Best Kayak Paddle for Fishing

by Richard Dravick

May 10, 2018

Best Kayak Paddle for Fishing

Every kayak fisherman knows the importance of a good paddle. While small and seemingly insignificanta proper paddle is essential.

With so many considerations to make, the task to find the best kayak paddle be daunting. That’s why we bring you five of the best models on the market. We have researched the features on these paddles making sure that each of them meets the standards of a high-quality and efficient kayak paddle. 

Features to consider when choosing a kayak paddle for fishing

Paddle Length

After selecting an angler kayak, you will need to pick a paddle that is best applicable according to the size and width of your kayak. Ensure your paddle is comfortable to use and that it does not make you hit your hands on the sides of the kayak. 

If you are fishing in a wide kayak, then you will need to choose a long paddle and vice versa for narrow kayaks. 

Your height also determines size. For example, if you are 5ft tall and you are using a kayak that is under 23 inches, you are most likely to need a paddle that is 210 cm. 

Here’s a quick look at the paddle size recommendations for your height and kayak size

Your Height

Kayak Width:

21"-23"

Kayak Width:

24"-26"

Kayak Width:

27"-28"

Kayak Width:

28"+

Recommended Paddle Height

< 5 - 5'5"

210cm - 220cm

 230cm

 230cm

230cm - 240cm

5'5" - 5'10"

 220cm

 230cm

 230cm

230cm - 240cm

5'10" - 6'2"

220cm - 230cm

230cm - 240cm

230cm - 240cm

 250cm

> 6'2"

 240cm

 240cm

 240cm

 260cm

Blade Size:

A wide blade is preferred only for the more experienced users. But if you are a novice at kayak fishing, then you will want to use a paddle with a small blade as it is more manageable. 

The design of most blades takes an asymmetrical dihedral shape. These are narrow and short blades that are considered lightweight for an easy time on the water. An asymmetrical blade is more uniform and angles to the surface area of the blade. This gives you better thrust in the water as you paddle. 

If you are planning to be out on the water for long, you will need a narrow blade as it is comfortable for long excursions. 

Angle

This is regarding the tilting of the shaft. If you sit high in the kayak, you will need a high-angle blade. A high angle paddle also gives you more speed so that you can go further into your favorite fishing spots quicker. But if you prefer sitting in a kayak, you are better off with a low-angle paddle. 

However, most fishers prefer sit-on-top kayaks which go well with high-angle paddles. 

Material

The quality of your paddle lies in the materials that it is made up of. This means that you will pay more for a high-quality paddle. In turn, you will get better performance from a paddle that uses top quality materials. 

Shaft Material

Shafts are made of aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon. Aluminum shafts are the most common since they are efficient and inexpensive. However aluminum conducts heat and cold very quickly which can make paddling uncomfortable.

Fiberglass and carbon shafts are also very effective, but that means you will have to pay more for paddles that use these materials.  

Plastic/Nylon Blades

This is the cheapest type which we recommend against. This type of blade is highly flexible and warps easily. If you leave your paddle exposed to the elements, most likely, it will crack all the way through. 

Carbon/Fiber

This type of blade is the top of the line choice and its price reflects that. It is lightweight and stiff, giving you superior performance. 

Fiberglass Blades

If you want a mid-priced blade, fiberglass presents that possibility. They are lighter than plastic but more flexible than carbon-fiber blades. This type of blade is a favorite because its rigidity makes it efficient in the water and it is not as expensiveas carbon fiber.

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Feathering

A feathered paddle has both blades offset at an angle. Unfeathered paddles, on the other hand, have both blades on the same plane. 

Nearly all paddles have a adjustment of rotation so that they can be either feathered or unfeathered (matched). These paddles are more applicable in fishing as they allow you to adjust the angle of the blades to suit your paddling style. 

Best Kayak Paddles for Fishing in 2021

1. SeaSense X-Treme II Kayak Paddle - Best on a Budget

SeaSense X-Treme II Kayak Paddle

SeaSense is known to produce some of the best fishing equipment. The X-Treme II paddle is one of the most efficient designs that they create. It comes in a two-piece design that makes it easy to carry and store. If you are going a fishing expedition away from home, then this paddle will be of great convenience. With three locking positions, it allows you to achieve a feathered design to give you control as you push into the water. 

We like that it has adjustable drip guards to keep your hands and your lap dry. It also follows a high resistance design which comes in handy when paddling on windy waters. It is a featherlight paddle that will float on the water just in case you drop it. 

PROS

  • 2-piece construction 
  • Three locking position
  • Ultralight aluminum shaft for improved performance 
  • Floats on water 

CONS

  • Small diameter shaft might be uncomfortable for big hands 
  • The included paddles are shorter than normal
  • A battery operated pump would have been better than the included hand pump

2. Carlisle Predator Fiberglass Paddle - Best for the Money

Carlisle Predator Fiberglass Paddle

Featuring a fiberglass handle, the Carlisle Predator is an efficient model that remains relatively lightweight. Seeing that it uses fiberglass in its construction, we can tell it’s going to give excellent service for a long time. The blades are made of fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene. It enhances the lightweight performance of this paddle. 

You get to use a straight and round shaft that feels comfortable in your hands. You will also love that it is a two-piece design that you can break it in two when you need compact storage and transport. 

PROS

  • Made from durable fiberglass 
  • Affordable pricing 
  • Asymmetrical (slightly curved) blade
  • Stiff shaft for powerful strokes

CONS

  • The lock button is sometimes difficult to push down with your fingers; some users have to use a tool

3. Shoreline Marine Kayak Paddle - Best for Wide Fishing Kayaks

Shoreline Marine Kayak Paddle

If you want to reduce drag when fishing in a wide kayak, the Shoreline Marine Kayak paddle is your best bet. It is a whopping 96 inches long which translates to 243.84 cm. The rounded blades allow you to achieve high speeds with less work. This way, you can paddle for long distances without fatigue kicking in.

This paddle also explores a three-position design. You can quickly select the ideal blade position which best suits your style. The thin aluminum handle provides a firm grip, plus the foam grips will keep you comfortable since you will not be dealing with a hot or cold shaft like you would with an aluminunshaft. 

PROS

  • Drip guards to keep you dry 
  • Comfortable foam grips 
  • Three position system for handling customization
  • Molded blades are durable and highly efficient

CONS

  • It stays afloat for only a short time; you will need to purchase a paddle leash to keep it close to you. 

4. Bending Branches Angler Scout - Best Paddle with Angler-Friendly Features

Bending Branches Angler Scout Kayak

The Bending Branches Angler Scout Paddle is sure to give you a great angling experience. First, it uses lightweight epX Engineered polymer blades which are complemented by an ovalized shaft. They give you strong entry inthe water helping you to get to your favorite fishing spot quicker. 

This paddle comes with a tight, three-hole snap button ferrule. It is adjustable to a straight unfeathered position or to 60-degrees when you want to offset the blades. This helps you to deal with windy situations so that you do not lose your grip. 

PROS

  • Uses heavy-duty drip rings 
  • An ingenious hook provides quick rescue of lures and pulling in large fish 
  • Reinforced fiberglass/nylon blades are both lightweight and highly reliable 
  • Comes with a measuring tape for quick length reference

CONS

  • Isolated complaint about the measurements rubbing off after just a couple of uses

5. Bending Branches Angler Pro - Best High-End Kayak Fishing Paddle

Best Kayak Paddle Bending Branches

When you have the best fishing gear, the next thing on your mind should be the best fishing paddle. The Bending Branches Angler Pro is everything you’d love in a reliable fishing paddle. It is lightweight and sturdy.

It uses multi-laminate fiberglass blades that are not only durable but also very efficient. You will love the T-700 carbon shaft as it is built to make your time memorable in the water. This shaft also includes a measurement system so you can easily keep a reference ofyour catch. It is a durable paddle that you will be glad you invested your money in.

PROS

  • Two-piece snap button design 
  • Multi-laminate fiberglass blades for packing plenty of water 
  • Durable T-700 shaft 
  • It includes a measuring tape on the shaft 

CONS

  • The length is not adjustable

Final Thoughts:

Your paddle has a significant influence on your fishing performance. Choosing the best paddle for kayak fishing comes next after selecting a good kayak. We have gone through the best models the market has to offer. We hope we have been able to help you select the best paddle for you. 

About the author 

Richard Dravick  -  I created this site to help people who like myself enjoy kayaking and fishing. Kayaking allows you enjoy all the great themes of nature that are around us everywhere and combining this with fishing can create some of the most memorable times in life.
Please let me know if you have enjoyed these reviews and if you have thoughts on what you would like to see for future reviews so that I can keep the content fresh.

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