Looking to learn about Fly Fishing From a SUP? You came to the right place. We have all the basics covered below and have recommended some gear you will need to get yourself started!
Fly fishing is challenging; there’s no denying it. But because of that challenge, the rewards are huge.
There’s nothing better than delivering a perfect cast and feeling a fish take your hook. It’s a feeling that we fly fishers are willing to spend a lifetime chasing. For fly fishers, the challenge is part of the game.
Well, now there’s one more challenge to add to your fly fishing game. Have you tried fly fishing from a stand-up paddleboard? If you haven’t, there’s a ton of reasons why you should give it a try.
In this article, I’ll give you a rundown of what fly fishing from a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) entails, how best to go about, and some of the benefits you’ll see in your game.
Benefits of SUP fly fishing
New, better fishing spots
There’s plenty of reasons why you should try fly fishing from a SUP. First of all, a paddleboard will give you access to new fishing spots.
I don’t know how many times I’ve been standing on the bank, just wishing I could somehow float over that deep pool. Hop on a paddleboard, and you’ll be able to access those longed-for spots.
Clean casts
One of the benefits I hadn’t expected but came as a super pleasant surprise when I went SUP fly fishing was that it gave me a perfectly clean cast.
I’ve been fly fishing from canoes and kayaks and, don’t get me wrong, it is fun, but a stand-up paddleboard gives you much more clearance, your line has so much room to move.
Once I’d improved my balance, it was an excellent opportunity to work on improving my cast. Plus, if you’ve paddled a little way away from the shore, there’s nothing behind you to snag your hook or line on.
Good exercise
Fly fishing from a stand-up paddleboard also brings the benefit of getting fit. Paddleboarding is a great full-body workout.
That’s one of the things I enjoy the most about it. If you want to add an extra element of physicality to your fly fishing game, a stand-up paddleboard will get the blood pumping for sure.
Environmental
Last but not least, using a paddleboard is great for the environment. You don’t need an engine, and you don’t need gas, just your own steam.
So go green and get a paddleboard. The fact that you’re silent is another bonus. You can be super stealthy and creep up on the fish without spooking them. So no splashing your paddle!
How to start fly fishing from a SUP?
My advice if you’re looking to start fly fishing from a paddleboard would be to start simple (maybe save the handstands for a later date!).
With a whole board full of gear around your feet, you’re asking for trouble as a beginner. So when you first go out, take the bare minimum.
If you know someone who’s been before, try to tag along with them as they’re bound to have their own tried-and-tested tips. I’d also recommend going somewhere you’ve been fishing before.
Pick a spot that you’ve fly fished before. You won’t have to worry about uncertainties as well as the new experience of standing on a paddleboard and casting a fly.
On that note, practice paddleboarding first, without all the fishing gear. As I said, it’s a heck of a workout, to begin with, and you want to get a feeling for how to balance and paddle while standing on the water.
If you can, start on a calm lake. Choppy surf and fast currents add whole other levels to paddleboarding, and you want to give yourself the best chance of success if you’re going to enjoy fly fishing from a SUP and actually do it again.
Once you’ve paddled out to a good spot on the calm water, set your anchor. I’ve been using a kayak anchor on the recommendation of a friend, and it works great, though plenty of paddleboards come with an anchor.
It stops you from having to continually switch out fishing rod for a paddle to reset yourself in your desired spot. Use an anchor, and you can hit a spot for as long as you like.
What kind of gear do I need to start fly fishing from a SUP?
Check out our ultimate fly fishing gear CHECKLIST, we go into depth of everything you’ll need to get started
To get out there and begin fly fishing from a paddleboard, you will need:
- Fly rod and set up
- stand-up paddleboard
- Paddle
Those will get you out there, but there are a few more pieces of equipment you might want to grab before hitting the water.
They’ll not only make fly fishing from a SUP more enjoyable and safer, but they’ll also increase your chances of catching a fish:
- Anchor
- Fishing rod holders
- Bucket
- Landing net
- Fly box
- PFD
- Board leash
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Dry bags
Rod, reel, line, leader, fly
In another article, I reviewed the Tailwater Outfitters Toccoa fly rod. It’s an excellent rod for beginners and intermediate fly fishers, and it would be perfect for taking out on your first fly fishing expedition on a SUP.
The main criteria you want out of your fly rod and set up when fishing from a SUP is the weight. You’re going to want something light and not so big that it will get in your way.
I would suggest setting up your rod and tying on a fly before you push off from the shore. A nice trick I’ve found is to take a couple of reels with me with different flies tied on their lines.
That means when I want to try out a different fly, all I have to do is switch reels instead of cutting off a fly and retying a new one while maintaining balance and position on my paddleboard.
SUP
Stand-up paddleboards are big, not quite as big as kayaks or canoes, but think big surfboard. Most SUPs are between 10′ and 12′ long and somewhere around 3′ wide at their widest point.
This gives them enough buoyancy to keep you and your gear afloat.
SUPs come in inflatable models, like this South Bay Board SUP, while some are rigid like the Isle Versa.
Some paddleboards are pretty basic like the All-Around 10FT SUP, whose only features are some bungee systems and D-rings to attach and secure your gear.
Other paddleboards come with a ton of accessories like in-built flip-up seats, gear racks, and storage hatches for valuables as well as bungees to strap your gear down.
SeaEagle Fish SUP paddleboard is an excellent example of a fully-stocked stand-up paddleboard.
Paddle
Most paddleboards tend to come with a paddle included, but if yours doesn’t, you’re going to need to get one.
Unlike kayak paddles, stand-up paddleboard paddles only have one blade, and they’re a lot longer than canoe paddle, as it has to be long enough to be used while standing up straight.
Almost all paddles are adjustable, so you can make it the right length for you. Good paddles tend to be made out of carbon, though the more affordable aluminium paddles will do the job too.
Accessories & Features
Some paddleboards come stocked with seats, gear racks, and rod holders. If yours doesn’t, you can always get these as add on features. Just make sure your board is compatible.
For example, some rod holders are designed to screw into pre-designed action mounts on the board.
Bucket, landing net, fly box
Don’t forget your other fishing kit. A bucket to keep your fish in, a landing net to make handling the fish more manageable, and a fly box full of a good assortment of flies should be on your list.
But, as I said, maybe only take these out once you’ve figured out how to stand, paddle, and cast from a paddleboard.
Safety
Most paddleboards come with a leash to attach to your ankle. This is for when you fall off, so your board doesn’t float away. I would also recommend wearing a personal floatation device (PFD) for safety, as well.
Other Essentials
If you’ve been fishing before, you’ll know there are a few items that, while not 100% necessary, dramatically improve the fishing experience if you’ve got them.
If you’re planning on going fly fishing from a SUP, take a hat, polarized sunglasses, suncream, waterproof cellphone case, and dry storage bag, and you’ll have a (mostly) stress-free day.
Get out there
So, there you go. There’s all the info you should need to start fly fishing from a SUP. Get yourself the basics and give it a go.
Once you’re happy to stand, paddle, and cast, load up your paddleboard with gear and set off for awesome fishing adventures.
If you’re new to fly fishing, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide for Beginners and our Fly Fishing Gear Checklist too!
As always, good luck out there and happy fishing!