Paddleboard fishing for Mackerel

The Team · 2012-05-30 17:12:46

I've gotta say that having a stand up paddle board is liberating. For those light wind days when not much is happening and for making most of sunny weather, I can't think there is much else I'd rather be doing (except maybe judging a bikini competition or something like that). But I like to use the board with a little twist.

I've got a set up to make using a small 4 foot fishing rod (perfect for carrying by s.u.p - the smaller the better) for both trawling and pumping. My infinitely useful Ortleib waterproof bag stores my spare tackle, my knife, my beer and anything else a man could need.

Then once the feathers are out, I can stuff the handle of the rod down between by waterproof bag and my back and paddle. Held firmly, it means I can paddle whilst trawling for fish, which is over half the time whilst I'm trying to follow the Terns to get in position for the shoals.

If the handle starts bouncing against my back, the fish are in. I then unsheathe it like a sword ( this bit makes me feel like a real man) and start reeling in.

Ok, so it's not like I've discovered dark matter or anything that significant but this is a really handy way of paddling with the fishing rod out the way and means you can fish all the way whilst you are trying to get in position.

Today I managed to loose my favourite fishing and spearfishing net unfortunately, but also caught a couple of Mackerel - the lord giveth and the the lord taketh away. But out this morning when the sun broke through the mist.. not bad.... not bad at all.

Here's the paddle board fishing set up of justice and liberty...

Gregg · 2012-06-01 13:11:31

I never thought I'd see the day when I would recommend one of these items - but can I add that a 'bumbag', or 'fanny pack' as our freinds over the Atlantic call these things, can also be a good fishing option.

I have recently kitted myself out with one of these which contains the following items:
Floating knife, in a sheath - very manly and useful for quick access. I like to dispatch the fish as soon as its onboard with a stab to the head. Well I don't really like it, but it saves prolonged suffering.
different tackle options. Feathers for mackeral, spinners for bass.
beer holder - for beer, obviously
plastic tesco bag hung from the bag to put the fish in. Stops the smell of fish pervading everything and shows people the manly providing for your family that you are doing.

Before Clyde comes on here and says that bumbags are gay - I accept that already - but with the right accessories they can be both manly and gay at the same time.

And James is sure to like that a lot.

I might post a picture if I get a moment.

growler · 2012-06-01 17:04:28

to continue the psyche . . . has anyone considered surfing on these things!?! since starting paddling just over a year ago it has been used more than any other toy in the quiver. buy a sub 9ft and discover what you are missing. windsurfing has sucked this year with rubbish winds and surfing . . . well enough said. the paddleboard fills the gaps between all these activities and to be fair there are a hell of a lot of gaps. if you want time on the water and the healthiest wave count out there get involved . . . .believe me, you are missing the best trick in the pack if your not!!!

The Team · 2012-06-20 20:08:25

Good to hear the positivity there growler. The paddleboard in the picture is 10'4" by 28.5" and although I've not used it on any head high plus waves, it actually feels fairly loose. So I'm looking forward to getting it out more and more on the waves and getting used to the style.

I still have my 6'6" for when the waves are good but the paddleboard is all about diversity for me. After all it's not like we are all living by world class surf breaks so better be out in the water making the most of it than watching surf videos and gradually becoming more and more detached from reality (if that's even possible)....

Sure - if you are missing a paddleboard in your quiver, you're missing out.

#1 2012-05-30 17:12:46

Paddleboard fishing for Mackerel

#2 2012-06-01 13:11:31

Re: Paddleboard fishing for Mackerel

#3 2012-06-01 17:04:28

Re: Paddleboard fishing for Mackerel

#4 2012-06-20 20:08:25

Re: Paddleboard fishing for Mackerel

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