Paddle Board Fishing: a New Way to Experience Your Next Trip!

In collaboration with Guillaume Larouche and Rapala

Fishing and paddleboarding — two sports that go perfectly together. The popularity of paddleboarding has grown significantly over the past two years. Yet it’s still rare to see someone swap their paddle for a fishing rod. That’s why we’ve prepared this blog to help you discover ALL the advantages of fishing on a paddle board!

A New Approach to Fishing

Il existe plusieurs moyens de taquiner les poissons : que ce soit la pêche à gué (debout sur le bord de l’eau), en bateau, en canot, en kayak, en tube ou en paddle board, chacun comporte ses avantages. Avec la croissance du nombre de pêcheurs (ainsi que la croissance du paddle board!) les spots à gué sont beaucoup plus achalandés, le nombre de descentes de bateaux a diminué et le prix pour la mise à l’eau a fortement augmenté. Les nombreuses techniques et les nouvelles technologies ont créé encore plus une pression de pêche. Afin d’éviter le mot « bredouille » dans le lexique du pêcheur, le paddle board devient une nouvelle approche qui te permettra de découvrir une nouvelle perspective de nos lacs, de nos rivières et de notre fleuve. Le paddle board offre une solution pour explorer les plans d’eau avec une approche en finesse.

There are many ways to catch fish: wading (standing along the shore), by boat, canoe, kayak, float tube, or paddle board — each with its own advantages. With the growing number of fishermen (and the growth of paddleboarding!), shoreline spots are becoming more crowded, boat launches are fewer, and launch fees have increased significantly. Advanced techniques and new technologies have also created even more fishing pressure. If you want to avoid going home empty-handed, paddleboarding offers a fresh approach and a new perspective on our lakes, rivers, and the St. Lawrence River. SUP fishing allows you to explore waterways with a subtle, finesse-driven approach.

Read more: Discover all the advantages of SUP fishing with the Hooké Air 11’6.

Planning a Fishing Trip

Proper planning is always at the heart of a successful fishing outing. Wind is the first factor to check. Many apps allow you to monitor wind speed and direction. Wind is by far the biggest challenge in SUP fishing — unless you’re doing a downwind session or drifting down a river. Water temperature, board preparation, appropriate clothing, fishing gear selection, spot selection, and target species should all be on your checklist before departure.

Which TAIGA Paddle Board Should You Choose?

Choosing a paddle board starts with asking yourself the right questions: what are your needs, and how do you plan to use it? If you’re just getting started with SUP fishing, the Boréa, Awen, Thuya, and especially the Kanoa will allow you to discover this new activity with confidence. Their stability (thanks to a width of over 32 inches), their rigidity with X-Woven Fusion construction, and the cargo bungees at both the front and back of the board are major advantages. As your passion grows — and it will — you’ll likely want to specialize. Your needs will evolve, and additional equipment for maximum comfort will quickly make its way onto your shopping list. That’s why choosing the HOOKÉ AIR 11’6 over other TAIGA models is THE right decision. The HOOKÉ AIR 11’6 is truly a toy for fishing enthusiasts. This “transformable” mega Lego-style platform, on which you can mount your accessories, adapts to whatever fishing style you’re planning. Your next adventures await — discovering new spots and capturing future photos of monster catches!

Pro tip: Warning — *experts only.* The Kanoa allows you to explore more challenging, hard-to-reach areas in rougher waterways. With its 9’6” length and 36” width, it lets you access highly productive fishing spots.

Preparing Your Paddle Board

Sports equipment today is highly specialized based on your needs and style — and paddle boards are no exception. Any paddle board can be used for SUP fishing, but the HOOKÉ AIR is specifically designed for this activity. To provide unmatched comfort and stability, several setup options can enhance your experience on the water.

We strongly recommend inflating your HOOKÉ AIR to 20 PSI to maximize rigidity and performance, improving casting precision. Make sure to properly install your fin and leash. Now it’s time to customize your board for your expedition.

The beauty of the HOOKÉ AIR is its modularity — it allows you to set it up however you prefer. For example:

• Attach your paddle board anchor carabiner to the front D-ring

• Install two Scotty accessory mounts at the front of the board

• Add a rod holder, lure holder, and pliers holder

• Place a double rod rack at the rear to carry two additional rods

• Secure a dry bag to the rack using straps to keep spare clothes dry

• Strap a cooler onto your board

A cooler can be especially useful depending on your fishing techniques — plus it keeps your lunch or catch fresh. Paddle straps allow you to secure your paddle to the side of the board. Don’t forget to attach your net and slide it under the front bungees — no fish stories without proof.

Choosing your rods and lures is the final step of preparation.

Pro tip: For better mobility and more precise casting, consider wearing an inflatable PFD and a waist belt PFD to keep your lures within reach.

Fish Species

Many people still think a good fishing day comes down to luck. In reality, your knowledge and skills determine your success. Numerous factors influence predator behavior and feeding habits. In Quebec, we’re fortunate to have over 120 fish species. Understanding your target species is essential. Walleye, bass, pike, musky, trout, salmon, striped bass, and sturgeon are among the most sought-after species.

Water temperature greatly impacts fish migration. At the opening of fishing season in May (check regulations for each species), many fish become more active. Baitfish are abundant in shallow bays and river mouths. To imitate minnows, prospecting with Rapala X-Rap style lures is an excellent choice for pike and walleye. You may also catch bass, though bass season opens mid-June. May and June are excellent fishing months — but make sure to wear a wetsuit in case you fall in.

Summer offers unforgettable SUP fishing opportunities, though some species become harder to catch. Trout prefer colder, oxygen-rich water, so focus instead on bass, pike, and walleye.

Pro tip: Check your targeted fishing zone on www.quebec.ca to determine which species you’re allowed to catch in your region.

Les techniques de pêche

One of the most effective techniques for catching smallmouth or largemouth bass is using a Senko rigged Texas or wacky style.

Frog lures are also highly effective for largemouth bass.

Smallmouth bass prefer rocky structures, sandy bottoms, and submerged logs, while largemouth bass favor weeds, lily pads, and cattails. In early summer, bass hunt at depths of 1–2 meters, allowing for sight fishing and finesse approaches. In summer, you’ll find smallmouth bass between 2–3 meters. Highly combative and spectacular when jumping out of the water, they’re a thrill for adrenaline seekers.

Walleye fishing is more technical, as sonar is often used to locate fish. Without sonar, drifting with the wind or current while jigging a drop shot rig in about 4 meters of water can be productive. Fishing in the evening or after dark along shorelines is also one of the best ways to target this predator.

Pro tip: For thrill seekers, striped bass fishing is a must. In the lower St. Lawrence, locate surface activity by watching birds. Cast a Storm GT360 into the action — and hold tight. Within 10 seconds, you’ll be shouting “FISH ON”!!

Fishing Equipment

How do you choose from so many options? Spinning rods, casting rods, and fly rods are the three main categories. For beginners, a spinning reel paired with a 6’ to 6’8” M or MH action rod is an excellent choice. A minimalist tackle box with 2–3 packs of Senko worms, Texas hooks (#3), and 2–3 Rapala X-Rap style crankbaits in different colors will cover your needs for your first catches.

Pro tip: Choose a net with rubber mesh to prevent your lure from tangling.

Read more: SUP Fishing 101 — How to Get Started.

Accessories to Discover for SUP Fishing

A paddle board anchor, paddle straps, double rod holder, Scotty accessories, cooler, 20L dry bag, sonar, inflatable PFD, and chest lure bag are just some of the many accessories to consider to enhance your SUP fishing adventures.

Take a look at our HOOKÉ AIR Tips & Tricks section!