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Basics that you will need to know.
1. How to select a SUP for fishing.
2. Different types of SUPs, moulded, soft, inflatable.
3. Paddle selection.
4. SUP paddling and handling.
5. Rules, reglations and safety.
6. Specific recommendations in SUP fishing gear
1. How to select a SUP for fishing.
2. Different types of SUPs, moulded, soft, inflatable.
3. Paddle selection.
4. SUP paddling and handling.
5. Rules, reglations and safety.
6. Specific recommendations in SUP fishing gear
1. How to select a SUP for fishing.
Stability - this is the most important feature of selecting a SUP. SUPs are rider weight dependent and the sup
must have enough volume for stability, this will be a component of width, length and thickness and its over all
shape. 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. This will be obvious because speciality boards for racing and surfing will generally have
a narrow pointy look. You will want to avoid these.
The width of the board is very important. A board wider than 29 inches may be too wide to straddle sit on with
your legs over the side even thought it is more stable when standing. The ability to do straddle sit adds for
stability when tying gear and fishing, otherwise sitting will be done in some cross leg position or in a kneeling
position. I personally do not straddle sit with my feet and legs in the water and only do so if the board
requires it. But, before you get a board 30-35 inches that you think is the best because it is very stable when
standing make sure that you are comfortable with this trade off.
Recommendations:
Width: between 29 and 35 inches wide.
Length: 9 to 11 ft will be the best lengths for ease of handling in and out of the water. Longer lengths are
extremely hard to find a place to store. It is better to get a shorter board with a wider width.
Thickness: The thickness will generally not be as critical if a fuller shape is selected. The thickness will be
between 4 to 4.5 , 5 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. The down side is that the
foam surface will break down over time and this can be as short as 1 year if left in the sun or up to 5 years or
more. Also it is important to select a foam board that is made of foam that will not soak in water because a
water logged board will get extremely heavy.
Inflatable's - The materials that are used are extremely durable (same as a zodiac) 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.
Stability - this is the most important feature of selecting a SUP. SUPs are rider weight dependent and the sup
must have enough volume for stability, this will be a component of width, length and thickness and its over all
shape. 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. This will be obvious because speciality boards for racing and surfing will generally have
a narrow pointy look. You will want to avoid these.
The width of the board is very important. A board wider than 29 inches may be too wide to straddle sit on with
your legs over the side even thought it is more stable when standing. The ability to do straddle sit adds for
stability when tying gear and fishing, otherwise sitting will be done in some cross leg position or in a kneeling
position. I personally do not straddle sit with my feet and legs in the water and only do so if the board
requires it. But, before you get a board 30-35 inches that you think is the best because it is very stable when
standing make sure that you are comfortable with this trade off.
Recommendations:
Width: between 29 and 35 inches wide.
Length: 9 to 11 ft will be the best lengths for ease of handling in and out of the water. Longer lengths are
extremely hard to find a place to store. It is better to get a shorter board with a wider width.
Thickness: The thickness will generally not be as critical if a fuller shape is selected. The thickness will be
between 4 to 4.5 , 5 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. The down side is that the
foam surface will break down over time and this can be as short as 1 year if left in the sun or up to 5 years or
more. Also it is important to select a foam board that is made of foam that will not soak in water because a
water logged board will get extremely heavy.
Inflatable's - The materials that are used are extremely durable (same as a zodiac) 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. Specific recommendations in SUP fishing gear.
1. Safari Pak or another system to hold your pole reel, gear and catch.
2. Gaff with 24 inch handle, or net.
3. Poles under 7 feet that match what you are going after.
4. Water and power bars that are self sealed so water isn't an issue.
5. Sun protection, hat.
6. Safety whistle.
1. Safari Pak or another system to hold your pole reel, gear and catch.
2. Gaff with 24 inch handle, or net.
3. Poles under 7 feet that match what you are going after.
4. Water and power bars that are self sealed so water isn't an issue.
5. Sun protection, hat.
6. Safety whistle.
| Beginner's Guide to SUP Fishing |
4. SUP handling and paddling.
Your first go out should be just to paddle. In this process you will get a feeling of how to stroke, paddle and
turn. The learning curve is fast and within a few hours you will be able to enjoy paddling. There is a front and
back to the paddle, you will want the blade to angle forward, this is counter intuitive but don't worry about this
because it doesn't make that much difference when you first start, it is not a big issue and will not hinder your
learning. So, to start, stand in center of board, feet shoulder width apart, paddle gently until you get the feel
of the board and turn by sweeping the paddle out or by paddling backwards. That's it. That is all you need to
do. Paddling techniques will come once you start. And just remember, your fishing, not racing.
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 the way you would hold a paddle for canoeing.
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.
Your first go out should be just to paddle. In this process you will get a feeling of how to stroke, paddle and
turn. The learning curve is fast and within a few hours you will be able to enjoy paddling. There is a front and
back to the paddle, you will want the blade to angle forward, this is counter intuitive but don't worry about this
because it doesn't make that much difference when you first start, it is not a big issue and will not hinder your
learning. So, to start, stand in center of board, feet shoulder width apart, paddle gently until you get the feel
of the board and turn by sweeping the paddle out or by paddling backwards. That's it. That is all you need to
do. Paddling techniques will come once you start. And just remember, your fishing, not racing.
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 the way you would hold a paddle for canoeing.
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.
How hard is it to learn how to do this?
Easy, but there are a few steps you will want to master, you will want to learn balance, paddling and how to
handle the SUP, again the learning curve is quick and with a little luck you will be standing and paddling
immediately and with that under your belt you will be ready to go out fishing. Remember you will not always be
standing when fishing you will also be sitting as well as knee paddling. Also, you will get wet, so wear swim
trunks or a wet suit depending on the weather conditions.
Will a fish tow you around?
Yes, and it's a blast. I have caught 6 lb fish that have given me a short ride, but we are getting ahead of
ourselves.
Easy, but there are a few steps you will want to master, you will want to learn balance, paddling and how to
handle the SUP, again the learning curve is quick and with a little luck you will be standing and paddling
immediately and with that under your belt you will be ready to go out fishing. Remember you will not always be
standing when fishing you will also be sitting as well as knee paddling. Also, you will get wet, so wear swim
trunks or a wet suit depending on the weather conditions.
Will a fish tow you around?
Yes, and it's a blast. I have caught 6 lb fish that have given me a short ride, but we are getting ahead of
ourselves.
That's it.