Paddle Board Fishing: A New Outdoor Adventure

Paddle Board + Fishing

Fishing from a paddle board isn't as difficult as it looks. If you're eager to combine two hobbies into one, then SUP fishing might be perfect for you!

If you've never fished from a paddle board, you're missing out on another level of adventure. SUP fishing allows you to quietly sneak into hidden coves, enjoy the outdoors, relax, and offers you the choice of discovering ideal fishing spots.

We'll guide you through the basics of SUP fishing and learn about the necessary gear, ideal fishing paddle boards, and more tips to make paddle board fishing your favorite new sport.

Why Fish from a Paddle Board?

Why would I want to fish from a paddle board when I have a boat with a motor or a fishing kayak? Fishing from a paddle board and fishing from a kayak each have their advantages.

Advantages of Paddle Board Fishing

In China, which is easier to achieve and offers a different kind of fishing fun compared to others: owning a yacht for offshore fishing or owning a paddle board for fishing?

Paddle boards are lightweight and easier to transport than boats, and not many boats can be easily stored because they fit in the trunk of a car. When fishing on a paddle board, you have a height advantage, allowing you to better observe the water and fish habitats.

Paddle boards provide you with ample freedom and space to cast your line and store your gear. You are not restricted by a kayak cockpit and can stretch your legs. You get a good workout and fresh air, and you can quietly slip into your favorite fishing hole unnoticed without the noisy motor alerting the fish to your presence. Best of all, fishing with a paddle board is more fun!

Disadvantages of Paddle Board Fishing

SUP fishing has some drawbacks, but most can be avoided with proper planning. Fishing on a stand-up paddle board does require some skill, but if you are a beginner at SUP, master the technique before picking up a fishing rod.

Fishing requires you to maintain balance on a stand-up paddle board while casting, reeling, and catching fish. SUP fishing requires intermediate or advanced paddlers, but with enough practice. SUP fishing requires a stable board; don't overload it to the point of losing your balance. Choose only the necessary equipment and keep it on the paddle board.

Essential Gear for SUP Fishing

Certain gear is essential for SUP fishing, while other gear is nice to have. We will review the best paddle board fishing accessories and explain why each one will improve your day on the water.

Paddle Board

Obviously, you need a paddle board to enjoy SUP fishing. The best fishing paddle boards will have enough storage, attachment points, and action mounts to equip your fishing gear. Fishing rod holders are essential for storing your rods as you paddle to the best location. Solid paddle boards perform better with smoother gliding and tracking, but inflatable paddle boards can give you more overall benefits. Inflatable SUPs are lightweight and easy to fit in the trunk of a car to transport to remote fishing locations, and you can keep it in a SUP backpack.

Regardless of the type of paddle board you choose, make sure it has a wide deck for added stability when using extra fishing gear. Make sure the board's weight capacity can manage not only you, but also keep all of your fishing gear afloat.

Fishing Rod

You won't catch many fish without a fishing rod. Multiple paddle boards can be set up to allow you to carry multiple rods at once. Whether you have multiple rod holders mounted on action mounts, a milk crate with vertical rod holders, or a tackle rack, multiple rods are a good choice so you can choose your favorite "weapon" based on fishing conditions.

Rod Holders

Fishing rod holders allow you to park your rods while paddling. When you need to take a few strokes, you can easily slide the handle of the rod into the holder and then grab it again to cast. Stand-up rod holders make it easy to quickly grab your rod when fish are jumping nearby, but they also make it easy to stow your rod when the wind picks up and you need to paddle.

Bucket

If you are using live bait, don't forget your bait bucket. Small fish buckets can easily be hung on your D-rings and dragged behind the SUP while you fish. If you use a cast net to catch live bait, you will need a bucket to keep it fresh.

Net

There are two types of nets that might come in handy when paddle board fishing. The first is a landing net with an extended handle to scoop up your catch when it reaches the edge of the paddle board. A net prevents you from over-reaching and falling when you need to balance while landing a fish.

Cast nets are another option on paddle boards. After ensuring that cast nets are legal in your area, launch it from your SUP to catch live bait. Put them in the bucket and get ready to fish.

Seat

Want to sit and fish? No problem! With a SUP-to-kayak conversion kit, you can attach a central seat to your SUP and kick your feet up. At the same time, it provides you with the same freedom of movement as well as the ability to stand up when needed.

Dry Bag

If you have extra gear, such as a jacket, hat, or camera, consider using a dry bag to secure your items and keep them dry. A dry bag tightens to seal your valuables inside. It can hold snacks or protect your phone.

Sun Protection

When you're out in the bright sun and reflected light bouncing upward, you'll need sun protection. Pack sunscreen in a dry bag and wear a hat, swimsuit, and sunglasses for added UV protection.

Fanny Pack

A fanny pack is a simple way to keep your favorite lure or spare hooks within easy reach. A fanny pack can hold your pliers to retrieve swallowed hooks or keep your phone nearby so you don't miss capturing great photos.

The Perfect SUP Fishing Setup

The perfect SUP fishing setup depends on how much tackle and gear you need and the size of the paddle board. The key is to distribute the total weight across the board so that one end sinks.

Before you launch your SUP, attach rod holders, cup holders, and possibly your GoPro camera to the action mounts by tightening them into place.

SUP Fishing Tips and Safety

Before heading to deep water, start in shallow water and balance on your knees. Re-arrange your gear to find a comfortable balance, and once you stand confidently, you can start fishing.

Protect Your Gear

Accidents happen, and everyone falls sometimes. To prevent losing gear at the bottom of the lake, make sure to secure it to the SUP before getting in the water. Check your rigging, mounts, and bungee cords to make sure everything is securely attached to your board.

Weather

Monitor weather conditions for a more enjoyable SUP fishing day.

Proper Posture

If you plan to stand for most of your SUP fishing trip, make sure you are comfortable and don't end up with a backache the next day. Stand in the middle of the board with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Don't stand in a surfer's stance, with one foot in front of the other, or you will lose your balance and you will feel muscle aches the next day that you didn't know existed.

Pack Drinks and Snacks

When you are paddling, fishing, and the sun is blazing, don't forget to drink something. Keep a water bottle within easy reach and pack some snacks in a dry bag. When the fishing is good, the last thing you want to do is paddle ashore with a rumbling stomach.