Casting Off the Board: Innovative Techniques in SUP Fly Fishing

Kurt Finlayson

Competitive Angler, Fly Designer, Photographer, Writer, Fishing Explorer

Kurt Finlayson has found that fly fishing from stand  up paddle boards (SUPs) provides him with an effective way to access productive water. Before you decide whether this is for you, join us and listen in to learn about the basics of using a SUP, its advantages and disadvantages, where you should use it, and how to outfit it.

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• How did you first get into fly fishing from standup paddleboards, and what drew you to it?
• What are the unique advantages of fly fishing from a paddleboard compared to traditional floatation methods?
• What types of paddleboards are best suited for fly fishing, and what should one look for when selecting a board?
• Are there specific manufacturers that cater to fly fishers?
• Are there available paddleboards that have been expressly set up for fly fishing?
• How do you rig up a paddleboard to use for fly fishing?
• Do you ever use an anchor or tie off to avoid moving?
• What types of clothing do you wear?
• What are the key techniques for maintaining stability and balance while casting from a paddleboard?
• Do you stand, kneel, or sit? When do you use each?
• What challenges have you faced while fly fishing from a paddleboard, and how have you overcome them?
• What kind of paddle do you use?
• How do you manage your paddle and rod?
• How does being on a paddleboard affect your approach to finding and reaching fish?
• What safety precautions do you recommend for paddleboard anglers?