Paddle Board Fishing: Tips and Equipment for Anglers in 2025
Combining the stealth of a kayak with the elevated perspective of a stand-up angler, paddleboard fishing offers a unique blend of adventure, exercise, and connection with nature. If you enjoy fishing in calm waters and a challenge, SUP fishing is a lot of fun.
Can you fish on inflatable paddleboards?
Absolutely, and often they're even the preferred choice! Inflatable paddleboards (iSUPs) have revolutionized access to the water, and fishing is no exception. Modern iSUPs are incredibly durable and stable, making them perfect platforms for fishing.
Why iSUPs are great for fishing:
Stability : Many iSUPs designed specifically for fishing are wider and thicker than traditional recreational boards, providing exceptional stability when casting, retrieving fish, and even standing for extended periods.
Durability : Forget damage from rocks or oyster beds. The military-grade PVC construction of iSUPs is incredibly resistant to punctures and abrasion, withstanding even minor bumps and snags.
Portability and storage : This is perhaps their greatest advantage. iSUPs deflate and pack into a backpack-sized bag, making them incredibly easy to transport by car, on public transport, or even on foot to remote fishing spots. Storage at home requires minimal space.
Deck Area : Fishing iSUPs often feature generous deck padding and multiple D-rings, bungee systems, and accessory mounts that allow for customization and secure storage of all your gear.
While hardshell boards certainly have their place, the comfort, stability, and durability of a good fishing iSUP make it an excellent choice for anglers seeking versatility and ease of use.
The best paddleboards for fishing have the following features.
Choosing the right board is crucial for a successful and enjoyable paddleboard fishing experience. Look for these important features:
Exceptional stability
This is essential. Look for boards that are at least 81 to 91 cm wide, have a thick profile (12 to 15 cm), and a flat, stable hull design. This allows you to stand, cast, and even play a fish without feeling like you're wobbling.
Generous space and traction on the deck
You need enough space for your fishing tackle box, your cooler, your anchor, and, above all, freedom of movement. A full-length, comfortable EVA foam deck pad provides excellent grip and reduces fatigue.
Multiple attachment points
D-rings, bungee cords, and specialized accessory mounts (like Scotty or Ram Mount bases) are crucial for attaching gear, rod holders, a fish finder, or a cooler. The more versatile, the better.
High load capacity
Make sure the board can comfortably support your weight, all your gear, and potentially a large catch. Always check the manufacturer's recommended weight capacity.
Integrated rod holders or mounting options
While the best boards don't always have built-in mounts, they do offer positions (or easy-to-install mounts) for flush-mounted or adjustable rod holders, keeping your hands free while paddling or preparing your fishing gear.
Paddle holder
A simple bungee or clip system to secure your paddle when you're busy fishing is incredibly useful.
Robust construction
Especially with iSUPs, look for a multi-layer PVC construction with reinforced edges that can withstand the stresses of fishing, including possible hook strikes or impacts against structures.
Max 11'6 Inflatable Fishing Paddleboard
Meet the Max, the SUV of SUPs. Its all-around shape offers unparalleled stability for tandem paddling, children, pets, or fishing gear. A wider board also provides a more stable platform for reeling in larger fish and casting, such as fly fishing. The full-length traction pad provides ample grip during yoga or wrestling with a catch.
Essential equipment for paddleboat fishing
Besides the perfect board, there are a few important pieces of equipment that will make your paddleboat fishing adventure even better:
- Personal Floatation Device (PFD) : Safety first! Always wear a comfortable, custom-designed buoyancy aid. This is required by law in many areas.
- Paddle : Of course, but consider an adjustable carbon fiber or fiberglass paddle, which is lighter and offers better performance. A double kayak-style paddle can also be useful for seated paddling.
- Fishing rods and reels : Shorter rods (6-7 feet) are often easier to handle on a SUP. Bring one or two rods equipped for your target species.
- Rod Holders : If your board doesn't have built-in rod holders, invest in removable, adjustable rod holders that can be attached to your tie-down points.
- Gear management : A waterproof tackle box or bag is essential. Keep it organized and only carry what you need. Pliers, line cutters, and a small first-aid kit are a must.
- Anchoring system : A small, collapsible grapnel anchor (1.5–3 lbs) with a line of approximately 30–50 feet is essential for maintaining your position in currents or wind. A mooring pole is also a good option for shallow waters.
- Cooler/Livestock Box : A small watersports cooler can store your catch, bait, drinks, and snacks. Many fishing SUPs have bungee systems for attaching these.
- Waterproof dry bag/box : For your cell phone, keys, wallet and other electronic devices that you don't want to get wet.
- Leash : A coiled leash connected to your board is essential for safety and ensures that your board never drifts away from you.
- Sun protection : A hat, sunglasses (polarized lenses are great for spotting fish), and high-factor sunscreen are essential for long hours on the water.
- Landing net : A compact, rubberized landing net helps you land fish safely and prevents the hooks from getting caught in the deck pad of your board.
The best places for paddleboat fishing in GERMANY
Germany offers a diverse landscape of waterways perfect for paddleboat fishing, from tranquil lakes to winding rivers to coastal areas. Remember to always check local fishing regulations and obtain the necessary fishing license and any specific permits for the body of water you plan to fish in.
Bavarian Lakes:
Chiemsee: Also known as the "Bavarian Sea," Lake Chiemsee is Germany's third-largest lake and offers expansive waters for pike, zander, perch, and various whitefish. Its quiet bays and islands offer excellent sheltered spots.
Lake Starnberg: A deep, picturesque lake south of Munich, ideal for lake trout, char, and pike. Its clear waters allow for sight fishing in certain areas.
Ammersee / Tegernsee: These lakes are smaller but equally beautiful and also host good populations of pike, perch, and trout, with many accessible shores and quieter areas.
Mecklenburg Lake District:
Müritz: The Müritz is Germany's largest lake located entirely within its borders and a paradise for pike, perch, and zander. Its countless bays, reed-covered shores, and connections to an extensive network of smaller lakes and canals make it ideal for multi-day SUP fishing adventures.
Plauer See / Kölpinsee: As part of the same interconnected system, these lakes offer similar fantastic fishing opportunities in a tranquil, natural setting.
The Baltic coast:
Particularly the Bodden areas around Rügen, Usedom, and Darß-Zingst. These shallow, brackish lagoons are known for their first-class pike and zander catches. The calmer waters and diverse structure make them perfect for SUP fishing, as you can sneak up on the fish unnoticed.
Kiel Fjord / Flensburg Fjord: Although more active here, flounder, sea trout, and cod can be caught in certain sheltered bays and shallow areas.
Quieter river sections:
Havel River (especially around Potsdam/Brandenburg): The Havel River offers numerous quiet stretches, oxbows, and smaller canals perfect for fishing for pike, perch, zander, and carp. The picturesque landscape adds to the experience.
Spreewald Biosphere Reserve (Brandenburg): Although it is often visited by many tourists canoeing, the extensive network of canals and waterways in the Spreewald offers unique fishing opportunities for pike, perch, and various carp, especially in less frequented areas.
Important note: Avoid large, busy rivers like the Rhine or major sections of the Elbe River due to strong currents and heavy commercial traffic, which pose significant safety risks for paddleboarders. Stick to calmer, smaller rivers or designated SUP-friendly zones.
Regardless of your paddleboard fishing brand or style, we at SPORT DEPOT SHOP hope you found your favorite spots and had a great fishing adventure this season. Don't forget your fishing license and personal life jacket , as well as sunscreen and tackle box.