Best Kayak Paddle for Fishing
Best Kayak Paddle for Fishing Comparison Chart
Best Fishing Paddle for Wide Kayaks
102.4 inches
Measuring tape
90.5 inches
95 inches
98.5 inches
Measuring tape
Your choice of paddle is almost as important as choosing your kayak. With the right one, you’re able to cover more distance with less effort, make turns better, and approach fish without scaring them off. You’re also able to go and complete longer trips. So just as you should when it comes to your kayak, you should also choose your paddle carefully.
But with so many paddles on the market, all with different features and efficiency, it can be difficult to choose which one to put your money on. More so if you don’t know what to look for. So to help you out and ensure you end up with the right one for your needs and fishing style, we’ve put together a list of the best fishing kayak paddles on the market. We also created a list of all you need to look out for in a paddle kayak fishing model.
How We Chose the Best Kayak Fishing Paddle?
To find the top 5 kayak fishing paddles around, we first searched all the available brands and models on Amazon. Once we determined what was in the market, we were able to shortlist all those we thought best match an angler’s needs. We also included the highest-rated and those most recommended by other fishers.
To narrow down our list, we compared all the paddles on our list and put them against each other. We looked at their features, quality, and overall value for money. We also considered whether or not they can help kayak anglers fish better. After hours and hours of deliberation with our team, we were finally able to cut our list to only the 5 best fishing paddle kayak models that you can buy today.
So whichever kayak fishing paddle you choose from our list, it’s guaranteed only the highest performing and most efficient one you can use while kayak fishing.
Top 5 Best Kayak Fishing Paddles
- Best Overall and Best Fishing Paddle for Wide Kayaks: The Catch Kayak Paddle
- Best Bang for the Buck: OCEANBROAD Kayak Paddle
- Pelican Poseidon Angle Kayak Paddle
- SeaSense Xtreme 2 Kayak Paddle
- Wilderness Systems Alpha Angler
Why we love it:
- Has adjustable drip rings
- Indexing
- Has a retrieval hook
What it is best for:
- Kayaks over 34” wide and for anglers of all heights
The overall best fishing kayak paddle on our list is the Catch Paddle by Pelican. Featuring fiberglass-reinforced nylon blades, it offers excellent durability and performance without the hefty price tag of carbon fiber ones. Since it’s reinforced with nylon rather than polypropylene, it’s also lighter and stronger than many paddles on the market.
This kayak paddle’s blades are designed for low-angle paddling. Meaning, you’ll be able to feel less fatigue on your shoulders and cover more distance with less effort. We also like that its shaft is made of fiberglass. So it’s more comfortable to use as it doesn’t get cold during fall and winter or too hot when under the sun.
What’s great about the Catch Kayak Paddle is that it offers a few extras that can help you with your fishing and make your time on the water more efficient. For instance, it has a retrieval hook, a measuring tape that runs the length of the shaft, and drip rings to keep your hands dry while paddling. It also allows you to adjust the blade angle from 0 to 65 degrees, which helps improve your performance and comfort. Plus, it has an oval-indexed section for better grip.
Pros:
- ZExtremely durable
- ZVersatile
- ZLightweight
- ZComfortable to use
Cons:
- QPricey
Why we love it:
- Comes with a bungee leash
- Has drip rings
- 3 locking positions
What it is best for:
- Narrow Kayak
Not yet ready to spend big on your paddle? Check out the OCEANBROAD Kayak Paddle. Made with a fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene blade and aluminum alloy shaft, this is a stiff and sturdy paddle that offers decent performance on the water. It’s an entry-level model at an affordable price, which makes it a good choice for beginners.
This paddle offers 3 locking positions, so you can adjust it according to your kayaking angle preference. It also has drip rings to stop water flowing from the blades and keep your hands from getting wet. Plus, it comes with a free leash, which you can use to secure it to your boat.
The OCEANBROAD Kayak Paddle features a shrinking PE tube cover. So unlike other paddles with aluminum shafts, you won’t feel cold when using it during winter. At the same time, this also provides you with a better grip and prevents your hands from blistering. Overall, if you’re looking for an inexpensive paddle that can get the job done, then this is a good choice.
Pros:
- ZInexpensive
- ZLightweight
- ZSturdy
- ZHas PE tube cover
Cons:
- QNot as durable as others
Why we love it:
- Ergonomic shaft
- Has an anti-slip coating
- Floatable
What it is best for:
- Paddlers taller than 5’5” and kayaks over 32” wide
What’s great about the Pelican Poseidon Angler Kayak Paddle is that it’s made for fishing. It has a hook puller built into the blade and a measuring tape along the shaft to size up your catch. It is also comfortable to use with its unique ergonomic shaft that serves as a guide on where to put your hand. This promotes proper technique, which then reduces the fatigue in your wrists.
As for its material, this paddle is made of a fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene blade and aluminum shaft. This gives it better durability and performance on the water at an affordable price. Even better, there are 2 additional flotation blocks inside. So you’ll have no problem getting your paddle back in case it ends up in the water.
With a length of 94.5 and 98.5 inches, the Pelican Poseidon Angler Kayak Paddle is ideal for those taller than 5’5”. It’s also perfect for wider fishing kayaks.
Pros:
- ZDurable
- ZGreat performance on the water
- ZGreat value for money
Cons:
- QA bit heavy
Why we love it:
- Has adjustable drip rings
- Ergonomic foam grips
- Floatable
What it is best for:
- Kayaks over 32” wide and paddlers taller than 5’6”
Made with a fiberglass-reinforced nylon blade, the SeaSense Xtreme 2 is lighter and more durable than many of the kayak paddles around. This also gives it the efficiency that you’ll need to get to your favorite fishing spots faster. To top it all off, it has an aluminum shaft with ergonomic foam grips, providing you with more comfort during your fishing trips.
This 2-piece paddle features a feathered, asymmetrical design with 3 locking positions, so you can reduce wind resistance. It also has a support ridge, which gives you more power in every stroke you make. Plus, it floats on water and has adjustable drip rings to keep you dry.
Sure, the SeaSense Xtreme 2 doesn’t have as many fishing-specific features and extras as other models. But if you’re looking for a simple, no-frills paddle that can get the job done, then this is a great choice. Even better, it’s affordable too.
Pros:
- ZEfficient
- ZLightweight
- ZDurable
- ZAffordable
Cons:
- QFoam grips tend to slip and move when wet
Why we love it:
- Adjustable length
- Infinite feathering options
- Well-made
What it is best for:
- Any fishing kayak and seat position
If you don’t mind spending more to get the best-performing paddle possible, then check out the Wilderness Systems Alpha Angler. Made with carbon fiber blades and a unidirectional carbon shaft, it is extremely lightweight and durable while giving you the most efficiency and speed on the water. This way, you can spend less time paddling and focus more on your fishing.
The best thing about this paddle is its adjustable length. Starting at 94.49 to 102.36 inches, it’s suitable for any fishing kayak width and seating position. It’s also great for any paddler’s height. Furthermore, it features a powerful mid-size foam core blade, which works well in any type of water condition. So no matter your boat, body size, and where you are fishing, then this is a paddle you can depend on.
With the Wilderness Systems Alpha Angler, you have the option to customize the degree of feathering with just a flip of a lever. It comes with a measurement tool as well to easily size up your catch. It even comes with drip rings to minimize the amount of water that drips onto you. Overall, it has everything you need from a fishing paddle – but at a cost.
Pros:
- ZUltralight
- ZExcellent durability
- ZSuitable for any paddler height and kayak
Cons:
- QPricey
What to Look For When Choosing the Best Fishing Kayak Paddle?
When it comes to paddles for kayak fishing, the tiniest details can make all the difference in your performance on the water. It can make your trips easier, and more comfortable, and your kayak more maneuverable. More importantly, it can help you fish better.
Now, with lots of options available on the market, choosing which paddle to buy isn’t exactly easy. You’ll have to go through hundreds of models and designs. You have to compare them against each other and check every detail and feature. The problem is, no one paddle is perfect for everyone. To make it even harder, not everyone knows what to look for and what they need from a paddle.
So to help you make an informed decision and make sure you end up with the right kayak fishing paddle for your needs and style, here’s everything you need to look for in one.
Length
The most important factor to consider when choosing a fishing kayak paddle is the length. If it’s too short or too long, each stroke will feel awkward. As a result, your paddling won’t be as efficient. When it’s too short, you are also likely to hit it on the edges of your boat while paddling, which can cause disturbances in the water. Thus, startling fish and scaring them away. Meaning, there will be less catch for you.
That said, the right paddle length for you depends on two things: your kayak’s width and your height, specifically your torso. If you have a wider vessel or are taller with a longer torso, you’ll need a longer paddle. Aside from that, your kayak seat can also determine what length you should get. For instance, if you have a higher seat, then you’ll have to hold the paddle at an angle. So to compensate for this, you’ll need to go with a longer paddle.
As a guide, if you’re over 6ft tall with a kayak that’s over 32 inches wide, then the ideal paddle length for you is no shorter than 250cm (98.43 inches). Now, most manufacturers and suppliers offer a simple chart that you can use to determine what paddle length you should go for. So make sure to check it out.
Blade Material
You should also check a paddle’s material, especially if you’re just starting. See, if you haven’t kayaked much, a lighter paddle is a much better option. It’ll be less exhausting, which means you can fish and stay on the water longer. This also gives you a better chance of catching more fish. That said, a lighter paddle will have better performance. But this also means that it’ll be pricier.
Now, when shopping for a paddle, you’ll encounter the terms “plastic”, “polymer”, and “polypropylene”. There’s also “composite”, which is a term used to call fiberglass and carbon fiber. To help you understand their differences better, here’s a quick rundown of the following blade materials:
- Plastic or Nylon: Plastic is a generic term for polymer, polypropylene, and other plastic blends added with fiberglass or nylon. This is the cheapest option, which is why it’s so common. It’s flexible, which prevents it from snapping. However, its flexibility also reduces the efficiency of your strokes on the water. It’s durable, too, but it can crack and is likely to break down when left under the sun.
- Fiberglass: Blades made of fiberglass are in the mid-price range. They offer great performance and allow you to be more efficient on the water. Plus, they are lighter than plastic and are very durable. While they may chip now and then, they don’t usually crack entirely.
- Carbon Fiber: If you’re looking for a paddle that will give you the best performance and durability, then check out those with carbon fiber blades. They are ultralightweight and incredibly stiff, which offers excellent energy transfer for your strokes.
Blade Design
When it comes to a paddle’s blade, you should also look at its design as this will affect your efficiency and performance on the water. For fishing, paddles with low-angle blades are ideal since they are easier to move and wield. This produces much less fatigue than those with high-angle blades, allowing you to cover more distance and fish longer.
Now, blades are available in different shapes. What you need for lower-angled strokes are those with asymmetrical blades. They are shorter and narrow on one side, so their surface area is more regular when pushed through the water.
On the other hand, you can also choose those with wider blades. They are perfect for fishing as they offer more power with each stroke, allowing you to get to your favorite fishing spots faster.
Shaft Material
Aside from the blade material, you should also check a paddle’s shaft material. The most common is aluminum, which is also the cheapest. It is durable and functional, too. On the downside, however, it can get very hot under the sun and very cold during colder days. One easy fix to this is to use gloves to keep your hands protected.
There are also paddles made with carbon and fiberglass shafts. They are tough, durable, and lightweight. When paired with fiberglass and carbon-fiber blades, they make the lightest and most efficient option. But to achieve this level of performance, you’ll have to pay more.
Shaft Design
You’ll find that kayak paddles come in either straight or bent shafts. For a more comfortable time on the water and to reduce fatigue while paddling, you can go with paddles with bent shafts. This is because they have curved sections, which gives a more comfortable angle for your hands when stroking.
Additionally, paddles can have standard or small-diameter shafts. If you have small hands, look for a small-diameter shaft paddle for less fatigue when gripping. Don’t know if your hands are small? Well, if your thumb and index finger don’t touch when grabbing a paddle, then you are.
When it comes to the shaft, you can also choose to go with a 2-piece or 4-piece. Both types are designed for portability. However, a 4-piece has shorter sections, which makes it more compact and easier to carry.
Feathering
A kayak’s blades can be set to “feathered” or “matched”. Simply put, matched blades are aligned with one another, and feathered blades are not. Instead, feathered blades are positioned at an angle, which creates less wind resistance when out of the water. Thus, giving you greater efficiency, especially when paddling into the wind.
Now, most paddles will allow you to adjust the blades to either a feathered or matched position. Some will even allow you to adjust the amount of feathering. There are also a few that can be adjusted to any angle you want. That said, having such settings will help you be more efficient in the water.
Fishing-specific Features
When choosing a fishing kayak paddle, you might also want to see if there are angling-specific features. For instance, some paddles have a little notch in their blades, which makes it easier to remove your hook when your lure gets caught on a branch or any structure below the surface. Others also have docking assist and measuring tape. Some come with a paddle leash, too, making them easy to reach when fishing in rough water or during windy days.
While such extras aren’t necessary, they can certainly come in handy and are great to have when you’re out on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What kind of paddle for fishing kayak?
A: The best kind of paddle for a fishing kayak is one with a carbon or fiberglass shaft and blade. It offers the best performance and durability. Plus, it’s incredibly lightweight and stiff, giving you the most efficient transfer of energy in every stroke you make.
Q: Is it better to have a longer kayak paddle?
A: No, it is not better to have a longer kayak paddle. Generally, there’s a right paddle length for everyone, depending on their kayak’s width and height. So the wider your boat is and the taller you are, the longer your paddle should be. On the other hand, if you don’t have a necessarily wide boat and are not particularly tall, then a shorter paddle is your best choice.
Q: What happens if your kayak paddle is too long?
A: What happens if your kayak paddle is too long is that you’ll need to apply more energy in each of your strokes. Thus, affecting your efficiency. You’ll also get tired quicker, which can cut your time on the water. Furthermore, with a paddle that’s too long, you won’t be able to maneuver your kayak properly. This is why it’s vital to choose the right paddle length for your height and kayak width.
