Must-Have Paddle Board Fishing Accessories for the Perfect Expedition

In the world of seasoned anglers, new fishing fads need to truly make a splash if they’re going to stand out. The most inventive fishing aficionados have tried drilling for fish, noodling, and even blast fishing on a whim. 

But for the more chilled-out fishing fans among us, taking to the water in search of the perfect catch is striking a rather relaxing balance these days... When we dangle our lines instead from a Stand Up Paddle Board.   

You may already be an avid angler or passionate paddle boarder, but until you’ve combined these two great loves, you haven’t truly experienced fishing nirvana. 

There’s a lot of perks to fishing from a paddle board. Your standing position gives you an edge with a helpful height advantage, not only increasing your visibility and letting you spot and hook more fish… But also giving you the opportunity to drop a line into some schools you’ll see on your way paddling out, snagging you an extra catch that your counterparts in their boats or kayaks would cruise right over without even noticing. 

You’ll also have stealth on your side, letting you glide incognito into unsuspecting schools of fish without disturbing them, for the element of surprise. 

Whether you’re new to Paddle Board Fishing, or are no stranger to this plentiful and peaceful pursuit; We’ve got the ultimate edit of must-have essentials that will make any SUP Fishing experience one for the books. 

I never leave the shore without these handy fishing accessories on my board, so don’t forget to bring these necessities next time you’re planning to cast off, and you’ll be guaranteed to hook yourself a hassle-free haul...

 

Safety First! Grab a PFD to Prevent Potential Predicaments

If your pursuit of the perfect shoal finds you paddling far out to the depths, keep in mind that you might be grabbing the attention of marine patrol, and potentially catching some chop from passing boats that could take you by surprise... Especially if you’re focused on reeling in your catch! 

Depending on where you’re SUP fishing, it can be illegal to paddle board in some places without a personal flotation device. US Coast Guard regs state that if you’re paddling outside of what they define as swimming or surfing areas, your board is considered a “vessel”, requiring anyone on it over the age of 13 to have a PFD of some sort. Interestingly, you’re not officially required to wear it at all times, but we’d be remiss not to recommend you have it on. You don’t need it until you need it, especially if conditions get a bit wild out there when you’re snagging the perfect catch. 

 

 

 

Stash Your Essentials in a Waterproof Dry Bag

Out of all of the paddle board fishing accessories, this one is the most critical at getting all your gear back to dry land in one piece. Having a reliable, high quality Dry Bag you can count on will make your fishing expedition a confident and collected one. 

You’ll likely be zoned in with laser focus on your aquatic target, so rest easy knowing you won’t need to keep tabs on your fishing gear, as it’ll all be stashed securely in your waterproof fortress. If you’ve ever watched your car keys or wallet disappearing in slow-motion into the drink while you frantically grapple for a net or dive in after it, you’ll know all too well that thegear overboard struggle is real! 

Pack up your peace of mind in our GILI Waterproof Dry Bag.Its removable shoulder strap and attached D-rings give you plenty of options for bungeeing accessories to your board or slinging across your chest, making it the perfect companion for your next fishing foray. 

PRO TIP: Keep a bit of air in the top of your dry bag when you close it up, so if it does happen to slip off into the water, it’ll float for easy retrieval!

Save Your Social Life with a Waterproof Phone Case 

We’re guessing your fishing adventure will take you to some downright picture-perfect spots… Not to mention that you’ll want to snap a hero shot of yourself holding up the one that didn’t get away! 

Taking your phone out with you on your paddle, especially when in search of fish, is almost essential. Plus, you’ll be able to coordinate linking up on dry land with the rest of your crew after your paddle to celebrate your catch.

Make sure your phone is well secured and kept waterproof to avoid any mishaps. We don’t leave the shore without our cell phones snap-locked in a GILI Waterproof Universal Phone Case. Its lanyard loop is ideal to wear our phones within grabbing-distance around our neck, or it can be used to tether it to our board, rod holder, or dry bag. 

 

Pack a Tough Edit of Basic Fishing Accessories in Your Tackle Kit

Cutting back on excess weight and unnecessary bulky objects to haul along will make your SUP fishing provisioning mission a breeze. Being selective with what you take along will streamline your loading and unloading process, and also keep clutter on your SUP to a minimum so you’ve got plenty of room to stretch out and move around. 

Take along your favorite fishing rod and the absolute essentials to kit out your tackle box, and save the extensive selection of gear for the next time you’re fishing from the shore. Paddle Board Fishing is supposed to be a relaxing and simple pleasure, so keep that in mind when you’re packing your gear. You’ll only need your favorite hooks, bait, and rod holder on a short trip on your SUP, so going back to basics will give you a welcome reprieve from the usual tackle loading chaos!

 

Stay Put With a Paddle Board Anchor

If you’re determined that no gust of wind will get between you and the perfect SUP Fishing day, dropping an anchor will take your expedition to the next level. 

Water currents and winds can carry you away from that perfect place, so once you’ve aced it by scouting a spot that’s absolutely swimming with fish, lock in your awesome position by dropping an anchor. Not only will it give you hours of uninterrupted angling, but it’ll save you a serious upper body workout from having to paddle back to your mark again and again if you start drifting in the water.

We’ve got you tethered! Grab your compact, specially designed GILI Paddle Board Anchor Kit here, to stay grounded with hassle-free anchoring on your next adventure. (You can use it on your kayak too!)

 

Lash On a Lightweight, Durable Cooler

Don’t forget to stay hydrated! Growling stomachs and dehydration can cut SUP Fishing expeditions short, so take along your cooler to make sure you don’t have to take off prematurely while the fish are still biting. Opt for a cooler that’s small, lightweight, well insulated, and has a fishing rod holder.

You can plan ahead and separate an area inside the cooler to stow your catch in too, if taking along a bucket isn’t super practical. Lash your cooler onto your board with a bungee, and if you’re looking to Level Up toExpert, choose one with a flat lid you can perch your behind on, for when your legs need a break. 

Watch the World Go By With a Detachable Paddle Board Seat

For longer expeditions, pulling up a seat on your cooler might put your butt to sleep before you even reel anything in. Taking along a detachable seat that you can easily attach to the D-rings on your board  gives you all the options in the world for lounging about while waiting for a nibble. 

Prop it up in front of or behind your cooler, and let the relaxation set in while you watch the world go by and dangle in your line. 

I always pack my GILI Sports Detachable Paddle Board Seat, as its thick cushioning, hardy bolt snap hooks and adjustable straps give me the most comfortable, sturdy seat on the water. 

Strap In Securely With Extra Paddle Board Bungees

There’s no such thing as too many bungees, especially when you’veGone Fishin’on your SUP. Taking along a couple of spares will give you endless options for lashing down and securing all your tackle, rod holders, cooler, fishing poles, paddle, and any other sup fishing accessories.

Use bungees to tether your paddle board to the D-rings on your best fishing buddy’s board, creating a floating barge you can spread out and soak up the sun on. And don’t forget to bring some extra spares in case you make some new friends out there who want to bungee on and join the SUP party! 

Grab a couple of your new favorite GILI Paddle Board Bungees to take along on your next fishing expedition, and expand your SUP storage horizons right out to the sunset and beyond. 

I hope this mega edit of the best paddle board fishing accessories will help you be well prepared and perfectly provisioned; so you can enjoy your most epic day of SUP fishing ever! All the best for a peaceful day paddle boarding and a bountiful catch… See you out there on the water!

Jay,Chief Paddler | GILI Sports

P.S. If you’re just getting into SUP Fishing, or are looking to rank up with a paddle board for fishing that’s got all the bells and whistles you could ask for on your angling adventures, check out our specially-designed Fishing Paddle Board Packages. 

This collection of paddleboards for fishing feature SUPs with extra-wide decks for increased stability, and loads of space for all of your fishing accessories. Dual, oversized bungees provide ample storage for your tackle box, ice chest, rods, and life jacket. Plus, they’re equipped with tons of D-rings for mounting any extra gear you wouldn’t leave home without on any SUP fishing adventure.