Fishing is all about finding that sweet spot where the fish are biting. But what if you could move your fishing spot around? That’s what paddle board fishing lets you do. You can glide quietly on the water, right to where the fish are.
It’s like mixing two fun water activities into one. You’re not stuck on the beach or in a loud boat. Instead, you’re standing on a board, feeling the water move under you, and able to look all around.
Paddle board fishing helps you get closer to nature. You can go into shallow spots that boats can’t reach. You can sneak up on fish without scaring them away. And you get to enjoy the calm feeling of being out on the water.
Of course, trying something new always comes with some tricky parts. How do you stay steady on the board while you’re trying to catch a fish? What stuff do you need to bring? How do you keep the fish you catch from going bad? These are the kinds of things you’ll need to figure out when you start paddle board fishing.
Fishing from an Inflatable Paddleboard
Picking the Right Board for Fishing
Choosing a board for fishing is different from picking one for just paddling around. You need to think about a few important things.
First, consider if you want a board that’s really stable or one that’s easy to move around. Stable boards are great for beginners, but they might be slower in the water.
Next, think about how much weight the board needs to hold. This includes you, your gear, and any fish you might catch. You don’t want to end up with a board that’s too small.
Lastly, where will you be fishing? Some boards work better in calm lakes, while others are good for rivers or even the ocean. Pick a board that matches where you’ll use it most.
Gear You’ll Need for Paddle Board Fishing
To have a good time fishing from your paddle board, you’ll need some special gear. Let’s look at the must-have items first.
Must-Have Stuff
A waterproof bag is really important. It keeps your phone, keys, and other valuables dry. You don’t want these things getting wet if you fall in!
To have a good time fishing from your paddle board, you’ll need:
- A waterproof bag to keep your phone and other important things dry
- A cooler or special bag to keep your food and the fish you catch fresh
- Something to hold your fishing rods
- A way to keep your board in one spot when you’re fishing
Keeping Your Gear Organized
Space is tight on a paddle board, so you need to be smart about organizing your stuff:
- Many people use a fishing crate or milk crate to keep things tidy
- You need to figure out how to manage all your fishing gear in a small space
- It’s important to have waterproof ways to store things
Remember, the key is to keep things simple and organized. This way, you can focus on enjoying your time on the water and catching fish!
Setting Up Your Fishing SUP
Getting your paddle board ready for fishing is like setting up a mini boat. It’s all about making the most of your space.
When choosing a board, wider is usually better. A board that’s at least 34 inches wide gives you more stability when you’re casting or reeling in a fish.
To keep your gear from falling into the water, use bungee cords and tie-downs. These stretchy cords can hold down coolers, tackle boxes, and other equipment.
For longer trips, think about adding a seat or a small cooler. These can make your time on the water more comfortable.
When it comes to rod holders, you have two choices. You can buy a board with pre-installed holders, or you can add your own. DIY options can be cheaper and let you put the holders exactly where you want them.
Mastering Paddle Board Fishing Techniques
Once you’re set up, it’s time to learn how to fish from your board. This takes some practice, but these tips will help you get started.
Anchoring and Positioning
Knowing how to stay in one spot is key to good fishing. An anchor system can help you do this.
Use your anchor when you find a good fishing spot or when the wind is strong. But be careful in moving water – anchoring in the wrong place can be dangerous.
You can also use the wind and currents to your advantage. Sometimes, you can drift slowly over good fishing areas without an anchor.
In different water conditions, you might need to change how you position your board. In calm water, you can face any direction. In stronger currents, it’s often best to face into the current.
Sight Fishing from a SUP
One big advantage of fishing from a paddle board is that you’re standing up. This gives you a great view of the water around you.
From up high, you can often see fish swimming below. Look for shadows, movement, or flashes of color in the water.
To get close to fish without scaring them, move slowly and quietly. Try to avoid making splashes with your paddle or sudden movements on your board.
Casting and Retrieving
Casting from a paddle board can be tricky at first. The key is to keep your feet planted and use your upper body to cast.
When you’re reeling in a fish, you might need to change how you do it. You can’t move around as much as you would on land or in a boat.
If you hook a big fish, be ready for a fight. Lean back slightly to keep your balance, and let the fish tire itself out before you try to bring it in.
Advanced SUP Fishing Strategies
Once you’ve got the basics down, you can try some more advanced techniques.
Targeting Specific Species
Different fish require different approaches. For saltwater fishing near the shore, try using live bait or lures that mimic small fish.
In freshwater, bass and panfish often hide near structures like fallen trees or rocks. Cast your lure close to these areas.
Some brave anglers even take their paddle boards offshore for bigger fish. This can be exciting, but it’s also more dangerous. Always check the weather and tell someone where you’re going.
Night Fishing from a Paddle Board
Fishing at night can be fun, but it requires extra care. Always wear a life jacket and attach lights to your board so boats can see you.
When fishing after dark, use lures that make noise or vibration. Fish can’t see as well at night, so they rely more on their other senses.
Glow-in-the-dark lures or ones with rattles can work well. Some anglers also like to use live bait at night.
Remember, safety comes first when night fishing. If you’re not comfortable, it’s better to stick to daytime fishing until you gain more experience.
Safety First: Staying Safe While SUP Fishing
When you’re out on the water, safety should always be your top priority. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of fishing, but a few simple precautions can keep you safe.
- Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD). Even if you’re a strong swimmer, a PFD can save your life if you fall in unexpectedly.
- Before you head out, check the weather forecast. Wind, waves, and storms can make paddle board fishing dangerous. If the weather looks bad, it’s better to stay on shore.
- Be careful with sharp hooks and knives. It’s easy to lose your balance on a paddle board, so keep these tools secured when you’re not using them.
Enhancing Your SUP Fishing Experience
Once you’ve got the basics down, there are lots of ways to make your fishing trips even better.
Accessories to Consider
A fish finder can help you locate fish underwater. Some models are designed specifically for paddle boards and are easy to mount.
If you like to share your fishing adventures, consider a waterproof camera. You can mount it on your board or wear it on your body to capture all the action.
Some companies make PFDs specifically for fishing. These often have pockets for tackle and tools, making them both safe and convenient.
Maintenance and Care
Taking care of your gear will help it last longer. After each trip, rinse your board and accessories with fresh water to remove salt and dirt.
- If you notice any small cracks or damage, repair them right away. Small problems can become big ones if you ignore them.
- When the fishing season is over, clean everything thoroughly before you store it. This will help prevent mold and keep your gear in good shape for next year.
Pro Tips from Experienced SUP Anglers at Agua Pulse
At Agua Pulse, we’ve learned a lot about paddle board fishing over the years. Here are some of our top tips:
- Start in calm, shallow water until you’re comfortable with your balance. Many beginners make the mistake of trying to fish in challenging conditions too soon.
- Practice casting while standing on your board before you hit the water. This will help you get used to the motion without worrying about falling in.
- When fighting a fish, use your legs to brace yourself and let your rod and reel do the work. Trying to muscle in a big fish can easily tip your board.
Remember, the key to improving is practice. The more time you spend on your board, the better you’ll get at balancing, casting, and landing fish. If you’re looking for great spots to try out your new SUP fishing skills, check out our guides on where to paddle board in various states. Happy fishing!