{"id":23530,"date":"2021-01-19T04:30:37","date_gmt":"2021-01-19T04:30:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/test.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/?p=23530"},"modified":"2023-06-22T00:58:22","modified_gmt":"2023-06-21T14:58:22","slug":"inflatable-sup-anyone-stand-up-paddleboards-fish-and-explore-wherever-you-go","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/inflatable-sup-anyone-stand-up-paddleboards-fish-and-explore-wherever-you-go\/","title":{"rendered":"Inflatable SUP Anyone? (Stand-Up Paddleboards) \u2013 Fish and explore wherever you go"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Want to widen your range of fishing opportunities but not ready for a boat yet? Then a SUP or Stand Up Paddleboard may be your best bet!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Portable, durable, lightweight, stealthy, and affordable, SUPs are one mighty alternative to the kayaks and canoes that we\u2019ve all accepted as personal fishing vessels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it\u2019s not raining or blowing out there, get your SUP out and start catching some fish!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Inflatable SUP boards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: Courtesy Bote Boards<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Portability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Arguably the best benefit of having an inflatable SUP is the ability to take it anywhere! Whether you are headed to the local bass pond or reservoir or exploring remote islands and salt flats in the tropics, your inflatable SUP can be easily transported and set-up solo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inflatable SUPs\u2019 footprint when deflated is comparable to a large suitcase. With an average weight of 20lbs, it doesn\u2019t require too much effort to load and unload in your vehicle\u2019s boot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most bags will come with wheels so users can just roll the bag in airports, on parking lots, or at launching areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having everything you need in one bag is the pinnacle of convenience. Your board, its fins, the paddle, the pump, and other board accessories all fit into one bag, minimizing the chances of losing pieces and accessories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fishing locations are limited to your SUP experience and skills. From bass fishing at your local pond to flats fishing for bonefish in Belize, if you\u2019re adventurous enough, your SUP can help you find the fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vision<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The eyes are a very important tool for fishing. Searching for structure, bait, birds, sight casting and just plain seeing things around you are key for maximum fishing success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On SUPs, your vision is maximized as you are in a standing position almost all the time. If you are brave and experienced enough, you can also stand on your esky for added elevation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SUPs started gaining popularity among fishermen almost a decade ago when kayak fishing was the rage. In kayaks, your vision was limited as you were seated and close to the water. Although there were fishing kayaks that allow anglers to stand up for sight casting purposes, the SUP is seen as a more efficient and ergonomic alternative to the kayak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stealth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The ability to sneak up on unexpecting fish in skinny water is only limited to personal watercraft like kayaks, canoes, belly floats, and SUPs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is hard to explain how amazing it is to be able to get within an arm\u2019s length to your targeted fish without it noticing. You\u2019d have to experience this yourself. The feeling is surreal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fishability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Standard SUPs provide users with a large, stable, and flat platform to fish on. Anglers have space for an esky, a storage crate for your tackle, ropes and drift sock, and one or two rods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This flat platform minimizes things that you can hit when casting, so you can send your casts without any worries. Apart from worrying about falling over when you lose your balance.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Landing a fish on a SUP is a bit of a challenge at first, as you need to lower yourself to a kneeling position to land a fish without tipping over, or breaking the tip of your rod. But maneuvering yourself on your SUP will come with enough practice and experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Downsides of SUPs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

SUPs are significantly cheaper than real boats, but in the end, no matter how hard we try, they are not real boats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You get the portability, vision, stealth, and the ability to fish skinny water with minimal cost, but you sacrifice a lot as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minimal Load Capacity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You are fishing on an enlarged version of an inflatable surfboard. A virtually flat balloon, directly on the surface of the water, with no gunwales to prevent water from splashing onto the SUP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will be able to bring a limited amount of gear, as mentioned previously in the Fishability section of this article, an esky, a utility crate, some tackle, and one or two rods at the most. Anything more and you risk overloading the SUP and cause instability and risk losing a lot of gear!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A minimalist approach to tackle and gear is required if you want to fish successfully on a SUP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Limited Fishing Coverage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s be honest. No matter how fit of a paddler you are, you won\u2019t be able to cover as much water as Jed on a tinny with a 15hp outboard with 25L of fuel in the jerry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your paddling distance will be limited not only to your physical fitness levels, but you\u2019ll also be challenged by the weather, specifically wind, waves, and current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waves higher than 6 inches will be a challenge to paddle through without bailing, more so trying to get a perfect double haul to land on the nose of a rampaging GT. Imagine the chaos when trying to set the hook!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arguably the best benefit of having an inflatable SUP is the ability to take it anywhere! Whether you are headed to the local bass pond or reservoir or exploring remote islands and salt flats in the tropics, your inflatable SUP can be easily transported and set-up solo.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

So, you still want to SUP?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Tipping over is a big possibility, especially when you’re just starting out. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After you\u2019ve read all the benefits and limitations of SUP fishing above, and you feel a SUP would be a great primary floatation device for your fishing adventures, then let\u2019s list down some \u2018must do\u2019s\u2019 so you won\u2019t look stupid in front of your mates and get them envious of your SUP fishing instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n