Affordable, Fun, Fish-Ready SUP: Retrospec June Review

I was initially skeptical of inflatable fishing paddleboards and kayaks. Like many people unfamiliar with inflatable paddleboards and kayaks, I thought it would pop the first time I stabbed it with a stick, ran across some rocks, or had a lure come flying back at warp speed and embed itself in the side. 

After testing several inflatable watercraft, I can confidently say that these are significantly tougher than the pool floaties they are often lumped with, and that includes the Retrospec June iSUP. Over the last few months, I’ve fished with it on my pond, local lake, and creeks to reach spots I can’t from the shore. 

In short: The Retrospec June Fishing iSUP is everything anglers need to get on the water, without breaking the bank. It’s lightweight, making it easy to pack in your vehicle or hike to a secluded fishing hole. The six-point front and four-point rear bungee storage help keep your gear from sliding off, even in rough water. The 320-pound weight capacity means you can bring enough gear and your favorite beverages for a great day of fishing.

This inflatable SUP has handled everything I’ve thrown at it so far, but it’s not perfect.

Retrospec June Fishing iSUP Review

As I unboxed the Retrospec June fishing paddleboard, I appreciated how little plastic was used in the packaging. Instead, Retrospec used a thin, cloth-like material to reduce single-use plastic waste while protecting the new product. 

One reason the minimal plastic packaging is so impressive is the number of accessories that come enclosed in the cloth protective packaging with this paddleboard; it has almost everything you need to safely get on the water (you will still need a life vest).

I felt like Santa Claus pulling toys from his bag as I pulled accessory after accessory from the box. I was worried that they wouldn’t all fit into the carrying case, but those fears quickly subsided when I still had room after placing everything into the bag and zipping it up.

Build Quality

As I mentioned, the Retrospec June iSUP is much more durable than a pool floatie. I’ve stabbed it with sticks, dragged it across rocks, jumped on it like a trampoline, had hooks come flying back to hit it, and it hasn’t popped yet. 

It’s constructed from dual-layer, puncture-resistant AerGlide-Fusion technology. This is Retrospec’s version of durable PVC that’s commonly used in inflatable watercraft. As long as you take proper care of it, especially storing it out of the extreme elements, it should last you many seasons of paddling and fishing.

On-the-Water Performance

On the maiden voyage, I struggled to install one of the small front fins. After becoming frustrated, I noticed the mounting bracket had been installed incorrectly. Other than looking a little goofy, it hasn’t significantly affected the handling. It still tracks straight and turns when I need it to. However, it catches weeds when I’m paddling in shallow vegetation, which makes paddling more challenging.

As I stepped onto the board for the first time, I noticed that it had a little more give than I expected (I’m not a large individual at 160 pounds), despite inflating the June iSUP to the maximum recommended pressure of 15 psi. However, it’s still very stable. I set the hook multiple times while standing without falling in, and I easily turned around to retrieve my gear from the YakAttack Blackpack Pro sitting behind the seat.

Speaking of the seat, it’s reasonably comfortable, as long as you don’t fully inflate it. I shoot for 6 psi, so it has a little give and extra cushion for my butt. The seat sits a little low, which makes standing from the seated position a little awkward, but by no means impossible.

This paddleboard has withstood a few windy Oklahoma days on my pond and at the lake, but it’s at its best when the water is relatively calm, which is why I love taking it to the creek or a slow-moving river.

What the June Fishing iSUP Does Well

The June Fishing iSUP is stable, yet maneuverable, two qualities that don’t typically coexist. While the fishing features are far more limited than my fishing kayak, they still give anglers the opportunity to customize the board, load it with their fishing gear, and reach new spots. 

I truly appreciate all the accessories that come with this SUP. It makes it easy to transition from a bank angler to a SUP or kayak angler. I also love how versatile this board is with and without the seat. It can be used as a fishing vessel or a paddleboard for a fun day at the lake with the family, without bankrupting you. 

I find the $540 price tag very reasonable. It’s about half the price of several other inflatable fishing paddleboards I’ve tested, offering similar features and accessories.

Where I See Room for Improvement

Two primary areas where I see the Retrospec June Fishing iSUP can be improved are in the quality control department and the rigidity of the board. I was sent this product to test, and the fact that I received a board with a severe defect suggests that mistakes will occur.

You should be aware that QC may miss things. You may need to contact customer support to determine what can be done, all the while missing out on fun times on the water. 

I would also prefer to have a stiffer, more rigid board. This would help improve the handling, making the board a little faster and feel more stable while standing. 

Who Should Buy It

While Retrospec claims the June Fishing Inflatable Paddleboard is for everyone, I would disagree. I believe it’s perfect for someone looking to get off the bank in their first fishing paddleboard or kayak. It’s easier to store than a hard-sided paddleboard or kayak, and it has some fishing features that most anglers will find very helpful. 

Serious anglers will find that it’s missing several helpful features, such as removable gear tracks, and it lacks customizability. It’s also not quite comfortable enough to fish from all day (after a few hours, my butt starts to get sore).  

It’s a great beginner board. The weekend warrior won’t have too many complaints while fishing from it. But, if you’re a serious angler, the Retrospec June iSUP likely isn’t the board for you.

Retrospec June Fishing iSUP: Final Verdict

The Retrospec June Fishing iSUP won’t be my primary fishing kayak/paddleboard, but it will remain in my fleet for when a friend who doesn’t have one wants to join me on a fishing adventure. I’ll also have it handy when camping, as it’s much easier to transport than my hard-sided fishing kayak. 

This board is priced well for the quality of the board and the accessories you receive. Unless you just abuse it, the June Fishing Paddleboard should last you for years of fishing expeditions.