L2Fish Paddle Board Review [Top 3 Pros & Cons]
By: Luke Simonds on December 8, 2018
Found In:
Fishing Tips • Inshore Fishing • Kayak Paddleboard Reviews • Product Reviews • SUP Fishing
The L2Fish Paddle Board
Today we’re going to be doing a review of the popular L2Fish catamaran paddle board.
To begin, this is a really unique board.
I’ve been using it for the past two years so I’ve got a really good feel for everything this board can do (plus a few small downsides).
For the record, we are not sponsored or affiliated with Livewater Sports (the maker of the L2Fish board), so I’m gonna talk about both the pros and the cons (because we are totally unbiased here at Salt Strong and we always try our best to give fair and balanced reviews).
Finally, if you already own one of these boards (or have used one in the past,) I’d love to hear your experience and thoughts in the comment section down below.
Let’s dig in.
Pros Of The L2Fish
image source: https://www.instagram.com/livewatersports/
- This paddle board is SUPER stable (to the point you can catch tarpon with two grown adults on the board like our friends Joey Antonelli and Logan Athey did). I’ve even put my skiff platform on the board to get a couple more feet of elevation and it was still incredibly stable.
- It’s 34-inches wide and almost impossible to flip over with the catamaran style hull
- No drag in the middle of the board
- Not much hull slap (compared to other boards that don’t have a catamaran hull) – very important for sight fishing
- The SUP has tracks up and down each side of the board to easily add in any accessories (YakAttack, etc)
- Comes in numerous colors and even comes in a 14ft version as well called the Expedition (this L2Fish in the review is a 12-footer)
- It weighs 50 pounds so it’s light enough to load, launch, and carry by myself (much lighter than my kayak)
- Can hold 500 pounds of weight (so even with me, my gear, a full cooler, and a dog, this paddleboard still runs smooth)
- Easy to use for any size person (from kids to super heavy or super tall anglers)
- It looks awesome and turns heads (I’ve found it’s a great conversation starter)
Cons Of The L2Fish
https://www.instagram.com/livewatersports/
- The main con is the cost, but then again, you usually get what you pay for… Note: the 12ft version is $2,300 and the 14ft version of this board (The Expedition) is $2600
- Storage (since it’s a little thicker than most boards – because of the amazing catamaran stability – it takes a little more room to store it)
- The 14ft version is a little tougher to transport by yourself
Here’s the video review below.
L2Fish Paddle Board Review [VIDEO]
Did we leave anything out?
What are your thoughts on this board?
Let us know in the comments below.
Conclusion
https://www.instagram.com/livewatersports/
In conclusion, if you don’t like this board, then you probably hate puppies also…
The only real downside is the cost and weight (if you compared it to a super light SUP).
But if you are serious about fishing, if you want a board that can hold all of your gear (plus your cooler and dog), this is the best board we’ve seen on the market.
In fact, we personally own two of them now (Joe just bought a new one for his 40th birthday – in black – it looks awesome).
So what are your thoughts on the L2Fish board?
Let us know in the comments below.
Tight lines!
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I have a bote and am a big guy, so when I try and put my dog or to much stuff on board it starts to lose it’s stability. I always wondered about the L2 as it looks equally fun but more stable…..now what am I going to do? Thanks for the review
Hopefully you can find an L2Fish dealer near you who allows for demos… the best way to know is to actually get on one.
Hi Luke, have you done or are you planning any reviews on any of the solo skiffs? Thanks
I have still never fished from one, but I’m definitely interested in trying one out so will make sure to keep my eyes open for an opportunity to fish from one.
Great, I’ll keep an eye out for that video….I’m seriously thinking of building one this winter. Thanks
Would I be able to take this down a river fairly easily?
I guess it depends on what river… I wouldn’t want to be on any paddle board if some serious rapids are involved. But if a normal river without dangerous rapids, then yes:)
You should really try the L4 and see how much more stable and fish ability it is. I love my L4 and I’ve paddled in chop and fish all over the lower Laguna madre. It’s worth every penny.
John at Live Water Sports and his team know what they are doing.
My Kayak is made by Expandacraft made in St. Pete. 12’ long 4’ wide . 2 pontoons in 3 sections each. Deck is 8’ trolling motor , cooler, 5 gallon pale, seat, break down fits into my suv. Cost less then your board. Call Wes at 1-813-810-2554
Best Regards
John Martin
Hey Luke, what shallow fin are you using? Or if we cut the stock fin, how much should be left behind?
I have a specialty fin on mine, but I don’t recommend them because they are expensive and not needed. I recommend just cutting down the stock fins. My guess is that a 3″ to 4″ fin would be ideal… prob start big, and trim it down in small increments until you feel that it’s on the cusp of not tracking well.
I bought smaller flexible fins off Amazon for mine for shallow water
I remember seeing something about the possibility of Insiders getting a discount on these paddle boards. Does anyone know anything about that? Thanks, Brent
It is still a possibility, but still trying to work out the specifics. They are getting a ton of orders, so their team has been totally slammed lately.
Hi, Luke .I love this cat board ,but I have bad legs and was wondering if their is any way to paddle this board sitting down,like on the board or sitting on a cooler or do they make a seat . Love Salt Strong and its people ! Thanks Dan.
Hey Dan, yes, this board can definitely be paddled while sitting down. If fishing on a windy day, I always bring a kayak paddle too so that I can paddle into the wind much easier by sitting down (lower wind resistance) and having the extra blade.
I sit on the deck for punching into the wind, and I’ll set on a cooler when taking a break from standing while paddling from one spot to another.
The toughest part about taking it out would be the launch because it’s bulky and weighs a solid 55 lbs, but there surely is a set of wheels that can attach to it to save from long carries across land.
Have had my L2 several years, it’s my favorite board. Bit of advice, do NOT buy the Boonedox Landing gear sold for this board. I did, installed as instructed, and it broke my board at the yak attack points the first use. Called Boonedox, and they said not their problem, told me to call Jon back at L2 and have him fix it, and said that he may have some way to attach their wheels without it breaking the board.
Jon went out of his way to fix my board, for something that was caused by another manufacturer, and bottom line, their product can NOT be used on this board without causing damage. Jon had a set of wheels he was providing me for evaluation, I’ll let you know how they work out.
Thanks for the review.
P.S. Any tips you can provide on shortening the fins/replacing with shorter compatible alternates would be great. Reluctant to cut them without further info.
Thanks for leaving the tip about the boonedox landing gear!
I have heard of people cutting the surfboard style fins in half with a hacksaw for a quick an inexpensive way to get shallower. I got the specialized fins for going shallow, but I think I’d like the half surfboard fins better because the ones I have make it tough to turn… I had a fin fall off one day over a year ago, and I realized that using just the one fin allowed for the right amount of tracking and turning for me so I didn’t bother replacing it.
I have 3 kayaks I use for fishing a free Lure 13.5 standup, another 12 foot stand up and another that I really don’t use that much anymore. I come to St. Pete to fish occasionally and being 68 yrs. old carrying and launching these kayaks take a bunch of fun out of the beginning of the fishing day, plus reinstalling at the end of the trip. This is why I started checking out SUP for fishing. I am somewhat leaning toward the L2 board. Just a suggestion, maybe an improvement, why doesn’t the L2 manufacturers design or put in a paddle slit in the top of the board like other board makers. Maybe there is a market for an aftermarket modification to install one for the DIY’er. Read all your blogs, hoping to get as good at fishing as you guys.
Thanks for the kind words Clifford! I totally agree that the paddle holder feature would be a nice improvement. The good news is that the little tape-on things I put on mine have worked surprisingly well and I believe they were just $1 for a bunch of them… I was expecting them to be falling off a lot since they constantly get wet, but they’ll all held strong for over a year now.
I would really like to see a review of the Bote Rover. Any chance in that?
I’ll see if I can get my hands on one. They look cool. My worry is that their heft and bulk make them tough to launch and/or store.
At 81 years young, I’ll stick with my 16-ft fishing skiff and Suzuki OB. They get me out on the Sarasota Bay flats fast – and equally fast when the thunderclouds and the thunder-maker lightning roll in. I do NOT like that stuff!
I love my L2. So much so, I just bought a 2nd one. They track well, super light, incredibly stable. I’m 6’2 @ 225 lbs and I walk around like I’m on solid ground. Outfitted with an Engle 30 with rod holders, aerator, and net liner. Great inside fishing platform.
hay Luc,
check out Expandacraft.com much stability one could ever want. breaks down and fits in your pickup truck. Cheap and wonderful craft.
a game changer Luc
Ever use it in the surf?
Does this have to stored flat or can it be stored on its side?
I store mine on its side. I believe that they are sturdy enough to be stored in pretty much any orientation.
Thanks….. I like them…. never used one…… thought they might bend if it’s on its side to long.
I have a boat, kayak, plus an L2Fish and I find myself using the L2Fish more frequently for its many fishing advantages. Stable, quiet, super skinny, straight track, easy clean up at the end of the day and on and on. Would luv some Manta Racks one day!
I’m curious about how the board performs is a light breeze. Do you wind up with a lot of sideways drift?
How much breeze can it take before you decide not to use it, or is it just usable on calmer days? And, do you find it as easy to paddle as your older Starboard?
Luke,
Do you use any fins on the bottom of the board or run it bare? I demoed an L4Expedition with fins. Tracked awesome, faster than I expected under paddle but seemed really hard to maneuver.
I got a unique fin that’s designed for getting shallow. It tracked too good with them both, so I took one off and I feel that it now has the right amount of tracking and turning capabilities now.
The other option if you feel it’s tracking too well is to cut down the fins to be just a few inches tall… this helps decrease the tracking while also helping you get into shallower water too.
Hey Luke, what kind of wading shoes do you use? Have you ever done a review?
I mostly just use the cheap wading boots that I get at Bass Pro (neoprene sides with rubber bottom). If I don’t have that, I’ll use an old pair of tennis shoes and socks.
Academy has wading boots that are an exceptional value. The are there Magellan brand and have front and size zipper styles. Have been very happy with mine. Better zippers tha Bass Pro.
One of the cons of a paddleboard has to be the lack of space for gear – fishing tackle/small tackle box, life preserver, rain gear, clothes storage for cold mornings, fish storage, landing net. I am sure that you are right that this is a good/excellent paddle board but for practicality, a kayak has more options, storage and dare I say safety.
Yes, I agree that storage capacity is an issue for those who like to pack on a lot of gear… not as much room as kayaks. The way to get more storage is to bring an extra cooler or a milk crate.
Nice review, has anyone checked out the Bote Rover. How about a review on the Bote Rover?
The Bote Rover is a different category in my opinion… it’s designed to have a motor on it. If thinking about getting it vs. the L2Fish for paddling (no motor), the L2Fish is an easy decision in my opinion because the Rover is much more heavy (listed at 100lbs), and it will surely have more hull slap given the flared front.
Thanks for the review, Luke. These boards are definitely nice.
My pleasure Eric!
Where can I get the igloo with attached rod holders?
Do a Google Search for the ENGEL 19 Quart With Rod Holder. Plenty of vendors out there. They are super nice. The rod holders are SOOOOO handy as Luke explains in the video.
I bought an Engel a few years back. a couple months after purchase the top discolored to yellow. I contacted the company and was directed to their website to submit an inquiry. over 2 years later I am still waiting … would not recommend this (Engel) company.
Thanks Eric
Hey Wayne,
I just recently purchased this cooler/drybox from Academy Sports and Outdoors and I’m really liking it. It is almost identical to the Engel coolers but has more features, and doesn’t cost as much:
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/magellan-outdoors-30-qt-insulated-bait-dry-box
Thanks Tony; good to know.
I really like this post and the review you did of the paddle board. I have more of a question really. Have you ever had a 55yr or older person on the board? I am stable on my feet for sure, but my reactions to recovery are slower than when I was younger. That sounds funny, but if I feel like I’m going over at all by the time I begin my recovery I might over compensate and suddenly find myself a member of the Poseidon club of which all of my friends currently are. I have not as of yet joined that particular club and would prefer not to. If you have this board at the Christmas party I’d love to give it a ride if you’re okay with that.
I can stand in my kayak and I am 61. It isn’t a matter of age but balance. This board looks super stable.
I have seen many 55+ year olds paddle boarding. I absolutely recommend it for anyone willing to give it a try. My balance is better now that when I was in my teens from spending time on the paddle board. Plus, it’s a great core workout.
Yeah the L2 is very stable even for us old folks. I’m 65 and have ALS (Lou Gerhrigs disease) and have very little balance anymore. But I still get out on my L2. I use a Yeti 35 to sit on and a Yak Attack Command Stand in front of me. I can sit on the cooler and use the Command Stand to pull myself up when I want to look for fish or cast. I have 9” fins for cruising and a couple 3” fins skinny water fishing. Also use a 8’ ParknPole and a twin bladed Chinook paddle (like a kayak paddle but longer). Still have room for a rod and a tackle backpack
My brother is 69 and has no problems using it without any of the stuff I need. When we first started looking at them he took one out for a trial and could stand on the gunnel and not turn it over. Watersports West in Largo, Florida helped me rigg one up with the equipment I need to make it work for me.
Joe,
I am 63 and love my L2fish board. I can lift it myself and find it extremely stable and easy to paddle. I store it sideways in my garage using a simple hoist arrangement. I have a Yetti 40 cooler as well as a Yak attack box with four rod holders and a micro Power Pole on the board. Perfect for me. If the wind starts howling, – it can get a bit exhausting paddling into it , otherwise no issues.
Hey Luke…….I still don’t understand why anyone would choose a paddle board over a super stable stand up kayak. But what do i know. Anyhow, looks like it has a great diving platform for Otis.
Happy Holidays, guys.
I can state my opinion on this, as I have a paddle board and not a kayak. For me, it is the “portability” benefit. I have a Red Paddle Company board, and it is an inflatable board. I currently am a “part-time Floridian” and have a condo and don’t have storage space for a kayak and don’t have a good-size vehicle to transport a kayak. So, I can keep the paddle board in my condo closet and transport it even in a small car as it is the size of a large golf bag.
Plus, I use my two paddle boards for recreational use, too, with my kids.
So, kayaks are definitely nice, but paddle boards have a lot of versatile uses and benefits, too.
I prefer paddle boards over kayaks because of how much easier they are to handle/launch. A kayak that has the stability and paddling performance of a paddle board like this would likely weight 80 lbs or more and be more bulky too. I have yet to find a kayak that I can walk down into the water with just one arm.
Yes, Otis definitely views the board as a diving platform… here’s one of the last trips I took him on with the board given how many times he jumped in: https://youtu.be/Msu3jDoCw0Y
Thanks Luke….The older I get, the more highly I value staying warm, dry and comfortable. I’ll leave stand up paddling and jumping off paddle boards to you young guys. Have a great holiday season.