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1. The most important feature of a SUP.
2. Different types of SUPs, moulded, soft, inflatable.
3. Paddle selection.
4. SUP paddling and handling.
5. Rules, regulations and safety.
6. Fishing Gear Recommendations
2. Different types of SUPs, moulded, soft, inflatable.
3. Paddle selection.
4. SUP paddling and handling.
5. Rules, regulations and safety.
6. Fishing Gear Recommendations
1. The Most Important Feature of a SUP
The most important feature in selection of a SUP for fishing is stability. It is necessary to have enough
volume to float you easily, this will be a component of its width, length and thickness and over all shape
and will generally mean a board in the 11 plus foot length. The shape refers to the outline of the board
whether it has a full or pointed nose and tail, generally a fuller shape is best.
Recommendations:
Width: between 29 and 35 inches wide.
Length: 11 to 12 ft.
Thickness: The thickness will generally not be as critical if a fuller shape is selected. The thickness will
be between 4 to 4.5 , 6 inches, and will match the shape of the board.
2. Different types of SUPs.
There are 4 basic kinds of materials used to make SUPs. 1. Hard (moulded) 2. Hard (epoxy) 3. Soft foam
4. Inflatable. Below are the characteristics that sets them apart. But overall, all these types of boards will
work great.
Hard moulded - Are the most durable and will handle the best.
Hard epoxy - less durable than moulded, same handling characteristics as hard moulded.
Soft Foam - My overall evaluation is that soft boards are fun and maneuverable and a great choice and if
you are using them on a boat they will be easy to haul aboard without causing damage.
Inflatable's - The materials that are used are extremely durable and will not puncture by hooks, sharp
rocks, etc. In fact these boards are almost indestructible and extremely buoyant. For myself, I find that
the 8'2" board that is 34 inches wide has plenty of volume and works perfectly. What you will find is that if
used a lot, the feature of being able to deflate and put away may not be used as much as expected as it
takes time to inflate and must be inflated to a hard level. But on the up side, this makes it easy to travel
with and take camping. Also inflatable's are a great choice for use with a boat, again no damaging when
hauling on board. My overall evaluation is that the inflatable is a great choice and will paddle and handle
well for fishing, with the main differences being that the added bouncy makes it harder to handle in windy
conditions.
I have pictures and evaluation of these different types of boards on the home page (left hand side) and
briefly describe what I think of each, these are my choices of some of the best that are out there. Again,
each has their positive points, and again all work great.
3. Paddle selection.
Any good fiber glass, carbon, carbon composition, wood and shape of paddle will work just fine, and any
adjustable length paddles. The only paddles I would not recommend are heavy paddles. These include
some of the aluminum shaft paddles that will sink if dropped in the water.
Paddle length.
The length is important to allow for easy handling when passing from right to left hand and to avoid hitting
the rail of the SUP and gear on the deck (Safari Pak) with the blade. Paddles are made to be cut to the
size of the user. The best length will be 7-8 inches over your head, This length is also, the standard
recommended length for all around general paddling and surfing. There are exceptions in length for
racing and personal preference, but for a beginner this length will work best.
The most important feature in selection of a SUP for fishing is stability. It is necessary to have enough
volume to float you easily, this will be a component of its width, length and thickness and over all shape
and will generally mean a board in the 11 plus foot length. The shape refers to the outline of the board
whether it has a full or pointed nose and tail, generally a fuller shape is best.
Recommendations:
Width: between 29 and 35 inches wide.
Length: 11 to 12 ft.
Thickness: The thickness will generally not be as critical if a fuller shape is selected. The thickness will
be between 4 to 4.5 , 6 inches, and will match the shape of the board.
2. Different types of SUPs.
There are 4 basic kinds of materials used to make SUPs. 1. Hard (moulded) 2. Hard (epoxy) 3. Soft foam
4. Inflatable. Below are the characteristics that sets them apart. But overall, all these types of boards will
work great.
Hard moulded - Are the most durable and will handle the best.
Hard epoxy - less durable than moulded, same handling characteristics as hard moulded.
Soft Foam - My overall evaluation is that soft boards are fun and maneuverable and a great choice and if
you are using them on a boat they will be easy to haul aboard without causing damage.
Inflatable's - The materials that are used are extremely durable and will not puncture by hooks, sharp
rocks, etc. In fact these boards are almost indestructible and extremely buoyant. For myself, I find that
the 8'2" board that is 34 inches wide has plenty of volume and works perfectly. What you will find is that if
used a lot, the feature of being able to deflate and put away may not be used as much as expected as it
takes time to inflate and must be inflated to a hard level. But on the up side, this makes it easy to travel
with and take camping. Also inflatable's are a great choice for use with a boat, again no damaging when
hauling on board. My overall evaluation is that the inflatable is a great choice and will paddle and handle
well for fishing, with the main differences being that the added bouncy makes it harder to handle in windy
conditions.
I have pictures and evaluation of these different types of boards on the home page (left hand side) and
briefly describe what I think of each, these are my choices of some of the best that are out there. Again,
each has their positive points, and again all work great.
3. Paddle selection.
Any good fiber glass, carbon, carbon composition, wood and shape of paddle will work just fine, and any
adjustable length paddles. The only paddles I would not recommend are heavy paddles. These include
some of the aluminum shaft paddles that will sink if dropped in the water.
Paddle length.
The length is important to allow for easy handling when passing from right to left hand and to avoid hitting
the rail of the SUP and gear on the deck (Safari Pak) with the blade. Paddles are made to be cut to the
size of the user. The best length will be 7-8 inches over your head, This length is also, the standard
recommended length for all around general paddling and surfing. There are exceptions in length for
racing and personal preference, but for a beginner this length will work best.
5. Rules, regulations and safety.
Required gear may include a personal flotation device, whistle or horn, invasive species sticker, use
license for the SUP, as well as a fishing license. So, know the rules.
Required gear may include a personal flotation device, whistle or horn, invasive species sticker, use
license for the SUP, as well as a fishing license. So, know the rules.
Safety.
Make sure you stay in conditions that are appropriate for your skill as a waterman whether it be on a river,
lake or in the ocean. Swift currents, chops, high winds and waves should all be avoided. And always be
aware and prepared for changing conditions. Pay Attention!
Make sure you stay in conditions that are appropriate for your skill as a waterman whether it be on a river,
lake or in the ocean. Swift currents, chops, high winds and waves should all be avoided. And always be
aware and prepared for changing conditions. Pay Attention!
6. Fishing Gear Recommendations
1. Poles under 7 feet that match what you are going after.
2. Gaff with 24 inch handle, or net.
3. Safari Pak or other system to hold fishing gear.
4. Water and power bars/granola bars that are self sealed.
5. Sun protection, hat.
6. Safety whistle.
That's it.
1. Poles under 7 feet that match what you are going after.
2. Gaff with 24 inch handle, or net.
3. Safari Pak or other system to hold fishing gear.
4. Water and power bars/granola bars that are self sealed.
5. Sun protection, hat.
6. Safety whistle.
That's it.
| SUP Fishing |
4. SUP paddling and handling.
To start, stand in center of board, feet shoulder width apart, paddle gently until you get the feel of the
board by sweeping the paddle alternating sides and switching hand positions. This motion will be the
same as if you are sitting in a cannoe or sweeping a broom with the exception that one hand will be on the
top handle of the paddle and the other near the center. To turn, you will gently sweep the paddle
backward. That's it. That is all you need to know to get started and paddling the basic techniques will
come quickly once you start.
Stance.
Stand with your toes on the center line of the board, feet in a parallel stance to your shoulders, shoulder
width apart.
Paddling.
Hold the paddle with one hand over the top griping the handle and the other mid way down the shaft.
Switch hand positions when paddling on right and left sides. Holding the paddle and paddling will be a
natural thing and will feel the same as paddling a canoe.
Stand up casting and fishing.
This will come with time and is not difficult. In general with a fish 8 pounds and up you may want to sit on
the board, but larger fish can be caught and brought aboard standing.
To start, stand in center of board, feet shoulder width apart, paddle gently until you get the feel of the
board by sweeping the paddle alternating sides and switching hand positions. This motion will be the
same as if you are sitting in a cannoe or sweeping a broom with the exception that one hand will be on the
top handle of the paddle and the other near the center. To turn, you will gently sweep the paddle
backward. That's it. That is all you need to know to get started and paddling the basic techniques will
come quickly once you start.
Stance.
Stand with your toes on the center line of the board, feet in a parallel stance to your shoulders, shoulder
width apart.
Paddling.
Hold the paddle with one hand over the top griping the handle and the other mid way down the shaft.
Switch hand positions when paddling on right and left sides. Holding the paddle and paddling will be a
natural thing and will feel the same as paddling a canoe.
Stand up casting and fishing.
This will come with time and is not difficult. In general with a fish 8 pounds and up you may want to sit on
the board, but larger fish can be caught and brought aboard standing.
