How to Fish on Your Paddle Board

Imagine gliding across a glassy lake, with just the sound of your paddle slicing in the water. It’s dawn, birds are singing from the trees, and there isn’t another soul around you for miles.

This isn't just a peaceful escape; it's the start of a new fishing adventure. 

This isn't just a scene from a movie - this could be your reality when paddle board fishing or fishing from a kayak.

In our detailed guide, we'll dive into this unique way to fish, blending the tranquility of paddleboarding with the thrill of reeling in your next big catch. From the right gear to expert techniques, we'll help you with everything you need to transform your next fishing trip into an unforgettable adventure on the water. Ready to embrace the challenge of paddle board or SUP-kayak fishing? Let's dive in.

Pros & Cons of Fishing on a Paddle Board or Kayak

Fishing from a paddle board or kayak isn’t just for those who seek silence and solitude. It also offers a ton of advantages over fishing from motorized boats. 

• Stealth: a fishing SUP or kayak hybrid is perfect for sneaking up on fish, especially trophy fish which are more easily spooked than game fish. They are way quieter than boats. Also if your inflatable SUP hits anything in the water (logs, etc), it’s much quieter than a hard board
• Higher Viewpoint: Fishing paddle boards offer a standing approach, providing better visibility and casting accuracy
• Shallow Water Access: These boards can easily navigate waters less than a foot deep, reaching areas inaccessible to boats
• Eco-Friendly: Paddle boards minimize environmental impact compared to gas-powered boats. Take care of our waterways so they can be fished by your kids and your kids’ kids!
• Portability: Inflatable models are easy to transport and set up.
• Customization: Many boards offer options for add-ons like rod holders and coolers, enhancing the fishing experience.

The disadvantages of fishing from a paddle board or kayak are as follows:

• Limited Range and Speed: Paddle boards and kayaks rely on human power, limiting how far and fast you can travel compared to motorized boats.
• Less Storage Space: There's minimal room for gear, coolers, and other essentials, making longer trips more challenging
• Weather Vulnerability: Paddlers are more exposed to wind, waves, and rain, which can make fishing trips uncomfortable and even dangerous
• Stability: While many fishing kayaks and paddle boards are designed for stability, they can still be less stable than motorized boats, especially in rough conditions
• Physical Exertion: Fishing from a paddle board or kayak requires significant physical energy, which can be tiring over long periods. This also makes fishing less accessible for people who would benefit from the comforts of a boat

If you’re debating fishing from a paddle board vs a kayak, consider where you prefer to fish, how you are getting to your fishing spot, and how you like to fish. Ultimately If you enjoy fishing in rougher waters like the ocean, a fishing kayak may be your best option. If you plan on doing most of your fishing in calmer waters like ponds, lakes, and rivers, a fishing paddle board will be your best option due to freedom of movement, field of vision, and comfort. 

• Transportation: Paddle boards, especially inflatables, are lighter and easier to transport than kayaks. They are a great option for small cars, if you bike to your fishing spot, or if you don’t have a lot of storage at home 
• Fishing Capabilities: SUPs offer a higher vantage point and better casting while being quieter and more agile in the water.
• Best Use: Paddle boards are ideal for calm waters (lakes, rivers), while kayaks are better for rougher waters (oceans)

Price-wise, paddle boards and kayaks are quite similar, usually ranging from $800 - $2000. At ISLE we sell fishing SUPs and kayaks ranging from $700 - $1400

Best Paddle Boards and SUP Kayaks for Fishing

If you’re serious about purchasing a fishing SUP or a paddleboard-kayak hybrid, consider the following characteristics:

• Versatility: having the option to stand or sit on a long fishing expedition is critical for comfort. Hybrid paddle board kayaks are ideal for this as they offer all the advantages of fishing from a paddle board plus the convenience and stability of fishing from a sit-on-top kayak
• Width: the width of a fishing SUP determines the amount of stability. A standard fishing SUP typically has at least 32 inches in width. The ISLE Megalodon 2.0 is available in two extra-wide models (45” and 56”). An SUP with this much width has unyielding stability allowing users to move around more and position themselves as needed when fishing. 
• ISLE’s 11’6 Pioneer Pro is 36” wide and is the widest standard-sized board in the ISLE range. While not as “standing on dry land” stable as the Megalodons, the 11’6 Pioneer Pro is the most stable “standard” sized model in the ISLE lineup as well as being incredibly rigid thanks to the InfinityFiber composite construction.
• Customization: Look for various add-ons you can have that will help you find success in stand up paddle board fishing for a specific type of fish. We’ll go into more detail about recommended gear in the final section of this blog

If you’re looking for pure Fishing Paddle Boards to go fishing in calmer waters like lakes or rivers, here are the inflatable paddle boards that we recommend: 

• The best all-around SUP the Pioneer 2 is stable and lightweight (24 lb), perfect for every type of activity. It’s stable and lightweight, perfect for beginner to intermediate paddlers, and can hold up to 285 lbs
• Our Pioneer 3 is even lighter than our Pioneer 2, weighing in at only 19 lb. It also has our ISLE-LINK system so that you can easily attach fishing accessories or gear. 
• The largest SUP in our collection the Megalodon features a 45" or 56" width deck, making it ultra stable and the perfect-sized deck for storage and hauling all your fishing gear. It is also great for solo, tandem, or multi-person paddling and can hold 650 - 1050 lbs. So bring a friend, your dog, and all your fishing gear!

If you’re curious about the best inflatable SUP-kayak hybrids for fishing, here are the advantages:

• Lightweight: The Switch hybrid kayak-paddle board weighs just 19 pounds, making it easy to handle and transport for most fishers
• Accessory-Ready: Our ISLE-LINK system is created for easy attachment of accessories, coolers, and gear
• Durable: Made with a rugged, lightweight Airtech Lite material
• Optimized Kayak Mode: Comfortable, adjustable seating and foot brace for proper paddling posture
• Wide Open Deck: Full-coverage EVA decking for versatility and comfort\
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for tandem setup and multi-purpose use

We recommend the following SUP-kayak hybrids for fishing:

• Switch Compact: Includes all the great features of our best-selling, award-winning Switch inflatable SUP-Kayak hybrid in a lighter, more compact package. It is 10’6” long and has a 40% smaller packing size while maintaining excellent stability and user-friendly performance for riders up to 220lbs. Great for small cars, city living, or those who live to bike to their fishing spot. On its own, it weighs 17 lbs, with all the gear it weighs 34 lbs. 
• Switch 2: Our ultra-light, super-stable, and incredibly versatile paddle board hybrid kayak complete package. The 11’6 Switch weighs just 19 pounds on its own. Its full-coverage soft and grippy traction pad opens up the entire deck for yoga, pets, kids, and lounging. Our Patent-Pending ISLE-LINK connect system runs the length of both rails for installing the included kayak seat and footrest or your coolers for fishing

If you’re an advanced kayaker looking to go the distance, then check out our SUP-kayak hybrids from our Pro Series boards. ISLE's patented* Airtech Prolite construction provides the glide and stiffness of a rigid board in a portable, lightweight inflatable paddle board package.

• Pioneer Pro: Easily converts from paddle board to sit-on-top kayak with our Patent-Pending ISLE-LINK system for endless customization with a wide range of ISLE-LINK accessories. It comes in 3 sizes, from 9’6” to 11’6”. If you want the Pioneer Pro with all the kayak gear, check out our Pioneer Pro SUP-Kayak Bundle.
• Our Switch Pro is a super lightweight, versatile paddle board hybrid kayak that is ideal for silent approaches on shallow-water fish. And it features everything you need to kayak or paddle board. It includes a turnkey electric assist motor mount system so you can power your kayak further and faster

How to Fish from a Paddle Board or SUP Kayak

Ok, so you’ve chosen your paddle board or kayak of choice, so let’s dive into how to SUP fish! 

The first step is to set up your paddle board for fishing. 

• Board Selection: Choose inflatable SUPs for stability, durability, and easy transportation. For more details, scroll up for recommendations on the best watercraft for you
• Essential Gear: Rod holders, tackle storage, and bungee systems for securing gear.
• Safety and Comfort: Use a personal flotation device (PFD) and deck pads for comfort.
• Our video on how to SUP fish is also helpful for visual learners

If you want to get better at SUP fishing, consider the following: 

• Fishing Accessories: Use fish finders, extra lines, hooks, and lures tailored to the fishing environment.
• Stealth and Mobility: SUPs allow for silent movement and access to shallow or tight fishing spots.
• Technique Improvement: Practice balance and casting techniques to enhance fishing effectiveness

Are you itching to get started? Check out our tips on how to plan the perfect SUP fishing trip so you can be safe, and maximize comfort and fun.

• Preparation: Plan your route and check weather conditions. If you’re going alone, make sure you notify a close contact in case of emergencies
• Gear and Supplies: Pack essentials such as hydration, snacks, sunscreen, and safety gear (life jacket, first aid kit)
• Fishing Strategies: Identify target species and adapt your fishing techniques accordingly

Essential Gear for Fishing On A Paddle Board or Kayak

Here are the essentials for SUP fishing:

• Fishing rod
• Reel
• Pliers
• Cast net
• Bait bucket if you’re using live bait
• Paddleboard anchor kit if it’s windy: our ISLE Anchor Kit is needed if you plan to fish in strong currents or winds
• Small tackle box
• Harbor Folding Fishing Crate: has everything you need to store your catch and organize your gear. Includes an innovative folding milk crate for structure and sturdiness, or remove it and use the included wall stiffeners. Features two-rod holders, tool pockets with elastic security bands, one large velcro-closure pocket, and one large mesh storage pocket. Optimized for use with the ISLE-LINK connect system featured on the Switch and Pro Series inflatable paddle board kayak hybrid models but compatible with all ISLE boards and kayaks
• Your kayak seat and foot brace if you want the option to switch to kayaking
• Any fishing trip that’s longer than a few hours long will require anglers to bring along a cooler to store water and other beverages inside. The Gateway Cooler Backpack is a worthy addition to any fishing SUP as it will undoubtedly come in handy on those sweltering-hot days on the water. 

If you’re looking to step up your fishing game, here are some strongly recommended paddle board fishing accessories: 

• Extra Hooks: Carry a variety of hooks (Circle Hooks, J-Hooks) for different fishing needs
• Extra Lines: Bring different lines suitable for various water conditions and fish
• Bobbers and floaters are visual indicators that tell you when you’re getting bites from fish. If the bobber starts to jostle or move underwater, it’s time to reel in your catch. Most people are familiar with the classic red and white snap-on spheres, but modern bobbers offer high-tech options like active sonar that works with iOS and Android devices to give you details of the water under your board. If you’re looking to maximize your limited time on the water, getting a good idea of where the fish are is always helpful
• Fish Finders: Use portable fish finders to locate fish
• Fishing Rod Holders: Secure your rod with holders, especially when paddling or waiting for bites. These are included in our Harbor Fishing Crate
• Line Cutters: Bring this tool for cutting lines and tippets easily
• Lures: Select lures based on water clarity and target fish species
• Needle Nose Pliers: Versatile tool for hook removal and other uses
• Sinkers: For the classic approach to fishing with a simple live worm and hook, you will need a way to get your bait down to where the fish are searching for food. Using a weight or “sinker” is the simple solution. Most sinkers feature lead, but if you have environmental concerns you can always purchase lead alternatives made from brass, tungsten, and steel.
• First Aid Kit
• Life Jacket: We always recommend a life jacket when paddling or kayaking. Most states require a life jacket when fishing in open water, so please check your local regulations. 
• Sunscreen: Protect yourself from harsh UV rays. Bring a hat and sunglasses, wear UV protective clothing, and apply sunscreen throughout the day.
• Camera mounts: Capture the memories of your adventure
• E-assist motors: Looking to go further and faster on your paddle board or kayak? Consider an e-assist motor as an add-on.