10 Best Paddleboard Fishing Accessories
Paddleboard fishing is a simple but enjoyable activity. The great thing about a paddleboard is that you can reach fishing destinations that motorboats and kayaks often can't get to.
You don't need a boat ramp and can get in shallow bays that boats often cannot access.
However, just like any fishing trip, you need the right gear. You don't want to weigh down your paddleboard too much or feel cluttered by too much gear.
Be sure to learn about the best accessories for paddleboard fishing and exploring before hitting the water.
1. Fishing Rod holder
An issue paddleboard fishers have had is keeping their fishing rods safe and secure while paddling from location to location. SUP Angler paddleboard fishing rod holders lock into place into and of the accessory mounts located on the Universal SUP Angler Mounting Kits, meaning they will stay connected no matter what!
For the most secure rod holder, the ST (salt & troll) model comes with a rod-lock ring, which means that your fishing rod will stay secured even if you capsize your paddleboard!
For a slimmer, more low-profile fishing rod holder check out the Rod Holder Lite. Its compact design is great for baitcasting and smaller spinning reels. Both of these rod holders are fully adjustable and can be fitted to and paddleboard with D-rings thanks to the SUP Angler mounting kit.
A rod-locking mechanism is a great idea on a paddleboard. Although we all want to avoid it, you never know when you may capsize!
2. Phone and waterproof case
Not many people mount fish-finders or chart-plotters on their paddleboards, especially inflatable ones, which means navigation needs to be done on smartphones. Luckily, with apps like Navionics by Garmin you can pinpoint exactly where you are.
Fish and troll likely depths and structure points and plot where the action is. There are a seemingly endless amount of soft phone cases on Amazon, but we shamelessly recommend you check out the Clam Hard-shell Phone Case that is more durable, floats if dropped in the water, and is actually usable when the phone is protected, unlike most softshell cases.
Dropping your phone in the water is a real possibility in any watercraft. That's why we recommend a floating case .
3. Water/Beverages
One of life’s great pleasures is enjoying a cold one after a day on the water, of after the catch of a lifetime. Couple that with us needing liquids to survive, and beverages are definitely something you need to bring on your paddleboarding adventures.
We’re not here to tell you that you need to take water or you will not survive a day on the water, but it’s a good idea to at least take enough water to prevent dehydration. A good rule of thumb for a full day trip is to calculate your weight in pounds and divide it by 2, and that’s how many ounces of water to take with you.
4. Cup/Beverage Holder
If you’re going to bring water or beverages, you’re going to need some place to put them so they’re easily accessible on the water! There are two options. There seem to be an infinite amount of cup holders on Amazon (such as these), but they aren’t the most sturdy cup holders out there. For a more secure holder, check out our cup & beverage holder. As a bonus, it can hold other small accessories thanks to the rim-holes on it (think fishing lures, pliers, etc.
5. Water/Beverages
One of life’s great pleasures is enjoying a cold one after a day on the water, of after the catch of a lifetime. Couple that with us needing liquids to survive, and beverages are definitely something you need to bring on your paddleboarding adventures.
We’re not here to tell you that you need to take water or you will not survive a day on the water, but it’s a good idea to at least take enough water to prevent dehydration. A good rule of thumb for a full day trip is to calculate your weight in pounds and divide it by 2, and that’s how many ounces of water to take with you.
6. Action Camera/GoPro Mount
If you don’t keep your fish every time, how are you going to brag to your friends about your catches? A GoPro is easy to leave recording so you never miss a moment, and newer versions even have voice controls so that you can take pictures or begin recording on demand. Plus, they’re waterproof!
A good GoPro mount can be adjusted every which way. You never know when you will want to take selfie photos or videos or forward-facing videos.
We recommend fitting the GoPro in a water-tight case to give them extra protection from moisture and from drops that may happen from time to time.
7. Anchor with Rope
While this definitely isn’t a requirement, an anchor is a great idea for fishing. After school of fish or structure are located, anchor slightly downwind of them so that you don’t drift over them and spook them. Your paddleboard will float downwind until your anchor rope is taught and your anchor has a hold.
How heavy of an anchor do you need? Most paddleboard and/or kayak anchors are 1.5lb or 3.5lbs and come in a grapple style for grabbing seaweed, muck, rocks or logs on bottom for a better hold. If you pick your days paddling and always go on calm days and small bodies of waters you can get away with a 1.5lb anchor. However, if you have the space for a 3.5lb anchor it will be more versatile.
8. Pliers
Have you ever struggled to get a hook out of a fishes mouth your bare hands when it's stuck for good? It can happen more often with treble hooks. That's why a pair of pliers is so important when fishing. The last thing you want is to impale your fingers with the fishhook.
Pliers also serve many other purposes while fishing, such as cutting line or bending hooks to their original form.
The SUP Angler Elite Mounting Kit comes with a high-strength magnet made specifically for pliers and fishing lures giving the angler easy access!
9. Bait Board
The only universally mountable bait board for paddleboards that we've ever seen.
This accessory is mostly aimed for the bait fishing anglers that need a place to rig up their rigs. The top is textured for a no-slip surface, and 3 of 4 sides are loaded with accessory holes for pliers, knifes, rigs or other bait fishing needs.
10. Tackle Bag
You don’t need a large tackle box for stand-up paddleboard fishing. If you buy a big bag, you’ll probably be tempted to pack unnecessary stuff. We recommend a bag that can be worn on your back so that it has little chance of going overboard.
Even better, a bag that can easily be swiveled to the front of your torso so that you don’t have to remove it when you need to grab what’s packed inside. Our favorite for this reason is the Orvis Sling Pack.
Summary
Remember - never wait to go paddle board fishing until you have all the right accessories. The main thing is to get out there and get experience on the water. Every time you get home, take a mental not of what paddleboard fishing accessories you wish you had, and then think about getting some.
The above paddle board fishing accessories can help you have a great day on the water on your fishing SUP. You don’t need fancy accessories to enjoy fishing from your paddle board. Start small and have fun exploring your favorite fishing holes with what you have.
Many of the biggest fish caught are with the most simple set ups!