Best Kayak Paddle For Fishing [Our Top 5 Reviewed]
Fishing in kayaks has becoming a very popular sport these few years. These days’ couples with their small kid or their pet dog go on weekend fishing trips on the kayaks. It has turned out to be a very good recreational activity for many people. However, finding the best kayak paddle for fishing may be difficult due to the abundant choices on the market.
The choice of the paddle for kayak fishing is very important. The paddles must be able to meet your personal requirements and most importantly, feels comfortable in your hands. With the best-suited paddles, paddling will feel like a breeze, giving you more time and energy for fishing.
Read on to find out which fishing kayak paddles made it into our top list. You will also get an insight of each of their specifications and their pros and cons respectively. Below is a quick recap on our thoughts on the best paddle for fishing.
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Table of Comparison
We have summarized a comparison table below for your easy reference. However, it is important to note that the positions are in no particular order of importance.
| Product | Specifications & Features | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
 Werner Camano Straight Paddle | 5 Sizes: 220 - 260 cm Blade: Fiberglass Dihedral angle Weight: 2.3 lbs (220cm) | 5.0/5.0 Price: $$$$$ More Details |
 Bending Branches Angler Classic | 5 Sizes: 220 - 260 cm Blade: Fiberglass Shaft: Fiberglass Composite ferrule Weight: 3.1 lbs (220cm) | 4.5/5.0 Price: $$$ More Details |
 Carlisle Expedition Angler Paddle | 3 Sizes: 220 - 240 cm Blade: Fiberglass Shaft: Fiberglass Weight: 2.35 lbs (220cm) | 4.5/5.0 Price: $$$ More Details |
 Bending Branches Angler Pro | 5 Sizes: 220 - 260 cm Blade: Multi-laminate fiberglass Shaft: T-700 Carbon 2 piece construction with snap-button ferrule Weight: 3.53 lbs (220cm) | 4.3/5.0 Price: $$$$$ More Details |
 Werner Skagit FG | 3 Sizes: 220 - 240 cm Shaft: Fiberglass reinforced Nylon Smart-view adjustable ferrule Dihedral angle Weight: 3.12 lbs (220cm) | 4.2/5.0 Price: $$ More Details |
5 Best Kayak Paddle For Fishing Reviewed
1. Werner Camano - Best Kayak Fishing Paddle
If you are looking for a high performance, lightweight and quality paddle, then there is no better choice than the Werner Camano Straight Paddle.
It is made of high-quality fiberglass that offers the best swing weight. They have mid-sized blades that will suit most of the kayakers.
It also offers great strength and flexibility that is a must for the best kayak paddles. You will enjoy very good paddle strokes thanks to its lightweight construction. The blade design is such that it allows the paddle to make smooth and effortless entry and exit of the waters.
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2. Bending Branches Angler Classic - Best Value for Money
This model is the best for every fishing kayaker looking for an affordable paddle that offers top class performance. The best thing about this paddle is that it is lightweight and has a sturdy construction with performance-oriented blades.
The blades can be set at 60 degrees or inline depending on your need. I love to use it in inline. This paddle cuts through the water easily and effortlessly. You do not need to apply all your force to get the paddle into action. It helps you to gain faster speed on your kayak very quickly.
The shaft is made of fiberglass and the blades are constructed using nylon or glass. This makes the blades stiff, lightweight and durable. The Angler Classic from Bending Branches is an ideal option for all entry level paddlers.
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3. Carlisle Expedition Angler Paddle - Best for Long Paddling
If you are looking for a perfect fishing paddle that helps you to take long trips in the waters, then this model is a very good option.
This paddle is lightweight and is perfect for those who love to paddle in the waters daily. The shaft, as well as the blades of this paddle, is made using fiberglass. This explains its lightness. The blades are made using the heavy durable material so that they do not get damaged easily.
It is a perfect paddle for those who love aggressive paddling. This paddle is an ideal option for beginners to professionals. It is the best touring kayak paddle because of the fiberglass construction that will not weigh down your arms during long trips.
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This is a paddle that is designed especially for kayak fishing by the kayak anglers. The main focus is given to the paddle and not on the lines and the lures. This is a lightweight paddle that will not eat up a lot of your energy.
Its shaft is fully carbonized and this ensures that the paddle is strong and durable. It weighs only 30 oz. Hence you can use it for long paddling without shoulder aches.
The blades come with multi-laminate fiberglass construction and are a bit oversized. They offer great power and durability. This is one of the best carbon fiber paddle for serious anglers.
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If you are looking for a mid-sized paddle that has low angle blades and suits paddlers of varying heights, then the Werner Skagit FG Straight Shaft Paddle is not a bad option.
It is suited for recreational kayakers and entry level paddlers. These Werner paddles offer you smooth and very stable forward strokes because of the fiberglass nylon blades construction.
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What Is a Hooked Kayak Paddle?
Hooked paddles are the ideal paddles for anglers looking for enough energy and power in their shoulders to carry out fishing all day.
These paddles will offer you all around low angle stroke that does not put the burden on your shoulders for the long fishing trips.
It is important to choose paddles that are lightweight and offers very light swing weight and stiffness to wade through the waters. Make sure that they have a lightweight construction and very good blades that come with low angle options.
Why Choose a Kayak for Fishing?
You may be wondering why the fuss to use a kayak for fishing when there are boats and canoes available. If you ask this question to me, I would say that there is no better way to enjoy the waters than a kayak. I am a yak angler and I feel that the kayak fishing has an aesthetic appeal.
There is nothing like paddling to the spot where fishes are there and then enjoying a big catch. There are elegance and wholeheartedness in the way you catch fish on your kayak. The use of the right kayak paddle shape and size will ensure you enjoy effortless paddling.
Keep in mind that not all kayaks are the same. If you happen to be searching for a recreational kayak instead, click here.
Cheaper Alternative
You do not have to spend thousands of dollars to buy a kayak. You should get everything needed from a fishing kayak under $1000.
Makes Catching Easier
The fishes can move away from the spot if they feel the motor boats hitting the water.
But, by paddling your kayak to the fishing spots, you will be able to enjoy good catches as your kayaks do not make any noise. You can turn around if you have paddled over the fish and can hook up the fish easily.
Less Maintenance
The kayaks require very less maintenance compared to fishing power boats. You just need to give it a good hosing down to get it back to its original condition after fishing. You do not have to be worried about machines, oils, and fuel when using kayaks.
Kayaks can be launched from anywhere. It offers you the option to spend quality time with your family and take them on a water excursion on lakes, ponds, and rivers.
How to Choose the Right Kayak Fishing Paddle?
Finding the best kayak paddles doesn’t require much technical knowledge. However, knowing basic features of the paddles will help in finding the best models which offer the best performance.
The type of paddle depends on the size of the kayak boat used for fishing, the height of the person etc. You also need to consider the durability, weight, material, blade design, shaft length, etc., to match your needs. Here are the features to consider when purchasing the paddles so that you can enjoy your fishing.
Paddle Length
The paddle length mainly depends on the width of your boat, your seating position, and your height.
If your boat is wide you will need longer paddles. If the paddler is tall, then longer paddles are the right choice. A paddler who is 5 feet tall and using boats with 23 inches of width will need a paddle that is 210 cm long.
If the boat width is more than 32 inches, then he will need 230 cm paddle or a 240-cm long paddle.
If you use shorter paddles, there are chances that the shaft of the paddles or your hands to hit on the sides of the kayak during strokes.
Longer paddles reduce the efficiency of the stroke. Going through the paddle length guide of paddle makers will help in finding the right paddle length.
Shaft Design
The best shaft selection helps in reducing the fatigue and discomfort felt in your shoulder and arm joints during kayaking.
The shafts of the paddles come in two designs, straight and bent. The ergonomic design of the bent paddle shaft makes it more comfortable. You can make more powerful strokes with bent shafts than the straight shafts. It will not slide away from your lap when you are not holding it. You will be able to handle bent shafts with a single hand if needed while you are fishing.
Straight shafts need both hands to manage the stroke. There are shafts which are able to break down to facilitate storage. You can opt for two-piece paddles, or four-piece paddles depending on portability needs. It is better to opt for shafts with the diameter that allows a comfortable grip. Make sure that your thumb is able to touch the index finger when you hold the paddle.
It is also important to take not that there are some differences between a paddle for fishing and for recreational purposes. If you are looking to get one for recreational purposes, you should check out our reviews on the best kayak paddle for the money instead.
Blade Material
The selection of blade material will decide your fatigue level after kayak trips. There are plastic or nylon blades with specific variations such as a polymer, plastic blend with nylon, plastic blend with fiberglass, etc.
Though plastic paddles are cheaper, they can crack and can get damaged when exposed to the sun for long. The flexibility of plastic or nylon blades reduces the efficiency of the stroke.
Fiberglass blades come with a moderate price tag and offer durability and good performance. They are far more efficient than plastic or nylon blades.
The Carbon fiber type is most suitable for people going for daily fishing trips. They are very light in weight and exceptionally stiff. This helps in better energy transfer with each stroke.
Blade Design
The different blade designs for paddles include narrow, wide, and dihedral blades.
If you are planning touring long stretches, you need to find narrow blade fishing paddles. Narrower blades are lighter and suitable for long period use.
If you are looking for quick acceleration for your kayak, wider blades can provide the powerful strokes.
Fishing paddles with a J-shaped notch on the blade makes it easier to retrieve the fishing hooks and lines when there is any snag.
Dihedral blades are asymmetrical and allow smooth flow of water over each half of the blade. It is easy to push through the water using a dihedral blade.
Recreational or all propose blades with versatile design are ideal for kayak fishing.
Shaft Material
Fiberglass paddle and carbon shaft paddles are the best choices if you are looking to get perfect value for your money. These shaft materials are lightweight and durable.
You can opt for carbon shafts with carbon or fiberglass blades or fiberglass shafts with carbon or fiberglass blades to get the lightest paddle with the most efficiency.
The price of these lightweight fishing paddles will indicate their efficiency. Though aluminum is also a durable and lightweight shaft material, they can get very hot in the sun and can get very cold in winter conditions.
Hence, most people do not opt for an aluminum shaft paddle.
Alignment of Blades
The best kayak paddles comes with two different blade alignment options: feathered and matched. Feathered blades are arranged in different planes at an angle. This reduces the resistance to the wind when the blade is pulled out of the water. In the case of matched alignment, the blades are in the same plane.
There are paddle shafts which allow you to rotate the blades to make them matched or feathered according to the need. It is also possible to adjust the angles of the blades in feathered alignment.
Matched blades are more suitable for fishing kayaks if you are not paddling to long distance. Matched blades are suitable for single–handed paddling.
Price
If you are looking for the best kayak paddles to enjoy your whole kayak fishing session, you definitely need to avoid the cheap models.
Though you may be able to save some money by opting for cheaper models, it will not ensure good performance and durability.
With the more expensive paddles, they are going to last you longer and you will be able to use them for many years.
As kayak fishing paddlers follow low-angle paddling style, paddles with a bent shaft, long shaft length, narrow-bladed and made of lightweight material will be the ideal choices. You will be able to cover large distances with less effort when you have long shafted light weight paddles with narrow blades.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.How long should paddles for fishing be?
The length of the best kayak paddles for fishing depend on the height of the user. The taller a person is, the longer paddle he will need. Paddles vary between 210 and 240 cm in length.
2.Do kayak paddles float?
Yes, all paddles are designed to float so you can easily pick them up if they fall into the water.
3.What size paddle do I need for a 10 foot kayak?
For a 10 foot kayak, you need a paddle with a length of 220 cm. Of course, take into consideration your height.
FINAL VERDICT
From the above review, it is clear that the Werner Camano Straight Paddle is the best affordable and feature rich paddle for the novice as well as experienced kayakers.
There is no doubt that this is the best kayak paddle for fishing. We give this paddle a rating of 5 out of 5 for the features mentioned below.
The most important feature about this paddle is that it combines very strong and sturdy design despite it being lightweight. You will not feel any pain in your shoulders when you paddle them for long fishing excursions.
These are medium-sized paddles that suits people of all sizes. It is a low angle paddler designed for people who sit down in their kayak. Furthermore, it also has a take apart design so that the paddle can be transported quickly and easily after use. You do not have to worry about the storage space for this paddle.
