SUP fishing is one of the fastest growing water sports. The idea is simple: you stand on an inflatable paddle boards, paddle out to your fishing spot and fish standing or sitting. It sits somewhere between shore fishing and kayak fishing, with its own unique advantages.
Why fish from a paddle board?
First: silence. A SUP board makes very little noise in the water, so fish are not spooked the way they are by motorboats or even a paddled kayak. Standing on the board you see further and deeper than sitting in a kayak. That is a big advantage in shallow water, where you can spot fish before you cast.
Second: simplicity and mobility. Inflatable SUP board fits in a car boot and takes 10 minutes to set up. No trailer, no roof rack and no need for two people to carry it kayak.
Third: versatility. The same board you fish from works for regular paddling, yoga on the water and family outings. A kayak is more specialised for fishing, but a paddle board is more flexible.
Which paddle board is right for fishing?
Not every board is suitable for fishing. You need a stable, wide board that will not rock while you fish. The ideal width for a fishing SUP is 84 cm (33 inches) or more. Shorter, wider boards are more stable but slower. Longer boards are faster but less stable.
NRS paddle boards include several models suited to fishing: the NRS Heron and NRS Clean are wide, stable platforms with D rings for securing gear. For beginners we recommend wider boardsthat forgive mistakes and let you feel confident.
An important point: a fishing board needs room for gear. D rings at the front and back let you secure a crate, dry bags or fishing accessories. Some boards have built in rod holders or at least mounting points for them.
If you want a SUP board that converts into a kayak for fishing, the JBAY.ZONE Kame KX260 (279 EUR) comes with a kayak seat included. That lets you paddle to your spot standing up and then sit comfortably like in a kayak once you are there.
What gear do you need for SUP fishing?
Board + paddle. That is the base. Choose a wider, more stable board, not a fast one.
Life jacket. Mandatory. You are more likely to fall in from a paddle board than from a kayak, especially when you are fishing and your attention is off your balance.
Anchor. A small folding anchor lets you stay in one spot and fish without constantly paddling. It is one of the most useful accessories for SUP fishing.
Dry bag. Your phone, keys and other electronics need to be kept safe. The risk of getting wet is higher on a paddle board.
Leash. If you fall off, the leash stops the board drifting away. A must, especially in waves or current.
Which waters are good for SUP fishing in Lithuania?
Calm lakes are ideal. Drūkšiai, Sartai, Rubikiai, Plateliai and many other Lithuanian waters are great for fishing from a paddle board. Smaller lakes are often even better, with fewer people and less spooked fish.
You can also fish on rivers, but you need to be careful with the current. Calmer Lithuanian rivers (the Minija, Šventoji, Jūra) are fine for SUP fishing, but stronger currents can make it hard to hold your position. We wrote more about places to paddle in Lithuania in in a separate article.
Frequently asked questions
Is SUP fishing suitable for beginners?
Yes, but start simple. First learn to stand and paddle steadily on the board, then gradually add fishing gear. For your first few fishing trips we recommend a calm lake with no wind or waves.
Which is better for fishing: a kayak or a paddle board?
A kayak is more specialised for fishing: more stable, with more room for gear and more comfortable to sit in for hours. Fishing kayak is the more serious choice for a serious angler. But a paddle board is cheaper, more versatile and easier to transport. If you fish occasionally and want one thing for both fishing and leisure paddling, a paddle board may be the better compromise.
Do you need a special permit to fish from a paddle board?
In Lithuania you need a standard fishing licence, which applies whether you fish from the shore, a boat, a kayak or a paddle board. No separate permit is needed for SUP fishing. You can buy a fishing licence through the Fisheries Service system.
All SUP paddle boards and safety gear can be found in the VAKA Sport shop. If you have questions about SUP fishing or want advice on choosing a board, write to [email protected].
Related articles
- NRS paddle boards: which model is right for you?
- How to choose a SUP board: a beginner's guide
- Kayak or boat: which to choose for fishing?
- Life jacket comparison
Read also
- SUP yoga and fitness: training on the water
- How to choose an inflatable SUP board: a beginner's guide (2026)
- Fish finder on a kayak: how to choose, mount and use one (2026)
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