Hey guys...I'm thinking of possibly selling my yak and getting a Stand Up Paddle Board so I can stand and fly fish. My yak doesn't allow me to stand.

Anyone have any advice/recommendations? I've never owned or even researched a SUP, so don't know what to look for/best brands/features, etc...

I live in Dallas, am 5'11" 215 lbs.

Thanks!
James

James,

No actual "I own and use one" experience here, but I have done some looking around as I have toyed with the idea of adding a SUP to my fleet.

If you are going to use it strictly for fishing, you might check out the Native Versaboard. Its a little different than most "dedicated" SUP's, but for fishing, it has features that seem to make it a pretty good choice.

Also, I was at a combination windsurfing and Hobie Adventure Island get together last summer and one of the guys there had an inflatable SUP. I was amazed at how rigid it was when inflated and in its performance. I think the downside here would be if you were thinking of doing a lot of "kayak style" rigging, but as far as ease of transport, it would have definite advantages.

Mariner Sails sells SUP's and with their experience in the field of kayak fishing, I think that the staff there would be a good place to start looking and asking questions.

Another possible option: I have heard of guys "converting" windsurfing boards into SUP's. You would want to make sure you got a "wider" general use (read beginner) type board and not a performance or racing board. The upside here is some really good deals on older boards can be found on Craigslist fairly regularly (less than $100). Do some research on the internet for more information and people's experiences with this option. I actually have considered converting my windsurf board for this purpose to see if an SUP is right for me.

Good Luck

I just ordered the Superfishal fishing SUP from Jackson.



http://jacksonkayak.com/jk-kayaks/kayak-fishing/superfishal/

Thanks for the tips Terry. I'll keep you posted on my findings.

Just Fish - Very nice SUP you got there, congrats! I'm intrigued and def interested in hearing about it further.

What are your thoughts on the Native Versa board & Ocean Nalu?

Native Versa

Ocean Nalu

I tested a SupATX in Austin this past fall. I really liked it

Check out boatstogo.com. They have added to thier fleet.

bote boards. been SUPing for a long time and those are the most versatile platform I've used. The SupATX are good for the price but your ability will outgrow the board quickly on their basic models. We're trying to get a shop open soon in the metroplex and bring in more quality stuff at lower prices than are around now

PM sent

THIS:

http://www.boatstogo.com/military-inflatable-SUP.asp



COUPLED WITH THIS:

http://salsacycles.com/bikes/mukluk




Put the SUP in a back pack or crate on the back of the bike then head out you could reach waters untouched or reached by many. Currently I own the bike and use it to get to such waters with the fly rod. The inflatable SUP would just add on to the equation.

thinking outside the box .. Area lakes are pretty dry and I use the bike to ride the shorelines. pretty amazing how far around Ray Bob you can go.

GoKart -- I don't know about the SUP, but I love the idea of taking the MTB into the backwoods to find a good spot to throw some line. The thought has never crossed my mind.... So, summer fishing trip has instantaneously changed to Mountain biking fishing trip!

I do this said activity all the time. I come from the cycling world and still reside within it, thus being able to combine my obsessions has been divine. The tire size of the FatBike does not limit me to any regular trail and let's me really just jump off the beaten path. The addition of an inflatable SUP would just extend the adventure. Here is one from one of my juants:

thats quite the set up!

Hi James,

Check out Creed SUP. They are releasing their CS Fisher in about a week. I have one on order. We have some of their other boards and they are awesome, so I have no reason to think this one will be any different.

They don't have it listed in their Paddleboard section yet, so type in Fisher in the search box and it comes up. I will paste a link to the page also.

http://creedsup.com/cs-fisher/

Good Luck!

Thanks, throw your rod on your back and head out you will not regret it!