Fishing from a paddleboard is an exhilarating experience that combines the thrill of paddling with the joy of angling. Paddleboards are not only simple and economical but also versatile with a range of plug-in accessories like fishing rod holders, waterproof phone cases, and bait boards. These additions can significantly enhance your fishing adventures without the hefty price tag of a dedicated fishing boat or kayak.
Whether you’re transforming your existing paddleboard into a fishing machine or you’re using a specialized SUP Angler fishing paddleboard, here’s a rundown of the best freshwater fish species to target from your paddleboard and some effective strategies to catch them.
- Largemouth Bass
Why They're Great: Largemouth bass are ideal for paddleboard fishing due to their love of structure, which is often visible without advanced electronics. Look for structures like fallen trees, docks, or lily pads that are easy to spot.
How to Catch Them: Focus on areas with structure close to the shore in 5 to 10 feet of water. Use searcher patterns with lures such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or buzzbaits to entice the bass. In clear water with at least 5 feet of visibility, topwater lures like poppers or Zara Spooks can be particularly effective. In warmer regions, this approach can be used year-round, while in the Midwest and West, targeting these areas during late spring and summer after spawning is best.
Seasonal Tips: As bass move to deeper water to escape the heat later in the year, try live bait rigs or paddle-tail grubs in depths of 15-25 feet during lowlight conditions.
- Panfish
Why They're Great: Panfish, including bluegills, redear, perch, and crappies, are known for their willingness to bite and their minimal requirements for bait presentation.
How to Catch Them: Use a simple setup with a worm or nightcrawler under a bobber. Find weedy areas with plenty of cover and cast your bait so that it’s a foot or two off the bottom. For artificial bait users, a small grubtail can work well in the same setup.
- Northern Pike
Why They're Great: Northern Pike are aggressive predators and can be a thrilling challenge from a paddleboard. Although larger pike are harder to target in deeper water during summer, smaller "hammer-handles" can be targeted year-round.
How to Catch Them: Cast flashy lures like bucktails where pike are cruising for baitfish such as perch or shad. If you prefer live bait, rig up some live minnows using the SUP Angler bait board. Look for spots near large boulders or submerged wood in 10-15 feet of water. Be patient and methodical, as pike can be stationary ambush predators.
- Trout
Why They're Great: Trout are well-suited for paddleboard fishing due to their wariness and the stealthy nature of a paddleboard. This setup is ideal for approaching trout without disturbing the water.
How to Catch Them: Drift quietly within casting distance of feeding areas and use dry flies to match the hatch. Paddleboards are particularly useful in non-motorized lakes or ponds, which are often less pressured by other anglers. Inflatable paddleboards are especially handy for accessing remote spots that require a bit of hiking.
- Catfish
Why They're Great: Catfish can be effectively targeted from a paddleboard by using it to deploy bait into deeper water while fishing from shore.
How to Catch Them: Paddle out with your bait to deeper areas where catfish are known to be, and then return to shore to fish. This method helps in placing your bait further out than traditional casting would allow.
Minimum Recommended Gear to Bring:
- Rod Holder: A rod holder mount is essential for hands-free paddling and fishing.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Use a waterproof phone case, like the Clam case, to protect your phone from water and ensure it floats if dropped.
- Life Vest: Always bring a life vest, especially if you’re paddling far from shore.
Fishing from a paddleboard offers unique advantages and can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether you’re targeting largemouth bass, panfish, northern pike, trout, or catfish, your paddleboard can be a versatile and effective fishing platform. Equip yourself with the right accessories and strategies, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful day on the water.