Fishing has long been a hobby known to relax and replenish the mind, soul, and spirit. Grandparents would load up grandkids in their boat, head to the middle of the lake, and teach them how to cast off into the water waiting for that exciting moment when the fish bite. 

Now, fishing has become more exciting. Today’s new fishing scene includes SUP fishing boards alongside the traditional boats from our grandparent’s days. And the sport has caught on like wildfire.

If you’re new to the world of SUP fishing, there are a few things you should be aware of before you push away from the coastline or dock.

Check the Latest Reports

Before you paddle your way out into the river or ocean, it’s important to take into consideration what the weather and water is like. Will you be trying to fish in high winds? Will the currents be strong or still? Is the tide heading out or in? 

From start to finish, the elements play an important role in your overall SUP fishing experience. You might be able to paddle out to your fishing location just fine, but remember that you’ll need to paddle right back to where you put in. If you’re working against the elements, you could have a frustrating end to your day.

Pack the Right SUP Fishing Gear

You’re about to head out to solitude on the water, which sounds ideal until you realize you forgot something you needed to stay out there for the long run. Packing the right gear before you push away is one of the best ways to have an enjoyable experience. Here’s what we recommend you take with you:

• A small anchor will let you spend more time wish the fish and less time holding your position stead.
• Sunglasses. It gets bright on the water.
• Sunscreen and a hat.
• A floatation device just in case you find yourself in the wake of a large boat or you hit shallow water, jolting you off your board.
• Your fishing gear, including a rod, net, tackle.
• A 5-gallon bucket to put all of the fish you catch (sounds obvious, but many people forget this).
• A few frosty beverages or tasty treats.
• Your favorite Hornet paddle of course!

With your gear packed away in a waterproof bag, you’re sure to have everything you need to stay on the water longer. But be warned! If you bring too much gear, you’re going to regret it too. Think minimal when packing for your fishing trip.

Choose the Right Board

When it comes to board selection, stability is essential for SUP fishing. 

There are some boards designed specifically for SUP fishing with a lot of built in functionality. These boards are good to have because they keep you stable while allowing you to carry all of your gear. You can also use a larger board to keep yourself stable. Many of these boards allow you to have a bungee chord on the front to add more gear too. 

Consider Your Entry and Exit Points

You’re all packed up, the weather and water look good, but now, you have to find out how you’re going to get your board down to the beach and into the water. This can also be tricky, especially if you’re dealing with tides and larger waves. 

Plan out your entry and exit points. When thinking about where you’ll get in and out of the water, think too about how you’ll get to the water’s edge. You’ll want to transport your paddleboard carefully so you don’t damage it on the way to or from your fishing excursion. Throwing it in the back of a pickup truck will only lead to unnecessary abuse of your new best friend in the fishing world. Get a rack and transport it properly. 

Are You an SUP Fishing Pro?

We’d love to hear from you! What’s your best and most unique tip for fishing while standing on a paddleboard? Let us know in the comments below!