Last week in RI, I saw a guy paddle way out, maybe 200 yds (IDK, bad at judging distances in the water) and thought he was just getting some long paddling in for fitness reasons. Next time I look, he's actually fishing out there while sitting on his longboard. I didn't see him catch anything but how does that work? I like fishing and I like surfing but the idea of trying to unhook a fish while sitting on a board a good ways out does not seem like a fun idea.
I used to do this a few years ago when I was younger and had time. TONS is fun and I highly suggest it to those seaking adventure. It kinda like fishing from a kayak actually- a surfer might actually feel more comfortable on a board then a kayak. I had an old wind surfing board that I could have a bungee cord on to help keep my rod while paddling. You can find cheap windsurfing boards on Craig's list every so often. Plus you can paddle for ever. Used an old rod and reel I didn't care about- it will get submerged. Rinsed out with fresh water every time. Had a pair of floating plyers with a tether to me along with a cheap boga grip (for blue fish) and a waist pack with belt to keep some hooks and lures in. Would mainly fish for stripped bass Easiest way is in the spring when the bunker are running and you can just have a snag rig- just cast, snag and drop... You could easily paddle right next to a pod or bunker..just be careful with your feet and paddling right into them... Blue fish and shark... Hardest thing is getting the hook out - that's where the sturdy board and the plyers help. And hope you don't drop your rod.... You kinda gotta get it under your leg, with the bail open! If your going for small fish - fluke or sea bass- getting the hook out is not big deal. A few tips- 1. Get ready for a ride!! And a long paddle back lol 2. Use reg old mono line- not braid... You'll thank me later 3. If you must- paddle the fish into the beach. Had a friend who had done this is a shark! 4. Don't paddle right out into the middle of a fleet of boats. When you hook up- the fish is going to drag you- unlike if your in a boat. So the boaters don't realize this- they just laugh at you. But when the fish decides to swim under a boat... You kinda got a problem... Specially if the line ends up in the boats prop- then you got more problems... (Read angry boaters) Anyways- just be prepared to lose eveythung if worse comes to worse.
A friend used to do this all the time. He rigged a rod holder on the front of his board which helped while unhooking. He caught a bunch of fish and i was thinking about it trying it but bought a boat instead. I did think about sharks everytime I saw him out there. Anyone who has ever caught a big bluefish knows how much they bleed from any minor poke from a hook, i mean they will cover you and your boat with blood. Hook one with your legs dangling when offshore? No thanks.
That's cool, thanks for the info. I like the storage aspect of a Hobie type kayak in terms of having places for gear though...
Yes totally tons of fun! If you have the money- I would suggest investing in a hobie kayak like that... I'm kinda a minimalist and like the aspect of a board... But it would be much easier on a kayak plus you don't have to worry about your legs... Heard there are a lot of guys in Cali doing this on sups- they actually attach a milk crate to the sup with rod holders and all... You can probably google it. Idk about balancing and reeling in a big fish tho lol
My old roomate is a writer primarily for fishing magazines. Lives to fish. He used to take my longboard and fish for stripers. Pretty much did it just like Belmar described. It was perfect when the fish were there, but just a little too far to cast to from the beach. He used a junky reel so he didnt care that it got wet, and wore a backpack with minimal gear. I dont think he was live ljning bunker...probably clams or just plugs. I never tried, but It worked.
Never done the fishing from a board, but I did paddle my bait out with a surf board one time. I was younger and we were shark fishing. Let me tell ya, that was the fastest I have ever paddled! HA Never got a shark but something broke the line.
if you don't have the basic gear...rod holder, lippers, pliers that float or attached to you, a diving knife, don't do it. your sh** will sink to Davey Jones locker or you will spaz-out when you're trying to wrangle a fish of consequence. I'd say, buy a cheap SUP and rig it up, or a kayak.
buy a boat, they're much more fun. Plus it helps with your carbon footprint and everyone knows what they say about dudes with big carbon footprints
