Have you tried paddle board fishing yet?
Although it’s kind of new (when compared with kayak fishing), it certainly has to be the fastest growing type of fishing out there right now.
And in this blog (and video) post, we’re going to cover the three most important paddle board fishing tips that will help you catch more fish (and have a more enjoyable time fishing from a stand-up paddle board)
But we before we get int that, here are just a few reasons that so many anglers (especially inshore saltwater anglers) are flocking to paddle board fishing (aka SUP fishing):
- The height advantage of being able to stand 100% of the time while paddling is critical in sight-casting and searching for fish
- Paddle boarding is a more “natural” form of exercise as our bodies were meant to be erect while working out for long periods of time
- In general, paddle boards are lighter than kayaks, easier to launch, and easier to load.
Note: You can read more about the advantages of paddleboard fishing over kayak fishing here.
3 Must Know Paddle Board Fishing Tips
Let me tell you a true story real quick so you can kayak anglers (like me) can understand both the similarities and differences between paddleboard fishing and kayak fishing…
I grew up on a lake in Central Florida where my family spent a lot of time water skiing and wakeboarding (especially during the middle of the day when it was too hot for to be bass fishing).
Over time, I became a pretty darn good wakeboarder.
I could do a bunch of tricks, and even thought about entering some of the local competitions.
So when my family went out to Colorado for a week of snowboarding, I thought snowboard would be a breeze!
Boy, was I wrong.
Now, I will be the first to admit that I had an advantage over someone that had never been snowboarding or wakeboading before in terms of balance and knowing how to maneuver a board, but everything else was like retraining my brain.
Instead of having all of my weight behind me while wakeboarding, I found out really quick that you don’t move anywhere in snowboarding if you lean back like you do on the water.
I also learned really quickly that a snowboard cuts a whole lot different on snow than a wakeboard does on water…
I think you get my point.
I mention it only to set the right expectations for you kayak anglers that try paddle board fishing for your first time.
It will feel different.
It might feel weird at first.
But don’t get disgruntled… I bet if you think back to your very first kayak experience ever, it probably didn’t feel completely natural in the first 15 minutes.
Anything new will take a little bit of time to get used to.
In regards to fishing on a paddle board, here are the top 3 things I wish someone had taught me right off the bat. It sure would have saved me a lot of time and energy.
Note: These 3 paddle board fishing tips are covered more in-depth in the video below.
Paddle Board Fishing Tip #1
Bring a cooler along and have some sort of vertical rod holders on the cooler.
Trust me, this will save you so much time from not having to turn around and/or bend down to get your fishing rod.
Plus, it will most likely save you from losing your balance because twisting around one a board on the water is not an easy feat.
Best of all, the vertical rod holders will enable you keep your rods out of the way while you paddle while still being able to easy access them without twisting or bending down when ready to fish.
And once you get used to their placement, you’ll be able to effortlessly transition from paddle to fishing without even looking at the paddle or fishing rod (aka. – you can keep an eye on a fish while preparing to deliver a lure to it).
Paddle Board Fishing Tip #2
Tip #2 is don’t be afraid to wade while out paddle board fishing.
That means bring the following:
- A pair of wading boots
- A 7-10 foot rope to tie the board to your waist
By keeping the board close to you, you can have your extra rods, tackle, boga grips, pliers, etc ready when you need them (without having to wade back to find your board)
Paddle Board Fishing Tip #3
The final tip is to control your paddle!
This tip saved me so much time and energy when I finally figured it out.
What “control your paddle” means is to have a way to keep your paddle with arms reach at all times.
The method discussed in the video below involves making a simple belt out of a piece of thin rope that results in a small loop at your waste that will hold the paddle.
When you need to cast, simply put the butt of the paddle through the loop, set the paddle down on the board at a 30-degree angle, reach back for your rod (in our vertical rod holder behind you), and cast away.
No more having to bend over a single time while paddle boarding fishing.
No more ever having your paddle go overboard while fighting a fish.
Keep it right there at your side at all times while fishing. You’ll thank me later for that tip!
SUP Fishing VIDEO
Conclusion
Paddle board fishing is on the move in terms of users, and expect to see more and more anglers giving it a shot due to the three main benefits I mentioned above.
The height advantage alone is enough reason to get serious inshore anglers curious about SUP fishing.
And don’t worry if you have bad balance or if you are a bit on the “heavy side”…
Many of these paddle board companies are now making boards that are almost impossible to flip over, and some even make them sturdy enough to hold over 500 lbs!
Best of all, your balance will get better and better from paddle board fishing… my balance is at an all time high after many trips on my board in choppy water.
Related Post: “How To Catch Redfish, Snook, And Trout Without Live Bait” (read it here now)
P.S. – If you think your angler friends or fishing networks would like to see this, please Tag them or Share this with them. You Rock! Pa-POW!