If you’re familiar with stand-up paddle boarding (SUP-ing), then you’re likely aware of all its added health benefits. For many members of the SUP community, these perks include improved fitness, cardiovascular health, and reduced chances of diabetes, joint problems, heart attacks, and strokes. While you can certainly treat yourself to a full-intensity SUP workout, you don’t need to overdo it in order to burn some calories and improve your health. Rather, even calmer activities can work up a sweat, especially on top of a paddle board. SUP fishing, for example, can burn up to 400 calories per hour! So, if you love fishing and SUP-ing, then we highly recommend trying to combine the two sometime. Of course, before you do, you’ll want to make sure you know how to go fishing on an inflatable stand-up paddle board (iSUP). As always, our team at Atoll Boards has everything you need to know, so keep on reading below!
Before You Put Your Board in the Water
We know you’re excited, but, before you put your board in the water, please be sure to cross off the following items from your to-do list.
Inflate Your Board and Inspect it for Leaks
First things first, if you’re paddling with an iSUP, then you’ll need to inflate it. When you do, give it a good examination to make sure there are no signs of leakage or any other problems. To learn more about the best way to inflate a paddle board, click here.
Make Sure You Have All of Your Gear
Next, make sure you have all of the gear you’ll need. Not only your normal fishing supplies but also all the must-have accessories of SUP-ing. For starters, check out our blog all about the best waterproof SUP accessories. In addition to these, we do have a few further recommendations in terms of gear, accessories, etc.
Attach Yourself to Your Board
In any form of SUP-ing—fishing or otherwise—it is imperative to attach yourself to your board. Not only does this keep you much safer in all paddling conditions, but it is also extremely convenient if you are ever removed from your board either voluntarily or involuntarily. For this, we recommend our signature 10-foot coil paddle board leash.
Bring Wading Boots or Water-Ready Shoes
Another situation in which it would be very helpful to have a leash is if your SUP is fully loaded with fishing supplies and you choose to wade out into the waters. Trust us, we get it, it’s nice to get a little bit closer for certain types of fishing. That said, when you do, just make sure your board doesn’t get too far away from you. And, equally important, be sure to bring wading boots or water-ready shoes so you have the option to safely wade your way through those waters.
Keep an Eye Out for Underwater Hazards
Speaking of, waders will want to keep an eye out for any underwater hazards, such as sharp rocks, oyster beds, and anything else that you wouldn’t want to step on, get stuck in, etc. Again, proper footwear can really make a world of difference. Of course, that’s not the only game changer.
Vertical Rod Holders
If you really want a next-level SUP fishing experience, then you need to bring some vertical rod holders. With them, you don’t have to worry about crouching down, reaching around, and searching the surface of your SUP in order to find a fishing pole. Rather, it will be right where you need it when you need it. Trust us, this will really level up your SUP fishing.
Hard-Top Cooler
Now, you may be wondering, “Where am I going to put these vertical rod holders?” Personally, we recommend attaching them to a hard-top cooler. Not only will it keep your drinks nice and cold, but it’s a perfect place to take a break, relax, and get off your feet for a little bit.
Anchoring Your SUP
Another great way to take a break is by anchoring your SUP. Or, maybe even better, this can be especially helpful if you’re in a perfect fishing spot and you don’t want to stray too far away from it. Either way, it is certainly nice to have the option.
Personal Floatation Device (PFD)
Just like a leash, a PFD is a must. Trust us, you never want to be in a situation where you need a PFD and don’t have one. What’s more, this is especially true if you fall into the water unexpectedly; even more so if the water is colder than you’re expecting, as this can cause incapacitation, shock, hypothermia, etc. Suffice it to say, always wear a PFD.
What to Do When You’re Out on the Water
While the rest is relatively intuitive, we do have a few recommendations on what to do when you’re out on the water.
Master Basic SUP-ing
First, a quick disclaimer: before you add activities like fishing to your SUP repertoire, please be sure to master basic SUP-ing first. All SUP activities—including fishing—require a good amount of balance, comfortability, etc. While this may sound questionable on the surface, think of it this way: if you get a huge fish on the line, are you ready to haul it in on top of a probably-wobbly board? That said, make sure you’re fully prepared for all types of basic SUP scenarios before you add more to the equation. After all, you don’t want to lose a big catch because of it! As for how to get more comfortable and confident on your board, we recommend some practice paddles. For these, simply get on the water, do some turns, walk around on top of your board, and keep at it until you feel like you have a good handle on everything. Once you do, you’ll be more than ready for a practice session of SUP fishing.
A Practice Session of SUP Fishing
When you feel as though you’re ready for a practice session of SUP fishing, go through our list above, pack your gear, pick a place to try it out, head over there, inflate your board, load it up with all of your accessories, and get out there on the water. This practical experience will be good to see what it’s like with some extra weight on the board, how it might affect your balance, how you may need to paddle differently in certain situations, etc.
Practice Casting and Reeling In
If you’re feeling good about everything, then practice your casting! After all, that’s the first step towards catching some real fish. Furthermore, it’s very important that you’re comfortable with casting and reeling in your lure or hook without snagging your iSUP. Luckily, our signature Atoll Boards are thick enough that the only way you could poke a hole in them is on purpose, so that’s one less thing to worry about while you’re out there.
Control Your Paddle
Finally, check out this informative video below. In it, an SUP fishing expert explains a way in which you can masterfully switch between paddling and fishing without constantly bending, crouching, and moving around. With it, you can do more fishing and less legwork. And, after all, isn’t that the whole point? To have as much fishing time as possible? Check it out below!
Contact Our Team at Atoll Boards
We hope you enjoyed learning all about how to go fishing on an inflatable stand-up paddle board! For more information on this or anything else, please feel free to contact our team at Atoll Boards. To do so, simply give us a call at 877-698-8581 or send us an email at customerservice@atollboards.com. For wholesale inquiries, interested parties can email us at sales@atollboards.com. In any case, we would be more than happy to help you in any way we can. Until next time!
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