Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) For Fishing: Where to start

by THE SUP OUTLET

Stand-up paddle boards are a fun and easy way to get into the water. They're light, tough, and stable, with an excellent turning ability that makes them perfect for fishing in tight backwaters or offshore areas where other types of boats can't go! Follow these helpful tips from avid anglers about stand-up paddle boards for fishing.

Fishing rod

Source: Photo by Andrey Trusov on Unsplash  

 

What Is A Sup Board For Fishing?

SUP fishing is like no other form of traditional or alternative catching. You are fully immersed in nature as you glide across the water, feeling its currents beneath your feet and capturing all that surrounds you with a rod and reel combo for an experience unlike any other.

Paddling a SUP is like fishing, with one exception: you don't need special licenses. If you’re thinking about fishing in Canada, then checking your provinces rules is highly suggested. For example, in Ontario, there are two ways to fish (licensed). With an Outdoors card, you can purchase longer sport fishing licenses, those start from 1-3 years. Or, if you just want a day license, you can pay $12.21 + tax.

 

Types Of Sup Board For Fishing?

There are two main types of sup board for fishing: epoxy and inflatable. A hard/epoxy board is sturdy and solid. In contrast, inflatable ones can easily be inflated or deflated as needed to suit your needs- whether that means transportation during fishing season or storage when not using them outdoors often enough. Despite ourselves specializing in inflatable SUP, we will note that it’s important to think about your hooks. The last thing you want is a slow puncture due to a hook sticking in your board. It’s handy that every board comes with a repair kit, but it’s good to know to get the best enjoyment out of your day. 

 

Benefits Of Using SUP Boards For Fishing

So why use a stand-up paddle board when you can sit on the river bank or lakeside? Paddling offers heaps of advantages for fishermen:

  • You can see clearer than ever before! The elevated position gives you an advantage over the fish because they're at your feet.
  • The lightweight and portable nature of inflatable SUPs make them an attractive alternative to their heavier counterparts. In addition, since these boards do not require any fastening equipment, they tend to be more space-saving than other types.
  • The fish are sure to be caught without noise or splashing, just perfect your paddle stroke technique, and you'll have them in your net before long.
  • The boards are so easy to transport that you don't need a trailer. You can either load it onto a vehicle's roof rack or, if you have an inflatable stand-up paddle board setup, store it away in the back for easy access when needed.
  • It's the perfect way to get you out on the water fishing!

 

SUP Boards For Fishing Vs. Kayaks: The Differences, What Is The Best For You?

There's nothing more relaxing than fishing, but the activity's fun factor is impacted by which vessel you choose to fish from. Here are some things that will make SUP better for your angling adventure and why kayak-fishing doesn't cut it!

Kayaker fishing

Source: Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash 

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Fishing Versatility

A fishing kayak may be a great way to reach more places on the water than you would from land, but that's about where the attributes end. The paddle board allows more options. It also has an extra benefit in making casting easier because of its wide range of motion.

The convenience of the paddle board is that you can pivot 360 degrees in an instant just on your feet, whereas with a fishing kayak, it would take a moment or two to turn around. SUPs also provide more options because they allow for both spin-fishing and fly fishing since we're able to bring extra gear along while still being flexible enough to change positions at any time.

 

Vantage Point

We think Paddleboards are the best way to fish because you can stand up and see everything in front of your board. Would you rather have a view from down low or 5 to 6 feet in the air?

 

Maneuverability

It's hard to beat the versatility of a stand-up paddleboard when you want something that can handle different conditions. They're nimble and light, enabling them to fit in with whatever scenario is sent their way, from shallow water near the beache or around rocks - all without stability being sacrificed. You can also tie off an anchor with a bow line to keep you from drifting. 

 

Space For Gear

Kayaks are also great, but not so much when it comes to storage. Built-in capabilities vary from model and cannot often adjust quickly on demand, making them difficult or inconvenient depending on what you're trying to do with your boat.

The fishing SUP is the perfect vehicle to take your tackle and gear on an adventure. You can use bungees, rope, twine, Scotty rod mounts, or other attachments to ensure that everything stays safe. Filled with the motivation to move around more freely while fishing? Detached bungees and clear out space on your board for extra empty real estate. You can be as mobile or immobile as you want.

 

Storage On Land

The process of storing your kayak can be a frustrating and time-consuming one. Don’t get us wrong, we love kayaks! But they can be bulky and sometimes need 2 people to move them depending on the size, taking up too much space in every location that you try to keep them at home or outdoors.

Paddleboards are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether by water or on land. If your inflatable paddle board fishing doesn't fit into those tight spaces, don't worry - just deflate it and tuck away! 

Paddleboard vs. Kayak fishing: A paddler's choice

Kayakers have the edge regarding comfort and stability, but if you're after some thrilling adventures on the water, go ahead with a stand-up paddle board that will take your fishing experience up another level entirely.

 

Group of paddleboards

Source: Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash  

 

How To Set Up Sup Board For Fishing

If you want maximum enjoyment from your paddle boarding experience, then make sure that all of these essentials are included in what will be needed for an excellent setup: A sturdy SUP, a rod with a reel attached, and a lure or bait. There's no need whatsoever to waste time finding more stuff because we've got everything covered here:

 

Paddle Board

The first thing you need for SUP fishing is a paddle board. A big and wide one will give better stability while on the water. The best part about having such ample deck space? You can bring all sorts of gear along, too - from nets & tridents right down through lines/bait collection kits.

 

Fishing Rod

You need a fishing rod to catch these fish. I mean, come on, what else would you expect?

Fishing with a rod over a hand line is often more productive, as you can fish from greater distances and explore deeper water. Size matters! A small fishing rod and reel will make it easier for you.

 

Rod Holders

The great thing about mounting a rod holder on your board is that it frees up both hands so you can navigate into the perfect spot while keeping the rods in reach. Plus, this allows for more time spent enjoying what's happening out there with friends and family.

 

Paddle Holder

The paddle holder is both revolutionary and genius! It’s quite simple really, it’s an attachment for your paddle. You can pick them up at a relatively affordable price and clip them on to your D rings so you can go hands free and relax

 

Tackle and Cooler Box

Greater stability is assured when you have a larger board. Bring all your gear with you, including tackle and more fantastic boxes! Secure them using the d-rings or bungee cords.

The hard shell of the box makes an excellent seat while doubling up as protection for your paddle board. This is a great space-saving trick if you have one that's just slightly smaller than others in size.

 

PFD

Always wear a PFD when paddling, even if you are on an inflatable board. It’s a requirement in Canada unless you have it on your board, a throw bag and a whistle, so do some research before going out.

 

Anchor

Anchors are a fishing life saver! When an angler drifts along in their boat without any kind of anchor attached to either side (or front) then all sorts can happen: Sometimes, you'll find yourself drifting too far past a good spot and need an anchor so that movement won't spook fish or get in their way as they feed nearby.

 

Net And Bucket

Net and bucket are a must-have for any fishing trip, not just on paddle boards! You'll need somewhere to put your catch during the session. And you never know when it will come in handy (and cool) to use one as a scooping net or catching fish underwater.

 

bucket of fish

Source: Photo by Jairo Alzate on Unsplash  

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Conclusion

Whether you're looking for a stand-up paddle board for fishing or just want some advice on how best to use your time while out there, we hope this article has been helpful. Wear a life jacket when out there -stay safe while paddling around, it's going to be a fun time outdoors this summer.

 

Featured image: Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash 

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