Although they've been around for awhile now, stand up paddle boards are now starting to get much more popular. If you've seen one, you'll know that they look like a surf board, but they're much thicker and wider, and a lot easier to stand on than a regular surfboard is. They are now one of the fastest growing water sports in the world according to the latest statistics. Many people also call them SUPs, short for "stand up paddling". They were originally derived from Polynesian boards that had been used for centuries to fish from, and to get from island to island.
SUP's Are Great For Fishing
These boards are easier to carry on a car, compared to a boat, and just as easy to get into the water as a regular surfboard. You don't have to have a launch facility, a trailer, a motor, or even a paddle, you could use your hands. If your main desire is fishing, you'll want to get a board that is about 35" wide, that's wider than normal, and it should have a square tail with excellent buoyancy as well.
When fishing it's important to have most of your gear in front of you on the board, and it should be in a buoyant box or crate that will stay afloat if knocked overboard. You can have a rod holder fastened to the box so you can use both hands on the paddle when needed. In order to keep your box from slipping off the board, bungee cords work nicely. Most boards come with some cleats to tie things onto, if not, you can buy them and use high grade epoxy to put them where you need them.
Then all you need to do is paddle out to your favorite spot, or even troll using the paddle, while getting great exercise while you fish. Boards are easier to paddle than a boat because they are smaller, lighter and have less water resistance so you won't wear yourself out like you would rowing a boat.
When Choosing A Board Take Weight Into Account
Basically the wider the board the more stable it's going to be, however, the wider boards are more difficult to maneuver, especially in tight places, or make sharp turns. When choosing the right length, the more you weigh the longer the board will have to be. If you weigh 130 lbs, you should get a board about 9' 4", at 180 lbs you'll need a board at least 10' 4" instead. For 30 more lbs add another foot in length.
There Are Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards Too
If you think you're going to have a problem being able to transport and carry your board, you can buy an inflatable one instead. The inflatable SUP is much lighter to carry and when deflated with fit into nearly any trunk or hatchback car. Definitely consider a good inflatable stand up paddle board for fishing. By keeping things easier to carry and take to the water, you'll most likely use your board much more often.
Getting into paddle boarding is a fun and exciting sport, they can be used to fish, surf, sunbathe and several can be connected together in the middle of a lake to make a party platform too. Check online for images and you'll note that they come in many different styles, colors and types depending on how you're most likely to use them.
