material | ABS, stainless hardware |
| Adjustment | 360° |
| Price | Around $22 at the time of writing |
Pros
- Nothing to glue or drill
- Cheap two-pack
- Moves easily between crate, cooler and boat
Cons
- Needs a firm edge to clamp onto
- Bulkier than a deck-mounted holder
Verdict
The easiest no-drill option if you already strap a crate or cooler to your board.
