SUP fishing has become quite popular, with anglers ditching big boats for the less bulky and quieter vessel. While a paddle board is small, it can hold so much fishing gear and you can customize your setup however you want.
Many fishing paddle boards come with gear mounts for your fishing rod holders, action cameras, tackle racks, and even speakers.
But can you mount a fish finder on a paddle board?
The simple answer is yes. Yes, you can enjoy the benefits of a fish finder – even when fishing from a paddle board. Fish finders help you have a fun and productive trip, instead of toiling all day only to go back home empty-handed.
Here is everything you need to know about mounting a fish finder on a paddle board.
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Key Takeaways
- You can mount a fish finder on a paddle board using gear mounts, tackle racks, or suction cups.
- A fish finder helps you locate fish easily and saves time by showing you underwater information such as depth, temperature, and bottom structure.
- A fish finder is not complicated or expensive and can work well in different water and weather conditions.
- The best position to mount a fish finder on a paddle board is in front of where you stand, but not too close to the nose.
- The HawkEye FishTrax fish finder is a great option for paddle board fishing because it is waterproof, battery-powered, glare-free, and easy to use.
Do You Need a Fish Finder When SUP Fishing?
Anglers have to rely on their knowledge and experience to find prey, which is not always easy. A fish finder helps you see what is below the water and enables you to detect where the fish are, making your work easier.
If you have been doing this for a while, you may not need a fish finder. It is, however, a great tool for anglers who want to locate fish easily and save time. One of the best things about fish finders is that they enable you to go fishing whenever you want, regardless of whether the conditions are favorable for fish at that time. The devices work well in different water and weather conditions including fast-moving rivers, snow, and rain.
Contrary to what many people may think, fish finders are not complicated or ridiculously expensive. It won’t take you long to master the features and start having fun and there are many affordable models.
So if you want the convenience of knowing where the fish are hiding, water depth, temperature, and other useful information, you should consider getting a fish finder.
How to Mount a Fish Finder on a SUP
One of the biggest benefits of using a SUP for fishing is how easy it is to customize a paddle board. With a proper fishing SUP, you don’t need to drill holes or go through complicated processes.
There are several ways to mount a fish finder on a paddle board and you can choose the one that seems best for you.
The first option is using the gear mounts that already come with your fishing paddle board. Good paddle boards meant for fishing, including inflatable boards, come with gear mounts. You can attach all kinds of SUP fishing accessories including a fish finder.
If you don’t have enough attachment points on the deck, you can use your tackle rack. It’s not just good for holding your fishing rods. You will have to buy mounts to attach the fish finder to the arm of the rack, but those aren’t hard to find. The video below shows a fish finder mounted on a tackle rack.
Some fish finders come with suction cups, and they are a great option if you don’t have any gear mounts on your SUP. This makes installing and removing the fish finder easy.
It’s especially good if you have several fishing paddle boards or fishing vessels and only one fish finder. You don’t have to deal with tools and small parts that can easily get lost.
ALSO READ: Can you use your SUP for Fly Fishing?
Where on a Paddle Board Should You Mount Your Fish Finder?
This depends on your paddle board fishing setup and what works best for you. However, you want the fish finder to be accessible so you don’t have to turn around or move a lot every time you want to read it. You will also be operating it pretty much the entire time.
These are some of the things you should have in mind when finding a position to mount your fish finder.
Most anglers prefer to mount their fish finders in front of where they’ll be standing, but not too far towards the nose.
What Is the Best Fish Finder for Stand Up Paddle Board Fishing?
While there are many fish finders on the market, the HawkEye FishTrax paddle board fish finder stands out.
First, it comes with all the mounting accessories you’ll need and can even attach to SUPs without gear mounts. It is 100% waterproof and its glare-free display won’t have you straining when out in the sun.
And the best part? It doesn’t require an external battery like most fish finders. It is powered by AAA batteries. It is also super easy to use.
Mounting a Fish Finder on a SUP FAQs
Are Fish Finders Waterproof?
Not all fish finders are waterproof, some are water-resistant. You can splash water on them but they may get ruined if submerged.
Do Fish Finders Work?
Yes, fish finders work. They show you where the fish are, what the bottom of the water is like, and other useful underwater information.
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Wrapping Up
You can mount a fish finder on a paddle board and there are several ways to do that.
Fishing SUPs come with gear mounts for accessories like fish finders. Alternatively, you can attach the device to a tackle rack if you already have one. The other option would be to get a fish finder that comes with a simple mounting system like the HawkEye FishTrax fish finder.
Happy paddling!
