Relaxing on the calm waters with a small fishing rod in hand sounds idyllic, hence the rise in paddleboard fishing. As a growing trend, many people are now realising the full benefits of fishing on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP).
If you are a casual angler, or an experienced fisherman, an iSUP will provide a unique fishing experience – whether you’re on a lake, river or the ocean.
With the huge range of inflatable paddleboards on the market, it’s crucial to choose a design which is best suited to fishing.
Why use a paddleboard for fishing?
Paddleboards can be less restrictive and more agile than a kayak, allowing you to be closer to the water and to all the fish around your board. They offer riders complete freedom of movement and mobility. The last thing you need when fishing is a lack of space to effectively cast your rail. By using the right SUP, such problems are eliminated.
With a SUP, you can also choose to add or remove an adjustable SUP seat and a range of other fishing accessories, allowing you to optimise your board to best suit your requirements.
Getting started on your SUP
If you are new to paddleboarding, it’s worth grasping the basics before heading out to fish. A little practice will go a long way and prevent any serious splashes.
Try heading out on a calmer day when the water will be still in order to practice your SUP techniques. Getting to grips with how to effectively manoeuvre your board beforehand will undoubtedly lead to a more successful first fishing trip. Our guide on SUP’s for beginners is a great place for newbies to learn some helpful tips and tricks.
Choosing the best SUP for fishing
The preferable SUPs for fishing are those which offer stability and a wider deck to allow you to manoeuvre around the board comfortably. A higher maximum weight capacity is vital, as it will enable you to hold all your fishing gear on board.
In terms of the construction, boards which are suited to fishing are often inflatable or epoxy. Each has its pros and cons:
Inflatable SUPs
Inflatable SUPs (iSUPs) are strongly recommended to fish on since they are durable, lighter and far more compact than other boards or kayaks. After being deflated, an inflatable paddleboard can be rolled and placed in a carry bag alongside your other gear– such as a pump, paddle and fin. This makes transportation hassle-free and dramatically reduces the amount of storage space needed.
Inflatable paddleboards usually offer a larger deck area and increased stability, meaning casting and moving across a paddleboard is less difficult.
The majority of inflatables will provide a 6” thickness to enhance the buoyancy and stability of the board–absolutely crucial if you are fishing. The fact that you’ll sit higher on the water increases the separation between the water and your equipment, so it stays safe and dry. When stationary, this increased height can also be a real benefit to your vison of the open water.
Epoxy SUPs
This style of paddleboard offers extra stability and glide, meaning you can move across the water with ease. An advantage of epoxy boards is that they are even quieter when gliding across the water’s surface, which helps create ideal fishing conditions, potentially scaring less fish away.
In most cases, however, epoxy boards are slightly smaller than inflatables, meaning there is less space to carry your gear and manoeuvre on the board.Furthermore, epoxy paddleboards are generally a more expensive option compared to inflatables.
Recommended SUPs for fishing
ISUPs are the perfect choice for fishing fans. For a superior build quality on an inflatable iSUP, it’s advisable to opt for a double layer of PVC fabric in order to enhance the durability, rigidness and protection of the board.
Two Bare Feet’s Phatpad Double Chamber 10'10" or 12’0” iSUPs offer incredible stability to help you maintain your balance whilst out on the water. They both benefit from a 6” thickness which increases the volume and allows the board to sustain larger loads, especially with the intact, large bungee storage systems. The wider deck provides ample space, making moving around the board easier.
The full deck grips on these particular inflatables will protect the air chambers from sharp objects such as fish hooks or knives, whilst the double chamber design will provide floatation, even in the event of a puncture occurring in one of the chambers.
Equipment and accessories
Once you have chosen your paddleboard and checked whether you need a fishing licence in a given location, you won’t need too much to get started on basic fishing expeditions. Aside from your usual fishing gear–such as tackle, a smaller rod, reel and hooks – you will most likely need some essential accessories, including:
- - Paddle
- - Leash
- - Pump
- - Dry storage bag
- - Anchor
- - Floatation device (optional but recommended)
- - SUP seat (optional)
- - Most people take a cool box (or fishing box)
If you purchase a Two Bare Feet iSUP, it’s worth keeping in mind that you will have a choice of generous package options which include essential SUP accessories, all at no extra cost.
Purchase your paddleboard today
Get ready for laidback fishing on a paddleboard with our excellent range of Two Bare Feet SUPs and accessories. Without a doubt, our highest performing inflatable double chamber boards with a 6” thickness are great for all riders, whether you are a beginner or an expert.
For further help and advice on the topic of paddleboarding, feel free to get in touch with a member of our team who will be happy to share their expertise.