Stand-up paddle boards(SUPs)have gained immense popularity in recent years. People now use them for a variety of purposes, including fishing. They are an excellent method to reach places that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Consequently, they are comparable to so-called fishing flotation tubes or belly boats. However, fishing paddle boards have the advantage of being able to be paddled without fins, and they are also excellent for exploring new waters when not being used for fishing.
They come in various shapes and sizes, making it difficult to choose the correct model for you. Inflatable SUPs are now the industry standard. They provide greater mobility than hard shell SUPs and can be taken on any excursion. This guide will explain what to consider before purchasing a paddle board for fishing. We will also provide an overview of the finest products available. We’ve been using stand-up paddleboards for fishing for years and have become huge admirers of the freedom they offer.
Paddleboards designed for fishing are different from the average paddleboard. The essential characteristics of a stand-up paddleboard for fishing are its size and width, which provide stability for casting. You should also be aware of the space required to store your equipment. Consequently, your angling SUP must be able to support some weight. Fishing paddle boards can be an excellent method to begin fishing from a “boat” and are considerably less expensive.
What Are the Most Important Features of a Fishing SUP Board?
The most essential characteristics of a stand-up paddleboard for fishing are its size and width, which provide stability for casting. You should also not underestimate the amount of space required to store your equipment. Consequently, your angling SUP must be able to support some weight. The finest paddle boards for fishing will have ample storage space, attachment points, and action mounts for mounting fishing equipment. Rod holders are necessary for storing your rod while paddling into optimal position.
Stability
Stability is essential in a paddle board, particularly for beginners. It determines how effortlessly you can stand without falling off the board. The primary contributors to the board’s stability are its width, length, and hull type. Wider and longer planks typically provide greater stability. This is where inflatable paddle boards typically excel, as their buoyant nature contributes to their stability. However, it is important to note that while a wider board may be more secure, it may be slower.
Since angling requires intense concentration, it is essential that you feel stable on your paddle board. The longer, wider, denser, and heavier the board, the more stable it will feel. Not only should it be broad on the deck, but also on the nose and tail.
The characteristics that make a stand-up paddleboard stable on the water also limit its maneuverability, but since angling does not require many abrupt turns, this becomes less of an issue. In terms of width and length, the finest fishing paddle boards range from 30″ to 39″ and 10′ to 12′, respectively. The greater your weight or height, the more width and length you require to feel secure.
Weight Capacity
While the majority of paddle boards can support up to 250 pounds, larger boards may be able to support more. It is important, when selecting a paddle board, to consider not only the weight of the passenger, but also any equipment that will be carried. For instance, a paddle board designed for angling may need to accommodate additional weight from tackle and bait.
Generally speaking, it is prudent to err on the side of caution and select a paddle board with a higher weight capacity than you anticipate needing. This will ensure that your board can accommodate all riders and their equipment safely.
The weight limit of a stand-up paddleboard is the maximum weight it can sustain on the water. There is a difference between the utmost weight limit and the practical weight limit of a paddle board, which must be noted. The maximum weight capacity is the maximum quantity of weight a stand-up paddleboard can support before becoming unsafe. The practical weight capacity is the maximum load that a particular board can support while maintaining optimal performance.
Fishing Mounts/Equipment Compatibility
Even while D-rings and action mounts are both excellent choices for securing your fishing gear, investing in some Scotty mounts will prove to be the most beneficial choice. The Scotty mounts are what allow your fishing gear to be easily attached to a fishing paddle board as soon as you take it out of the packaging. Even though they aren’t necessarily required for fishing, they are a great and simple way to attach a lot of the gear that is required for fishing.
Deck pad
The ideal deck pad is one that is pleasant to stand on for long periods of time and provides excellent grip. Recommended is an EVA foam deck pad, particularly if it has stamps or diamond grooves.
You require a board with a recessed deck that lowers your center of gravity and is among the most stable fishing paddle boards. It features front and rear gear storage bungees, D-rings, paddle and sand spear sheaths, and gear mounts for your fishing accouterments. You can affix any SUP fishing accessory that comes to mind.
The paddle sheath is such a cool feature because it allows you to securely store your paddle and liberate your hands while casting. It is compatible with a variety of fishing equipment and accessories, such as a fishing rack, pole holders, SUP cooler, and Bote’s MagnePod accessories, among others.
Paddle
There are a variety of paddle options available for paddle boards. They can utilize materials such as plastic, carbon, aluminum, fiberglass, etc. The lighter it is, the higher the price, and the heavier it is, the more arm fatigue it causes. The ideal fishing paddle length is 4 to 7 inches longer than you.
Aluminum is a common material for beginner paddle boards and is notoriously substantial and inexpensive. Middle-tier paddle boards are constructed from fiberglass. It is substantially lighter and more comfortable than aluminum. Extremely lightweight carbon blades are rarely found in kits due to their high cost.
Additionally, paddles constructed from three to four pieces are simple to store and can be used by people of varying heights and weights, but they have an undesirable tendency to flex. Single-piece paddles offer superior performance, but are more cumbersome.
Warranties/Guarantee periods
A warranty and a money-back guarantee are typically included with the purchase of a fishing paddle board. Checking the policy conditions for specifics such as what constitutes normal wear and tear, if a refund will be given in the form of cash or store credit if you ask for one, and other similar items is something that you are strongly encouraged to do. You should also be aware that the terms of the warranty or guarantee may differ between different paddle boards manufactured by the same company.
Why Use a Fishing SUP
Cost
There is a wide range of prices for fishing stand-up paddleboards due to the variety of brands, sizes, and features available. A fishing paddleboard can be purchased for anywhere from $799 and $1699, depending on the size. The most typical price range is somewhere in the vicinity of $1179. The Fishing SUP 126 comes with a base kit that costs $899, and Sea Eagle frequently offers discounts that give customers free shipping. You won’t find many other packages that are equivalent to the Fishing SUP 126 that come anywhere near the same level of quality for anywhere near as low of a price as this one does.
Access
One of the benefits of stand-up paddleboard fishing is the ability to access backwaters. Other advantages include mobility, stealth, and an elevated perspective. However, the primary draws for most people are the opportunities for financial savings and the ease of operation. It’s similar to fishing from a bank, but with considerably easier access. The one-of-a-kind experience is the key draw for stand-up paddleboard anglers.
Storage/transport
A paddle board is lighter and simpler to transport than a boat, and there are not many boats that can be hung on the wall of a garage. When fishing from a paddle board, you have a superior view of the water and fish habitat due to your elevated position. With polarized sunglasses, you will be able to see the fish before they accept the bait.
A paddleboard provides you the freedom and room to cast your line and store your equipment. In a kayak, you are not confined by the cockpit and can extend out your legs. You get excellent exercise and fresh air, and you can sneak into your favored fishing spot undetected without a motor to alert the fish to your presence.
Less disruptive
One of our favorite aspects of stand-up paddleboarding is that the boards enable us to access remote locations that would be inaccessible to larger boats or anything with a motor. SUP boards are silent and create minimal disturbance in the water so as not to frighten local wildlife. It is not surprising that SUP fishing continues to grow in popularity given these characteristics. SUP fishing seeks to reduce the impact of fishing on the environment and marine life.
A paddleboard enables you to settle into those hard-to-reach sweet spots without disturbing the fish. It is a method of sustainable fishing that employs techniques that are less damaging to the environment and marine life. Rather than trawling, which involves hauling a net along the ocean floor, less disruptive fishing techniques include the use of longlines, traps, and pots.
Added workout
Fishing is a physically demanding sport, as evidenced by the fact that it requires strenuous actions such as wading through water up to the waist, kayaking, paddleboarding, launching your boat, casting a cast net, and reeling in snook that measure 30 inches or more. Participating in these exercises can increase muscle strength and improve one’s cardiovascular fitness. In contrast to jogging and the vast majority of weight lifting programs, these exercises have a low impact and are easy on the joints. This is another advantage of participating in these sports.
Our Top 3 SUPs for Fishing
1. BOTE Rackham Aero
BOTE characterizes the redesigned Rackham Aero 12’4″ as a more versatile and capable evolution of their most popular inflatable paddleboard. Fans of the original Rackham Aero 12’4″, such as anglers, families, dog owners, and voyage paddlers who valued its 400-pound carrying capacity and superior stability, will be delighted to learn that it has been redesigned.
APEX Pedal Drive compatibility and a detachable Aero SUP Paddle Seat were added to the Rackham Aero 12’4″ due to the company’s emerging line of inflatable kayaks, which the company borrowed from. An inflatable stand-up paddleboard can be converted into a sit-down, paddle- or pedal-powered watercraft in just a few minutes.
In other words, it is ideal for paddlers desiring the versatility of a hybrid stand-up paddleboard and kayak, an inflatable portability, and the pedal drive’s hands-free efficiency. There are so many options!
Transporting objects over uneven terrain is a different affair. With a weight of nearly 80 pounds and the absence of shoulder straps, the utterly packed bag is unsuitable for a beach trip. The BOTE Rackham Aero 12.4” inflatable SUP is bundled with its travel case and pump.
For anglers and other paddlers acclimated to transporting hard-shell pedal drive kayaks, the Rackham Aero 12’4″ is a breeze. Our demo board, out of the bag and ready for paddling, weighs 50 pounds. Despite its seven-pound seat and 20-pound pedal propulsion, the Rackham remains more maneuverable than the average fishing pedal boat.
BOTE distributes all its inflatable boards in ride-ready packages, ideal for novice paddlers. The bag contains the Rackham Aero 12’4″, three-piece adjustable SUP paddle, the Aero paddle seat, the center fin, a removable pedal port, a repair kit, and a dual-action hand pump. You will receive complimentary accessories for a coordinated appearance depending on which of the four Rackham color schemes you select.
BOTE has mastered the accouterments game. A cursory inspection of the topside of the Rackham Aero 12’4″ reveals a constellation of accessory and gear attachments for simple additions and custom deck configurations. The board has a paddle scabbard, stakeout pole sheath, and slide-in Aero Rac receivers. Anglers can purchase one (or more) of BOTE’s ingenious, simple-to-install racks, including the standing-height Tackle Rac or Power Rac, co developed with Yak-Power, or the low-profile Bucket Rac, which contains a five-gallon bucket and has four vertical rod holders.
The padded lid of this cooler serves as a comfortable seat, and it can also be used as a baitwell or equipment storage, retains ice for days, and is exceptionally durable. The KULA is certified as alligator-proof, which could be helpful if you’re paddling in Florida, BOTE’s home state.
The Rackham Aero 12’4″ paddleboard returns. To begin, the setup. Using the included hand pump, I inflated the dual chambers to the prescribed inflation pressure of 10 to 15 psi in seven minutes. The first valve inflates the nose and side railings, whereas the second valve inflates the floor. The outcome is a rigid-feeling, high-capacity board with a recessed deck for a reduced center of gravity. This is a crucial design element given the Rackham’s substantial rails and seven-inch girth. The board’s stability is maintained by recessing the standing and seating areas without compromising its expedition-ready capacity.
With a width of 38 inches, the Rackham Aero 12’4″ is a rock-solid platform for standing, moving around, and even sharing the spacious deck with a large-breed canine companion. Additionally, the board tracks well, thanks to the removable center fin and two built-in side fins. To convert to kayak mode, connect the four webbing straps of the Aero seat to the corresponding openings on the Rackham’s deck.
2. BLACKFIN Model XL
The new 2023 Blackfin Model XL is now being delivered to consumers! The Blackfin Model XL iSUP combines a wide midsection for stability, a relatively long waterline for speed and efficiency, durable and rigid construction, and sufficient onboard features to satisfy all of your requirements (and more). The Blackfin Model XL is suitable for anglers, cruisers, paddling with children or pets, yogis, and expedition paddlers.
The Blackfin Model XL remains essentially unchanged for 2023. The overall form, dimensions, and features are virtually identical to the 2021/2022 Model XL, with minor modifications. The most significant modification occurred within the paddleboard.
The quantity of overlap between the interior rail band and the deck and hull layers of the board has been increased by iRocker. This overlap is what makes the interior chamber of an iSUP airtight. By increasing the overlap by nearly 14″, the Blackfin Model XL has substantially more contact surface area between these layers, allowing for more outstanding adhesion and glue. However, the alteration is minor enough not to affect the paddleboard’s weight significantly.
Also new for 2023 are a few modifications to the board’s deck. The deck pad has been lengthened and extended to reach the tail edge of the board (in the 2021/2022 Model XL, the deck pad terminated in front of the rear cargo area). However, it is still compatible with the optional kayak seat and shoulder-carrying harness. The cargo bungees were also equipped with quick-release clasps for simple removal, rearrangement, and replacement.
The threaded accessory mounts, Scotty-style mounts, and sand spear mounting points are still on the rear of the board, but their position has moved slightly forward. This brings your accessories closer to the primary standing area while paddling, but their locations make folding and rolling the iSUP back into its bag more difficult.
Positive changes have been made to the 2023 Model XL, and we look forward to paddling the new Model XL into the future. Inside the Blackfin Model XL, a knitted base layer fabric with thousands of linear drop-stitch fibers gives the board its shape and rigidity when inflated.
iRocker adds two layers of fiber-reinforced PVC material on top and bottom of the drop stitch core to produce the deck and hull layers of the board. After the deck and hull have adhered to the core, a PVC layer known as the interior rail band is wound around the board’s sides. The inner rail band is overlapped and attached to the deck and hull layers of the board to create the airtight seal necessary for the paddleboard to inflate and maintain pressure. iRocker increased the overlap between the interior rail band and the deck and hull layers by nearly 14″ for 2023. This provides more surface area for the adhesive to adhere to the board more effectively and firmly.
On top of the interior rail band, another, more extensive PVC layer adheres to the board’s sides. This outer rail band layer also reinforces the mid-rail of the board with carbon fiber fabric. Carbon Fiber reinforcements serve two functions here. The first is to increase the board’s stiffness by minimizing bulging and flexing in the middle section. The second objective is to offer an additional layer of protection to a high-wear area of the board.
After the outer rail band is affixed, the Model XL receives the rail reinforcement strip, a narrower band of PVC material adhered to the edges of the rail (on the deck and hull). This reinforcement strip protects the outer rail band’s margins from abrasion and damage.
The maximum pressure recommended for the Blackfin Model XL is 16 PSI. This maximal pressure rating is identical to the Blackfin CX Ultra iSUP, which has proven highly rigid even at this slightly lower pressure.
In our 170 lb bend test, the new 2023 Blackfin Model XL deflected only 1.00″ at its utmost pressure of 16 PSI. This is a score that few of the iSUPs we’ve tested can match! In the Model XL, the multiple layers of reinforced PVC material and carbon fiber reinforced rails stand out.
3. Gili Meno XL
If you’re searching for a high-quality paddle board, consider the Gili MENO SUP. This board’s high-quality materials and construction make it ideal for novice and experienced paddlers.
For a 31-inch SUP, the Gili Meno inflatable paddle board is relatively long. This is why touring is helpful for faster monitoring. However, it has a high weight capacity and unexpected stability.
This board suits paddlers of all skill levels, from beginners who have attempted SUP boarding a few times to experts. The Gili Meno features four action mounts, front and rear cargo areas, a side paddle receptacle, carbon fiber side rails, three center fin options, and fourteen D-rings. And numerous aliases.
The Gili MENO SUP 10’6” and 11’0″ are multi-use paddleboards designed for fitness, fishing, and “cruiser” paddling. This paddle board’s elegant and sophisticated design is one of the first things you will notice about it. The Meno is available in various colors, allowing you to choose one that complements your personality. The platform of the board is also textured, preventing slippage while paddling. They can accommodate up to 450 pounds so that you can bring the kids and the pets along.
The 35-inch width provides outstanding stability while retaining maneuverability. The storage bungees on the nose and tail of the Gili MENO SUP and the front, rear, and center grab handles make it simple to transport the SUP.
The Gili MENO SUP is a versatile board suitable for various activities. It has a sturdy construction that can withstand even the most turbulent waters. Additionally, the board’s design makes it simple to maneuver and control.
The Gili MENO SUP is 35 inches wide and has a weight capacity of 450/485 pounds. There are two available lengths: 10’6 and 11’6. It is perfect for parents who wish to paddle with their children and pets. It’s also a great SUP for yoga and paddlers of weight. Despite its girth, the Gili MENO SUP weighs only 23/24 pounds or about 10 kilograms. The Meno SUP board has 18 D-rings, five action mounts, and a five-piece fin system. This, coupled with its diminutive dimensions, makes it an adaptable SUP. It can be used for fishing, canoeing for recreation, yoga, touring, and other activities.
The weight capacity is the most prominent feature of the Gili Meno 12’6″ Touring iSUP. This board is designed to be exceptionally stable and sturdy on the water and can support up to 360 pounds for paddle boarders with advanced skills. The suggested weight is 300 pounds.
Extra-long, high-quality, brushed EVA traction pad. The board has a distinctive shape that is incredibly slender and long. This board’s narrower breadth makes it faster and ensures paddle strokes are energy-efficient, allowing riders to maintain their speed for longer, track greater distances, and decrease water resistance. In addition to all the performance features, the board has two removable bungee ties (one at the front and one at the rear) to secure personal items. In addition, the Gili Meno 12’6″ comes with a complete fin kit that includes a 9″ Race Fin, 4.5″ Speed Fin, and a 3″ River Fin.
Optional Fishing SUP Accessories to Consider
Fishing rod mount/holder
In the same way that you need a paddle holder for your SUP to secure your paddle while fishing, you will also need a rod holder to secure your fishing rod while paddling. Some of these locks thoroughly secure the rod, while others do not. Some SUP rod holders are ubiquitous, while others are designed for specific rods. SUP rod holders can adhere to the paddle board via suction or vacuum systems.
This rod holder is compatible with the action attachments found on the majority of modern inflatable SUPs. It has a sliding lock mechanism that allows you to adjust the tilt and set the optimal angle for your rod, securing it securely in place regardless of how spirited your capture may be.
Paddle sheath/ holder
When you want to kick back and unwind, a paddlekeeper or paddle leash is a wonderful addition to your paddleboard. Simply securing the paddle in its strap or leash will keep it out of the way, allowing you to stretch out entirely on the paddleboard’s deck. When it is time to recommence movement, you have your paddle close by and ready to go.
An adorable set of four clips functions as a paddlekeeper for you and a companion. Simply attach them to your board’s existing D-rings, and the Velcro straps will secure any size or length paddle.
Stripping Basket
A stripping basket is a must-have fly fishing accessory for any fisherman who intends to wade fish in situations requiring more line on hand. If you traverse the saltwater surf and shallows or a Stillwater, you are likely familiar with your fly line becoming tangled on every object within a reasonable distance. When line is stripped into a stripping receptacle, it is contained and does not become a nuisance.
Despite the abundance of excellent options on the market, many fly fishermen prefer to make their own stripping receptacles. A stripping basket can be manufactured at home for approximately $20, and while it may not be as impressive as the others mentioned in this article, it will serve its purpose. With a few modifications, any large plastic container, laundry hamper, or even a cardboard box will suffice.
Kayak Conversion Kit
This device transforms your paddle board into a kayak. Includes our Kayak Seat (with rear storage case) and Kayak Blade to convert your GILI SUP Paddle into a kayak paddle with two blades. The kayak blade can easily fit in your SUP luggage or the board’s cargo area, allowing you to convert your SUP into a kayak at any time and in any location.
There are a variety of kayak conversion packages on the market. Using aftermarket motors and pedal systems, you can convert your paddle kayak to a pedal propulsion or a motor. There are numerous aftermarket options available for adding pedals or a propulsion to a paddle kayak. Using the Detachable Seat and Blade Kit, you can convert your SUP into a kayak. Another option is to utilize a Kayak & Canoe Sailing Rig, which is compatible with nearly every kayak and canoe in the catalog.
Anchor/Sand Spear
Sandspear is a versatile stakeout anchor that doubles as a push pole, making it incredibly simple (and useful) for all shallow water activities. To utilize the stake out function, merely insert the spike side down through the stake out holes on any of our compatible boards.
Fish to your heart’s content while feeling completely safe and firmly anchored. When you wish to move stealthily through shallow water, simply flip the Sandspear over and propel your board with the foot end. This 8-foot-long fiberglass harpoon is the ultimate accessory for paddle board fishing in shallow water.
Anglers will require something to hold their stand-up paddleboard in place while they wait for a strike. There are, thankfully, a variety of SUP fishing anchors on the market that are appropriate for various types of fish and fishing, including saltwater fishing.
Electric Pump
An electric SUP pump is designed to fill the board in approximately 10 minutes without requiring any exertion from the user. Typically, they connect to your vehicle’s 12V port to function off the battery, allowing you to use them anywhere. While they work, you can focus on unloading the remainder of your belongings and getting ready to depart.
Some electric SUP compressors can be used to deflate the board once paddling is complete. They are incredibly practical and one of the finest SUP accessories you could purchase. The integrated active cooling mechanism of this two-stage electric SUP pump allows it to pump up to three boards without needing to cool down. It is compact, portable, and capable of inflating your board to 20 PSI in less than 10 minutes.
Tips for Making the Most of your Fishing SUP
Hone in your Balance Before Starting to Fish
The most difficult aspect of SUP fishing is undoubtedly maintaining your balance. We recommend perfecting your balance on the board prior to fishing. When there is a fish on the line, balancing becomes even more difficult, particularly if it is a large fish. Here is a fast tip for maintaining balance while reeling in a fish:
Keep the tip of your rod pointed toward the snout of your paddle board. Thus, the pull of the fish will always cause the board to swing towards it, keeping the board straight and making it significantly simpler to maintain stability. Instead of attempting to reel in your catch with your line, use a wide net to prevent the fish from jumping and sending you off balance.
Minimize Movement/Disruption
One of the most significant effects of paddle boarding is the possibility of disturbing marine and shoreline fauna. Paddleboarders frequently coexist with a variety of animals, including birds, otters, and dolphins. Unintentional disturbances caused by paddle boards or accidental encounters can cause tension and alter the normal behavior of these animals.
Paddle boarding can cultivate a greater appreciation for the marine environment. As they glide over flat water or catch waves, paddlers frequently acquire a unique perspective on the ocean’s beauty and value. This appreciation can encourage more individuals to take an active role in marine conservation by inspiring more responsible behavior.
The paddle boarding community has the ability to minimize the impact of stand up paddle boarding on the marine environment. Paddlers can continue to appreciate this sport while preserving the health of marine environments by making thoughtful gear selections, respecting wildlife, and adhering to “Leave No Trace” principles. The ultimate objective is to ensure that future generations can appreciate the beauty of our oceans and lakes while experiencing the pleasure and health benefits of SUP boards.
Try Trolling Methods to Imitate Bait Fish
Trolling is a form of fishing in which a moving watercraft drags a hooked lure or bait through the water. There can be any number of lines in the water, but the underlying principle remains the same: you must convince the fish that your lure is moving prey.
Obviously, there is much more to trolling than simply trailing a few lines through the water. Depending on where you’re fishing and the species you’re after, there are numerous methods to fish by trolling. From essential fishing equipment to the selection of fishing locations and presentation techniques, the options are limitless.
One of the many benefits of trolling is its adaptability. You can use a trolling motor on the ocean, a lake, and even a river. Important is that the water is deep enough to accommodate a boat. Well, fish would be nice as well, but more on that in a moment.
When looking for a suitable spot for trolling, there are two factors that must be considered. First and foremost, getting near to your fish. You can accomplish this by using sonar to locate baitfish schools, watching for birds diving into the water, or tracing down floating weed lines.
Minimize Your Gear
Paddle boards are diminutive and have lesser weight capacities. Avoid being swept away. Bring only what you will need. If you exceed the maximum weight limit, the efficacy of your stand-up paddleboard will suffer. It will be unstable, sluggish, and difficult to control. And if you fall, you stand to lose even more items.
Consider carefully the gear you intend to carry. Most novice paddleboard anglers carry too much equipment. When you first begin paddleboard fishing, you should focus on learning the mechanics of casting and moving around on the board. More equipment on your deck will make everything more difficult. It will be more difficult to maintain your equilibrium and paddle your board.
Therefore, for your initial session, you should be light. Bring only the minimal necessities. With more experience, you can acquire additional equipment. One of the aspects of SUP fishing that I enjoy is its simplicity. You need nothing more than a fishing rod and a few lures to go fishing.
Alternatively, you can equip your paddleboard with any type of fishing gear conceivable. I have observed paddle boards carrying enough equipment for a week-long expedition. And that is acceptable, as it has its place, but not during your first few SUP fishing excursions.
Secure Your Gear
One of the best SUP angling tips we can offer is to organize your board and equipment. Even though paddle boards have relatively wide platforms, there isn’t much space to move around while searching for your essential gear. You should be able to locate everything in your fishing gear, and it should be arranged logically.
Due to the limited storage space available on a paddle board, bring only the essential SUP fishing supplies. Paddle, paddle board leash, fishing rod, tackle case, dry bag, rod holder, bungee cords, and a small cooler for storage are included. The use of bungee cables for securing your fishing rod and tackle is highly recommended. You should also consider carrying along a paddle board anchor, just in case you discover an exceptional fishing spot.
Have a License and Follow Local and Federal Laws
A fishing license is required to fish from a paddle board. Check the local regulations for specific requirements. Ensure that you are aware of the fishing regulations in the area where you intend to fish.
While the U.S. Coast Guard regulates paddle boards as vessels, not all states require their operators to possess a watercraft license. Consult your local DNR or license bureau to determine whether you need an actual boating license or boater’s education certificate to use your paddle board legally in your area.
Even though a marine license is not technically required to use a paddle board, it is recommended to obtain one. The boater’s education course teaches individuals who operate watercraft essential signage and signaling procedures that improve the safety of everyone on the water.
This is particularly essential when using a paddle board in areas with a high volume of motorized boat traffic, as paddle boarders are extremely vulnerable on the water against motorized boats.
How Do You Store a Fishing Paddleboard?
Storage of an angling paddleboard is comparable to storage of a standard paddleboard. You can store it indoors or outdoors, but to protect it from the elements, it’s best to keep it inside. If you have the space, storing your SUP indoors, such as in a carport or shed, is typically the most convenient option. Most indoor spaces effectively shield SUPs from sun, moisture, and humidity.
You can store it outside if there is insufficient space inside, but you must take precautions to safeguard it from the elements. Keeping it beneath a veranda, beneath the eaves of a roof, or beneath a tarp are all viable options. You can also protect against moisture with a weather-resistant tarp. Ensure that rain and snow cannot collect directly on your board when storing it. A mounting system can also be used to store your board. Whether you construct your own rack or purchase one designed specifically for SUPs, it should have padding or straps to protect the board.
One of the many advantages of owning an inflatable paddle board is that they deflate quickly and easily, making them much simpler to store than their hardboard counterparts. However, the key to maximizing the lifespan of your iSUP is to store them properly for both the short and long term. We have outlined the important considerations for storing an paddleboard below.
Wash With Clean Water
In both short- and long-term storage, rinsing your board with fresh water will prolong its pristine condition, as saline water can corrode the materials and weaken the seams over time. Even after paddling in fresh water, it is essential to give your board a short rinse to remove any algae, dirt, weeds, or grit, particularly around the valve. Rinsing your board after every session also ensures that it is always clean and ready for the next paddle excursion!
Not Necessary To Overclean
As with any sports equipment, you should take care to maintain it properly, but typically, a simple rinse with fresh water will suffice. However, if you have a particularly soiled paddle or are storing it for an extended period of time, you may want to opt for a more thorough cleaning. For cleaning PVC, any natural biodegradable cleanser will suffice. It is essential to avoid soaps containing harsh chemicals, as they can cause material damage. You should also avoid excessively scrubbing the material or using a brush that will cause abrasions, especially on the traction cushions. We advise utilizing a towel, cloth, or absorbent.
Permit The Board To Dry Completely
Although paddle boards are designed for the water, moist or damp storage is detrimental to their condition. Mold and other bacteria thrive in damp and wet environments and nibble away at materials, glues, and seams. Additionally, allowing the board to dry completely will eliminate any odor of dampness.
Find The Ideal Location For Storage
As the pack down size of inflatable paddle boards is so impressively small, it shouldn’t be difficult to locate a space, but it should be cool and dry. As stated previously, any moisture or dampness can damage your board. In addition to a dry environment, temperature also plays a significant role in the condition of your boards. When storing, extreme temperatures should be avoided; the optimal temperature range is between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also essential that your space’s temperature remains relatively constant. Along with high temperatures, it is best to avoid direct sunlight because it can damage materials and melt the adhesive around the valves and seams.
Inflation vs. deflation
For short-term storage, it is perfectly acceptable to leave your board inflated, provided it is stored in the ideal location as outlined above. When left inflated, all inflatable paddle boards will lose air pressure over time, but it is also essential to remember that air pressure expands in extreme temperatures. If you’re storing the board in a particularly heated location, it’s best to release some air to prevent damage. Because of these variations in temperature and pressure, we advise deflating your board before long-term storage. In turn, this allows it to be compressed and stored in a smaller area where it is less likely to be damaged.
Utilize The Packing Bag
The bag that came with your inflatable SUP is the ideal cocoon for long-term stowage, protecting it from scratches, slashes, and other damage while allowing air circulation. If you have lost this bag or your board did not arrive with one, a suitcase or board bag will serve the same purpose. Just be sure to remove the fins and any other attachments before deflating the board, and coil it loosely so that there is no strain or stretching on the seams.
Whether you’re storing your inflatable paddle board for the lengthy winter months or just for a few days in between sessions, it will be in perfect condition and ready to go. With the high-quality containers included with many of our inflatable stand-up paddleboards, off-season storage is significantly simplified.
How Do You Transport a Fishing Paddleboard?
Transporting a fishing paddleboard is comparable to transporting a conventional paddleboard. Using crossbars and harnesses, it can be transported on top of your vehicle. You may also transport it within your vehicle if there is sufficient capacity. To transport it on the roof of your vehicle, you will require crossbars. The majority of crossbars affix to the front-to-rear factory-installed bars on your vehicle, but this depends on the type of vehicle you have.
There are even crossbar systems designed for vehicle beds. Additionally, you require rack/padding that attaches to the crossbars and makes transporting a board very easy and secure. Cam straps fasten your SUP securely to the ground. You will need two straps that are at least 12 feet long. Additionally, bow and stern lines are required. You can use a non-stretch, water-resistant rope, but ratcheting lines make the task much simpler and quicker. One line is required for the bow and another for the rear.
Utilizing Roof Rack
With the rise in popularity of crossovers and SUVs, many vehicles are now equipped with factory or aftermarket crossbar-mounting roof racks or rails. Assuming your vehicle has crossbars, you have two options: you can either mount the board directly onto the crossbars, or you can use a SUP-specific rack with built-in harnesses that mounts onto the crossbars. Despite the fact that they can save some time, these SUP platforms are a bit pricey, so the majority of people simply use crossbars.
If you mount directly to the handlebars, it is essential to cover them with cushioning. This serves dual functions. First, it prevents the crossbars from causing injury to your paddleboard. Second, it enables your board to dig into the padding, reducing the likelihood that it will shift while driving. Padding options include dense foam, branded crossbar pads, and even Styrofoam pool noodles, which can be readily slit to fit over the bars.
Once the padding has been installed, position the board on top so that it does not extend too far over the back of the vehicle. Depending on the length of the board, it may need to extend over the windshield and past the rear bumper, but if it hangs off more than a couple of feet, it’s advisable to attach a red or orange flag to it. Many jurisdictions have regulations requiring these flags for any loads hanging from the back of a vehicle longer than 3 or 4 feet.
The subsequent step in mounting the board is to secure it. This is not a step to be taken lightly, as the tie-down straps are the only thing preventing your board from becoming a very large and hazardous flying object.
Rather than simply looping the strap around the rails and over the board (creating an oval), a much more secure method to mount it is to loop the strap around the rail and then place both halves over the board, closing the loop around the opposite rail. This will create an inverted C-shape and ensure that both halves of your strap are over the board, as opposed to one on top and one on bottom.
If you lack rails and your crossbars are attached to the vehicle using mounting feet, simply loop the strap around the crossbar as near to the board’s sides as possible. Do not completely tighten the front strap until the rear has been installed and snuggled up. The most effective method of applying equal force to both straps is to snug them up and then thoroughly tighten them. Transporting your paddleboard can be nerve-racking the first time, but if you follow the steps properly, there won’t be anything to worry about.
How do you transport a paddleboard in the back of a truck?
Trucks are excellent for transporting items that fit in the pickup bed, but securing paddleboards, which typically range in length from 10 to 14 feet, is a bit more complicated.
Unless the truck has a built-in rack system, in which case mounting the board is the same as with any vehicle with a rack, the board must be hung off the rear. Close the tailgate and place the board as far as possible into the pickup bin. Pad the tailgate with some type of padding, and then secure the board as close to the tailgate as possible using the tie-down mounts in the truck bed or the side rails.
If the board extends beyond the tailgate by more than a few feet, a red or orange marker is strongly advised and may be mandated by law.