Let’s do a brief overview of paddles that are specifically built for kayak fishing. Wait, there are paddles specifically for anglers? There are all types and styles of paddles for various paddling sports, the question is, do you need a paddle specifically built for fishing? No, you can use any style of paddle to push your kayak along, just as you can cast from kayaks that aren’t designed solely for fishing. But paddles that are designed and built specifically for kayak anglers will deliver some advantages.
Sizing your Kayak Paddle
Let’s start with sizing your paddle for you and your kayak. First, you will need to know the width of your kayak and your height. Paddles are built to be sized for the user and the boat, and some are built with seat height in mind as well. If you have an adjustable seat you may want to have a paddle that has an adjustable length verses a fixed length. Shown here is a typical sizing chart. Some brands may have slight variations, so check the brand that you are most interested in.
Kayak Paddle Blades
Now let’s talk about paddling style. Are you a high angle or low angle kayaker? Most anglers will use a paddle with a high angle blade on them. These are built to move boats with lots of gear (weight) on board. The blades are built for aggressive and fast kayaking, shorter and wider with more surface area to push the load with a powerful stroke. Low angle kayak paddle blades, on the other hand, are built for more of a relaxed paddle for hours of leisurely cruising with less effort. The blades of a low angle paddle are longer and thinner to provide less surface area, for a more relaxed, leisurely stroke.
Blade material is usually plastic, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. Plastic is most economical, but can weaken with years of UV exposure and flexes when moving the water. Fiberglass is stiffer, and moderately priced. Carbon fiber offers the best performance for the least weight, but naturally, costs the most.
Fishing Kayak Paddle Shafts
Shafts are typically made of either fiberglass, aluminum, or carbon fiber, and they make up most of the paddle’s weight. As a rule lighter paddles are better as they wear you out less, but lightweight shafts built with high-tech materials do cost more.
There are also bent and straight shafts. Bent shaft paddles have hand placement that will give you more power during the stroke and can minimize fatigue and joint pain, because they align with your wrists in a more natural fashion. This also makes the forward stroke more efficient and enhances control. Plus, the bend in the shaft provides an indication of blade orientation and makes it easier to position. However, bent shaft paddles are more expensive and tend to weigh slightly more than straight shafts.
Fixed Ferrules vs. Adjustable
Back to seat height: A fixed seat will only need a fixed ferrule paddle. With an adjustable height seat, you may want to consider a paddle that has an adjustable ferrule to accommodate any height. With an adjustable ferrule you can slightly vary the length of your paddle to meet any increase or decrease in seat height.
Paddle Feathering
Many paddles will have the ability to feather the blades, which means they are offset from one another, not matched. Feathering will reduce wind resistance of the blades as you paddle along.
Special Kayak Paddle Features for Fishermen
Paddles designed just for anglers often have a ruler on the shaft and/or a hook in the end which you can use to grab your line, guide your paddle to the lure or hook, and (hopefully) free a snag. There are also some with teeth molded into an edge of the blade. These are helpful for getting a grip when pushing the kayak off solid surfaces like trees or boat ramps.
Anglers who fish in super-shallow water may also want to consider utilizing a “backwater” paddle. These are short hand-paddles carried in addition to your main paddle, which are easy to store and can be used to push off trees or rocks and make minor adjustments to your position without having to put down your rod.
There you have it, a quick overview of fishing kayak paddles. Now, let’s get out there and catch a few fish—well, after you paddle to your favorite spot, that is.
-By Eric Packard
See Kayak Paddles for Kayak Fishing by John Veil, to get a different author's take on choosing the best paddle for kayak fishing.