Fishing is one of life’s great pastimes. The great thing is that it doesn’t always require a boat, a kayak, or even a quiet riverbank. One of the fastest-growing trends among Aussie outdoor enthusiasts is fishing from a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Yep, you read that right. SUPs aren’t just for sun-soaked cruising or practising your balance in calm bays. With the right gear and a little know-how, they can also double as a surprisingly effective fishing platform.
So, can you use a SUP for fishing? Of course! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics, cover essential safety gear, compare kayak and SUP fishing, and share tips on what to bring along.
The Basics of Fishing on SUPs
First things first, you might be wondering, what exactly makes stand-up paddleboarding such a great option for fishing?
To start, fishing from a SUP gives you a unique vantage point, allowing you to spot fish more easily in clear, shallow water. In the right conditions, it also makes for a peaceful, quiet approach, which is ideal when you're targeting skittish species. The open, flat deck of a paddleboard leaves plenty of space to move around, store your gear, and even change your casting angle with ease.
The trick, however, is choosing the right board. Certain SUPs are wider and longer than others paddleboards, and this offers greater stability and more surface area to work with. Many also come with built-in mounts for rod holders, coolers, and even anchor systems.
If you’re just getting started, it’s worth looking into inflatable models too. They’re easy to transport, surprisingly rigid when inflated properly, and can take a few bumps without worry.
Essential Safety Gear
Fishing from a rigid or inflatable standup paddleboard might sound like a cruisy day out (and often it is), but safety should always be at the front of mind. You’ll be moving around on the water with sharp hooks, potentially slippery surfaces, and variable conditions, so bringing along the right safety gear is a must.
Here are some of the important items you’ll want to bring:
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Personal Flotation Device (PFD): More on that in a moment.
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Leash: Just like when surfing, a SUP leash keeps your board attached to you in case you fall off.
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Dry bag: Store your phone, keys, and a basic first aid kit in a waterproof dry bag.
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Whistle or signalling device: Essential if you're venturing far from shore or into less trafficked waters.
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Sun protection: Long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen are non-negotiable.
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Water and snacks: Hydration and energy are crucial, especially on longer trips.
Why a PFD is a Must
The importance of wearing a PFD while paddleboarding is hard to understate. As with any open water-based activity, a well-fitted, compliant PFD (Portable Floatation Device) is an invaluable piece of safety equipment.
Even if you feel confident on your board, remember that accidents can and do happen. A sudden boat wake, shifting winds, or even a tangle with your own fishing line will quickly send you overboard. That’s why wearing a well-fitted, paddle-friendly PFD is essential, no matter your experience level.
Modern PFDs, particularly those designed for paddlers, are lightweight, breathable, and won’t get in your way while casting or reeling. Some even come with handy storage pockets for quick-access gear like pliers, lures, or a mobile phone.
Finally, it’s always worth checking local regulations. In many Australian states, wearing a lifejacket is mandatory when paddling more than 400 metres from shore or at certain times of the year. So, if in doubt, strap it on.
Assess Your Skill Level
SUP fishing isn’t something you can dive head first into without the proper skill and experience. In order to progress to this point, you’ll need to be confident enough with the art of paddleboarding itself. Most notably, this will allow you to maintain the right level of stability.
Tipping over or falling off the board is one thing, but imagine if all your fishing supplies go into the drink as well. This is what you’re risking without the right level of experience. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t work up towards it!
There’s always the opportunity to start off slow, practice in calm waters, or even get some SUP lessons. In fact, this is all part of the fun.
Kayak Fishing vs SUP Fishing
You might be wondering, how does SUP fishing compare to kayak fishing?
Both offer great ways to access hard-to-reach fishing spots, but they each have their strengths.
Kayak Fishing
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Greater storage capacity
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More stable in choppy conditions
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Better for seated, long-duration fishing
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Can be outfitted with more accessories (e.g., pedal drives, fish finders)
SUP Fishing
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Elevated view for spotting fish
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Easier to transport and carry
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Lightweight and minimalistic
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Offers the option to sit, kneel, or stand
If you’re an angler who enjoys travelling light and values agility, a SUP could be the perfect vessel. That said, if comfort and longer fishing sessions are your thing, you might want to check out a purpose-built fishing kayak like the Viking Profish GT. Compact, incredibly stable, and maneuverable. It’s a fantastic platform for fishing, with loads of stability for extended outings.
Accessories to Bring Along
Just because your SUP is simpler doesn’t mean you can’t pack smart. The right accessories can seriously enhance your fishing experience.
Here are a few must-haves:
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Rod holders: Some fishing SUPs include built-in mounts, but stick-on or clip-on holders work too.
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Cooler box: Doubles as a seat and a spot to store your catch or refreshments.
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Tackle storage: Compact, waterproof tackle boxes are ideal for keeping gear organised.
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Anchor or stake-out pole: Useful in windy conditions or if you’ve found a hotspot.
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Landing net: Makes it easier to bring in fish without fumbling or falling.
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Phone mount or waterproof pouch: Handy for navigation apps or brag-worthy catch photos.
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Ankle leash: Helps keep you connected to your board if you go overboard, especially important in current or offshore conditions.
One of the great benefits of SUP fishing is the minimal setup, so keep it light. The goal is to find the balance between having everything you need and maintaining mobility on the water.
Suitable Waterways
Not every waterway is ideal for SUP fishing, but you’ve still got a lot of great options across Australia. These will include:
Calm Lakes and Estuaries
Perfect for beginners. These environments offer smooth conditions, easy entry and exit points, and often, plenty of fish.
Slow-Moving Rivers
Great for paddling and fishing on the go. Just be sure to check for submerged branches or rocks before you set out.
Quiet Coastal Bays and Inlets
Experienced paddlers can explore quiet bays and protected marine environments. However, there will need to be flat conditions, light winds, and slack tides for the best results.
Stay close to the shore, avoid offshore waters, strong currents, high-traffic boating areas, and anywhere with rough conditions.
Prefer Kayak Fishing? We’ve Got You Sorted
Much like SUPs, fishing kayaks have become more and more popular across Australia, and we’ve got a fantastic selection of brands available. Let’s take a quick look at a couple of the models we offer:
Vibe Makana 100 Pedal Drive Kayak
The Makana 100 is a 10-ft pedal drive kayak with hull weight of just 25 kg, unrivaled features, excellent stability, and the kind of impressive maneuverability that comes standard with the Vibe X-Drive pedal system.
With the introduction of an all-new Impulse Drive system, Vibe pedal-driven kayak owners now have the flexibility to choose between two distinctive pedal systems. Simply switch out your pod to experience the benefits of this versatile instant-reverse propeller system.
Viking Profish 400
As a brand, Viking has become synonymous with the world of kayak fishing, and the Profish 400 is another standout addition to their long list of high-quality offerings. The 400 sets a new benchmark for comfort, performance, and stability in the ranks of fishing kayaks. Matt Watson of the ITM fishing show chose the Profish 400 due to it being angler-friendly, light weight and its manoeuvrability.
Hit the Water in Style with PaddleZone
Whether you're diving into SUP fishing for the first time or upgrading your gear, PaddleZone has you covered. Our products are exclusively sourced from leading brands that we personally vouch for.
As paddling enthusiasts ourselves, we only stock gear we’d trust out on the water (from rigid SUPs to Inflatable SUPs, fishing kayaks, PFDs, SUP paddles, and more). Get everything you need to make your next paddling adventure an overwhelming success!
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