DON’T MISS THE BOTE: WHY YOU NEED TO TRY PADDLE BOARD FISHING

YOU'RE ACTIVE: You're getting exercise while you fish, saving even more time in your schedule because you can skip the gym guilt-free.

IT'S CHEAPER: If you don't already own a boat, paddle board fishing will get you on the water at a fraction of the price. Not to mention saved costs in fuel, maintenance and storage. The kayak used to be the answer, but paddle board fishing offers several key advantages. First, standing offers a better vantage point than sitting. Paddle boards are also easier to transport and, in our opinion, more comfortable because you can either stand OR sit on a KULA.

MORE STEALTH: Paddle boards are smaller and quieter than boats, meaning you can more easily sneak up on the fish. You're also more likely to see more wildlife as you go.

EASIER ACCESS: One of the biggest advantages of paddle board fishing is accessing shallow or skinny water. BOTE's Creative Brand Director Rob McAbee prefers a paddle board when fishing his favorite spots on the marshes of northeastern Florida, where depths can go from 10 feet to 10 inches in seconds.

I ALREADY OWN A BOAT. WHY SHOULD I SWITCH?

If you already own a boat, don't look at paddle boarding as a replacement but rather an enhancement. Many people will take their board on their boat, motor out to the site and then drop in to access skinny water.

Owning a paddle board for fishing also means you can explore new areas without having to trailer your boat. Our AeroTECH products all fold down into the size of a large suitcase, meaning you can take your Rackham, Rover or Lono on your next expedition. For us that has meant fishing for pike in Saskatchewan, trout in Utah's Green River, and bonefish in Belize (just to name a few).

GETTING STARTED

First things first, you'll need a board. Besides innovative attachments like the Tackle and Bucket Rac, BOTE boards offer superior stability – key for fishing. Choosing a board will depend on the type of fishing you want to do and how you'll get it to the water. For more, check out our post on best boards for fishing.

Once you have your board, it's time to think about gear. It will vary depending on the type of fishing you are doing, but a general list includes:

1. Tackle Rac: this essential accessory slides in and out of compatible boards in seconds with one hand. Hang bags or gear off the two side pegs and slide up to two conventional, spinning or fly reels in the rear holders.
2. KULA or 5 gallon bucket: Our KULA can be a cooler, seat, bait well, rod holder, equipment storage or just about anything you can do with a five-gallon bucket. Take both if you need live bait and ice cold beer.
3. 1-2 rods and tackle of your choice
4. Travelink Sling: this makes transportation to the water significantly easier
5. Highwater Pack: this 100% submersible waterproof bag is a must for your phone, fishing license, more lures and anything else you want to keep high and dry.
6. Catch cooler: if you don't have a Kula, a fish bag or catch cooler is the way to go.
7. Paddle sheath: this BOTE innovation keeps your paddle secure while you're casting but easily accessible when you need to reposition with a fish on.
8. Other accessories: hook remover, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Paddle board fishing takes getting used to. You have less gear and electronics, which means less help. When fishing from a board you have to practice sight casting, looking for birds or smaller bait fish rather than relying on fish finders. Very often, people will look for landmarks along the shore to locate certain reefs rather than fidgeting with GPS. While it may take some adjusting, many say the experience is more peaceful because you have less to worry about.

"Paddle board fishing is for anybody who has the initiative to do something new and exciting – it's a different sort of adventure," says McAbee. "For anyone whose angling experience has gone stale, this is a new and exciting approach."