When you’re fishing from a kayak there are two things you need your paddle to do: Get you to places quickly and maneuver you easily into the best place position to fish from.
Best Fishing Kayak Paddle For The Money
Best Carbon Fiber Kayak Paddle
Best Kayak Paddle For Sit On Top Fishing Kayak
A good paddle can change the game when you’re kayak fishing.
Every stroke made will be as efficient as possible and you will be able to put yourself at the perfect casting angle quickly, so you can make the best shot at any fish you see.
Don’t get lost in information, below I take a look at the best kayak paddles for fishing, so you can improve your next fishing adventures.
The Best From The Review
A quick look at the best kayak paddle for fishing from each category…
Top Pick
Bending Branches Angler Ace Kayak Paddle
A super lightweight but highly durable paddle ideal for fishing.
Bending Branches Angler Ace Kayak Paddle
The best kayak fishing paddle for fishing is the Bending Branches Angler Ace paddle.
This paddle is durable, well made, gives you great control on your fishing adventures, and is light for long paddles.
You won’t get tired of this paddle and you can use the measuring tape to know the length of your catch and the hook notch to help you pull hooks out of trees and grab your line when landing fish.
Best Fishing Kayak Paddle For The Money
Pelican Poseidon Angler Fishing Kayak Paddle
A great choice for anyone on a budget as they are the most affordable paddle in the review while still being great on the water.
Pelican Poseidon Angler Fishing Kayak Paddle
The best fishing kayak paddle for the money is the Pelican Poseidon Angler.
It’s the most affordable paddle in the review while still performing excellently on the water. These paddles are tough, durable, and come with handy features like a measuring tape and a hook notch for getting your lures out of snags.
Best Carbon Fiber Kayak Paddle
Wilderness Systems Tarpon Fishing Kayak Paddle
Super light and optimized to give you the most efficient stroke when you paddle around.
Wilderness Systems Tarpon Fishing Kayak Paddle
If you prefer carbon, the best kayak paddle for fishing is the Wilderness Systems Tarpon paddle.
This paddle is 100% carbon and is as light as they get at 26 oz.
You’ll be able to go for all-day paddles without any worries of the paddle weighing you down while you’re on the water.
This paddle also has large blades and an adjustable length to give you maximum control of your kayak on the water.
Best Kayak Paddle For Sit On Top Fishing Kayak
Bending Branches Angler Scout Kayak Paddle
Comes in every paddle length you could ever need. Its made from fiberglass-reinforced nylon and are tough and durable
Bending Branches Angler Scout Kayak Paddle
The best paddle for sit on top kayaks are the Bending Branches Angler Scout paddles. These paddles come in every length to suit your height and the size of your kayak.
The paddles are also light, easy to paddle with, and come with a handy hook notch and measuring tape.
Our Best Kayak Paddles For Fishing
Here are all the products in lineup…
Advanced Elements PackLite 4 Part Paddle
Light and durable paddles that breaks down into 4 pieces making them exceptionally easy to put in your car and store at home.
Advanced Elements PackLite 4 Part Paddle
If you want portability, the best kayak paddle for fishing is Advanced Elements PackLite 4 Part Paddle.
These kayak paddles for fishing break down into 4 pieces making them exceptionally easy to put in your car and store at home.
Build
These paddles are made with a durable aluminum shaft and nylon blades.
Both of these materials are light and durable and provide great performance on your paddle stroke when kayak fishing.
This kayak fishing paddle is lightweight, weighing just 2 lbs and 5 oz for fatigue-less long paddles.
Design
The blade design allows you to change the angles too, so you can adjust to suit your kayaking style or your fishing situation.
The durable aluminum shaft is comfortable in the hand when paddling and the shaft has a drip guard to stop your hands from getting wet.
These paddles have a paddle length of 230 cm, ideal for shorter paddlers or for use on smaller kayaks.
Value
Overall, these kayak fishing paddles are very affordable considering the low-weight and the quality materials used.
The only downside to these kayak paddles is that they can be a little tough to take apart sometimes.
Specs
- Blade Material: Glass-filled Nylon
- Shaft Material: Aluminum
- Pieces: 4
- Length: 230 cm
- Weight: 2 lbs 5 oz.
Pros
- Lightweight for easy paddling
- Breaks into 4 for portability and storage
- Tough blades for an efficient paddle
- Great length for going from side to side and paddling deep
- Accommodates both high-angle and low-angle paddling styles
- Durable build from great materials
- Adjustable blades let you have high or low-angle blades
- Comfortable to hold and have a drip guard for dry hands
- Very affordable considering the quality materials used
Cons
- Hole snap-button ferrule is hard to take apart sometimes
Backwater Paddles Assassin Fishing Paddle
A long paddle but light in weight. It has nylon blades that give the paddle a strong stroke and a carbon fiber shaft which is durable and comfortable to hold.
Backwater Paddles Assassin Fishing Paddle
The Backwater Paddles Assassin Fishing Paddle is made with nylon blades and a carbon fiber shaft.
The nylon blades give the paddle a strong stroke and the carbon shaft is durable, comfortable to hold, and makes the kayak paddle extra light for long paddles.
Design
The blade design includes a serrated edge for you to grab on to trees and docks with ease while you’re kayak fishing.
The blade design also includes a notch so you can hook your linen, or remove your lures from trees.
Length
The length of these fishing paddles is adjustable between 250-260 cm, ideal for a large kayak and taller kayakers.
The carbon shaft also splits down the middle to make a 2 piece paddle making it easy to move around.
This kayak paddle also features drip rings to stop your hands from being dripped on and is comfortable to use.
The only downside to this kayak paddle is that the hook feature can get caught in weeds or branches while you’re paddling around.
Specs
- Blade Material: ABS injected nylon
- Shaft Material: Carbon fiber
- Pieces: 2
- Length: 250-260 cm
- Weight: 42 oz.
Pros
- Great weight to length ratio
- Extra-long for a strong stroke
- Made with excellent materials for longevity
- Carbon fiber shaft makes it light
- Paddles have serrated teeth to grip trees or docks
- Integrated hook retrieval system feature for grabbing your line
- Drip rings to stop your hands from getting wet
- Length is adjustable to suit you
- 2 piece paddle for portability
Cons
- Hook feature can tangle up in weeds
Bending Branches Angler Classic Fishing Kayak Paddle
Super light and high-performance kayak paddles that are light and tough.
Bending Branches Angler Classic Fishing Kayak Paddle
The Bending Branches Angler Classic Fishing Kayak Paddles are super light and high-performance paddles.
Build
The Bending Branches Angler Classic kayak paddles feature carbon-reinforced nylon blades and the shaft is made of fiberglass-reinforced polymer.
Together these materials make this kayak paddle exceptionally light and tough.
The Angler Classic fiberglass kayak paddles weigh just 34 oz and when you consider their length of 260 cm, you realize just how good the length to weight ratio is.
Weight and Length
This low weight of these fiberglass kayak paddles makes for an easy paddle because they’re so light and won’t weigh kayak anglers down on long days out looking for fish.
The length of 260 cm is ideal for medium-sized kayaks and the blades are perfectly angled for giving you a load of efficiency with each paddle stroke.
The carbon-reinforced nylon blades come with a notch so you can grab your fishing line or hook with the kayak paddle with ease.
How Does the Build Affect Fishing?
The fiberglass shaft material is durable and comfortable to hold in your hands.
The fiberglass shaft on the Angler Classic also has a measuring tape down it in both cm’s and inches.
This makes it very easy to measure your catch on the fiberglass shaft and means you can gauge the depth of the water you’re in too.
Portability
The fiberglass shaft on the Angler Classic also pulls out into a 2 piece paddle for easy portability and the fiberglass shaft material is held together solidly with a button ferrule that gives no wobble at all.
The reinforced nylon blades also come in a green color to make you a bit more stealthy when kayak angling, so that you don’t scare any fish away.
Measuring Tape
The only downside to the Bending Branches Angler Classic paddle is that the measuring tape along the shaft is inaccurate after the 50 cm mark.
This is due to where the shaft joins together, making the measure out by about half an inch.
Specs
- Blade Material: Carbon-reinforced nylon
- Shaft Material: Engineered polymer fiberglass shaft
- Pieces: 2
- Length: 260 cm
- Weight: 34 oz
Pros
- Great length for a large kayak and a tall kayaker
- Fiberglass shaft is comfortable to hold
- Lightweight for easy paddling
- Has a hook retrieval system
- Made from tough materials
- Blades are angled for an excellent paddle
- Fiberglass shaft is a 2 piece for portability
- Green blade for a stealthy approach to fish
- Built-in tape measure on the fiberglass shaft for measuring fish
Cons
- The tape measure is inaccurate after 50 cms
Top Pick
Bending Branches Angler Ace Kayak Paddle
A super lightweight but highly durable paddle ideal for fishing.
Bending Branches Angler Ace Kayak Paddle
The Bending Branches Angler Ace fishing kayak paddles are another super lightweight design ideal for fishing.
Build
The Bending Branches Angler Ace Kayak fishing paddles are a carbon fiber paddle and come with a carbon shaft and reinforced carbon blades.
The use of carbon fiber makes the paddle light so kayak anglers are not weighed down while they are paddling around looking for fish.
Carbon fiber is also a highly durable material that ensures the kayak paddles for fishing last and performs well on the water.
Design
The paddle shaft on this Bending Branches paddle is a two-piece shaft for portability and easy storage. The Plus options give you a telescoping shaft via an adjustable ferrule.
You can easily pop it open in the middle and the push-button system keeps it closed together while you’re fishing.
The blade design on this Bending Branches paddle has both high angle and low angle paddle entries and are super durable and well-performing in the water thanks to their carbon build.
What Will Anglers Enjoy?
Anglers will enjoy the added features on this Bending Branches fishing paddle. On the paddle shaft, you’ll find a measuring tape so you can measure the length of your catch and even the water depth you’re fishing in.
The blade design also features a notch on one end so you can grab your line with the paddle.
This is perfect for hook retrieval when you get it stuck in a tree, and when you want to grab your line to land a fish or pull the lure out of a snag.
Length
This hand paddle can be 220 or 240 cm long and is made for use on small to medium fishing kayaks or shorter to medium-tall anglers.
The paddle doesn’t quite have the length for use by tall anglers on large fishing kayaks and would need to be 260 cm for that.
The only downside to this Bending Branches paddle is that it’s quite expensive, and this due to the carbon fiber build.
The paddle is light and super-durable though, and worth the investment if you kayak fish often.
Specs
- Blade Material: Carbon fiber reinforced
- Shaft Material: Carbon fiber
- Pieces: 2
- Length: 220 & 240 cm
- Weight: 32 oz.
Pros
- Exceptionally light thanks to the carbon fiber design
- Super durable thanks to the carbon fiber too
- Comes with a tape measure built-in
- Has a hook retrieval system
- Good length for small kayaks and short paddlers
- 2 piece paddle for portability
Cons
- Expensive
Bending Branches Bounce Kayak Fishing Paddle
The Bending Branches Bounce Fishing Kayak Paddles are one of the most affordable kayak paddles for fishing they make.
Build
The fishing hand paddle is made from plastic blades with an aluminum shaft.
The aluminum shaft ensures the hand paddle is light while also being corrosion-resistant and durable.
The plastic polypropylene blades are also light and durable, and perfect for pushing yourself off rocks and trees while on the water.
Design
The aluminum shaft is a two-piece design and breaks apart for portability and easy storage. The kayak paddle shafts are held together by a button ferrule that is rock solid and tight with no wobble so you can put power into your paddling on the water.
Features
You’ll also find comfortable slip-resistant grips on the paddle shafts, ideal for long days on the water to ensure your hands do get tired or blistered.
There are also drip rings on the shaft to stop any water from falling on you and your hands while you’re on the water.
These Bending Branches fishing kayak paddles come in two lengths, 230 & 240 cm.
These are ideal middle ground lengths for a handle paddle and will suit most anglers and most sized kayaks too, and are perfect for entry-level kayakers.
Weight
They are also a little heavier than others but only by a few ounces, which won’t make much difference on the water.
The downsides to this hand paddle are that they don’t come with any fishing features like a hook notch in the blade or a measuring tape on the shaft.
Specs
- Blade Material: Polypropylene blades (plastic)
- Shaft Material: Aluminum
- Pieces: 2
- Length: 230 & 240 cm
- Weight: 37 oz
Pros
- Affordable and good entry-level paddle
- Plastic blades with good feathering angles
- Lightweight for easy paddling
- Good length for most kayakers and kayaks
- 2 piece paddle for portability
- The aluminum shaft is durable and corrosion-resistant
- Comfortable slip-resistant grips
- 3 hole snap-button ferrule for a good connection
Cons
- No fishing features
- A little heavier than others
Best Kayak Paddle For Sit On Top Fishing Kayak
Bending Branches Angler Scout Kayak Paddle
Comes in every paddle length you could ever need. It has a fiberglass-reinforced nylon blade that is tough and durable.
Bending Branches Angler Scout Kayak Paddle
The Bending Branches Angler Scout Kayak Paddle comes in every paddle length you could ever need for your kayak adventures on the water.
You have the choice of 220, 230, 240, 250, and 260 cm, so no matter the size of the kayak or your height, there is a paddle length to suit you.
Build
The Bending Branches fiberglass blades are made from fiberglass-reinforced nylon and are tough and durable.
The fiberglass blades on this paddle have limited flex to ensure you get an efficient stroke through the water and are adjustable for high angle and low angle paddling.
You can adjust these fiberglass-reinforced nylon blades to 0° and 60° to suit your paddling style.
Shaft
The straight shaft of these fishing paddles is made from aluminum, which is both light and durable. It’s a two-piece shaft that breaks apart for easy storage and portability.
It’s held together by a button ferrule in the middle to ensure the paddle is locked solid with no wobble while you’re out paddling on the water.
Blades
On the blades of this paddle, you’ll find a notch that is designed to catch your line or lure with and it comes in handy.
You can notch on the paddle to pull any lures out of trees or snags and grab your line with it when you’re trying to land a fish.
Features
The shaft on the fishing kayak paddles has a measuring tape down it which comes in useful when you want to measure a fish quickly before releasing it.
The shaft measuring tape on the fishing paddles is also useful when you want to know what depth of water you’re in.
There aren’t any downsides to these kayak fishing paddles, the only minor inconvenience is when the hook notch gets stuck in surface weeds or branches nearby.
Specs
- Blade Material: Fiberglass-reinforced nylon
- Shaft Material: Aluminum
- Pieces: 2
- Length: 220, 230, 240, 250, 260 cm
- Weight: 36 oz
Pros
- Lightweight for easier strokes
- Durable build that lasts
- 2 piece paddle for great portability
- Convenient hook-retrieval notch
- Great performance for smooth paddling with less fatigue
- Adjustable for feathering angles 0° and 60°, left or right-hand control
- Built-in tape measure for measuring your catch
- Affordable
Cons
- The hook-retrieval notch can get caught in weeds
Kerco Angler Pro
Kerco Angler Pro Carbon Fiber Paddle is about as affordable as a carbon fiber straight shaft paddle can be.
Build
But, only the shaft of the Angler Pro kayak fishing paddles are made from carbon, and the blades are made from fiberglass-reinforced nylon.
Both materials are light, durable, and last a long time even with heavy use on the water.
The dihedral blades on the Angler Pro are adjustable and can be set to high angle blades or low angle blades to give kayak anglers their preferred stroke through the water depending on the time and conditions.
The dihedral blades also have little flex in them so anglers can be sure they’re getting the maximum efficiency with each stroke through the water.
Shaft
The shaft on these kayak fishing paddles is a two-piece and pulls apart for easy storage and portability.
The shaft on the paddle is held together by a magnetic system, so you won’t have a button popping out anywhere.
The magnetic is tough and ensures no wobble while you’re pushing strokes through the water, no matter the paddling style.
Length
These kayak paddles for fishing only come in one length, 250 cm, which suits tall anglers or larger kayaks, but it is a shame there aren’t more lengths available for all anglers out there.
One nylon blade on these paddles has a hook notch so anglers can grab their line with ease when landing a fish, and push the paddle into a snag or tree to remove a lure that has got stuck.
The only possible negative to this kayak paddle is that the hook notch can get caught up in weeds and branches while you’re paddling on the water but this won’t happen often.
Specs
- Blade Material: Fiberglass reinforced nylon blades
- Shaft Material: Carbon fiber
- Pieces: 2
- Length: 250 cm
- Weight: 34 oz
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight carbon shaft
- Adjustable design allows for high and low angle blade styles
- Great performance and gives a powerful stroke
- Includes a hook-retrieval notch
- 2 piece paddle for portability
- A magnetic holder keeps the pieces together
Cons
- Hook retrieval system gets stuck on weeds and bushes
- Only comes in 1 length
Pescador Adjustable Kayak Fishing Paddle
Made of materials that are durable, light, and made to last a long time on the water.
Pescador Adjustable Kayak Fishing Paddle
The Pescador Fishing Kayak Paddles have an adjustable ferrule and you can choose between 230 or 240 cm.
This means anglers can switch the length of the hand paddle depending on the size kayak you’re in, thanks to the handy push-button ferrule.
Build
This kayak paddle is made from an aluminum shaft with fiberglass reinforced blades. Both of these materials are durable, light, and made to last a long time on the water.
Anglers will have no issues using the fiberglass blade to push off rocks and banks while you’re kayak fishing on the water.
Features
The paddle splits into two on the shaft for easy storage and portability and is held together by a push-button ferrule.
The shaft locks well but there is a bit of wobble when you’re pushing it on the water which may become a little annoying.
Each fiberglass blade is dihedral (two-planed), giving you an excellent paddle angle for good propulsion through the water.
Hook Notch
There is also a handy hook notch in the dihedral blades that you can use to grab your line when landing a fish or remove your lure from trees and snags, ideal when kayak fishing.
The only downside to these paddles is that the connection is a bit loose where the shaft joins together, but otherwise, they are affordable, good quality paddles that are great for kayak fishing.
Specs
- Blade Material: Fiberglass reinforced blades
- Shaft Material: Aluminum
- Pieces: 2
- Length: 230-240 cm
- Weight: 34 oz
Pros
- Adjustable length of 230 cm to 240 cm
- Efficient performance for a fast paddle
- Lightweight for fatigue-less paddling
- 2 piece paddle for portability
- Durable and well made from great materials
- Hook retrieval system for getting your lures back
- Push-button ferrule makes adjusting convenient
Cons
- Loose where the two pieces connect
Best Carbon Fiber Kayak Paddle
Wilderness Systems Tarpon Fishing Kayak Paddle
Super light and optimized to give you the most efficient stroke when you paddle around.
Wilderness Systems Tarpon Fishing Kayak Paddle
The Wilderness Systems Tarpon Paddle is one of the highest performing paddles in the review thanks to its design and 100% carbon build.
You’ll find the paddle is super light and optimized to give you the most efficient stroke when you paddle around.
Blade
The blade is made to give you an ideal angle of entry and is large than most, making it not only easier and more efficient to paddle with, but also gives you more control when kayak fishing.
You’ll be able to move the kayak around quickly and easily with this paddle which comes in handy when you’re trying to land stubborn fish or get in the perfect spot on the water when kayak fishing.
Length
This paddle comes in an adjustable length from 220-240cm that will suit almost all kayakers and any kayak size.
It’s easy to adjust the length of the paddle with the lever lock, just open it, adjust the length of the paddle, and lock it again.
Lock
The lock is super secure on the paddle so you can paddle with ease.
The lock also allows the paddle to split into 2 for easy storage and portability
You’ll also find rings on each end of the paddles to stop any drips of water from coming off the paddle and falling on you and your gear when kayak fishing.
Price
The only downside to these paddles is the price, they are one expensive paddle.
But, they are one of the best kayak paddles around in terms of durability, weight, and performance. It’s worth investing in these paddles if you spend a lot of time on the water.
Specs
- Blade Material: Carbon fiber
- Shaft Material: Carbon fiber shaft
- Pieces: 2
- Length: 220-240 cm
- Weight: 26 oz
Pros
- Optimized blade shape for an ideal angle of entry
- Larger 640 cm2 blade for responsive boat control
- The paddle can be adjusted to fit virtually any paddler
- Super light with the carbon fiber build
- Exceptionally durable and long-lasting
- Super tough lever lock keeps the 2 pieces together
- 2 piece construction for portability
Cons
- Very expensive
Best Fishing Kayak Paddle For The Money
Pelican Poseidon Angler Fishing Kayak Paddle
A great choice for anyone on a budget as they are the most affordable paddle in the review while still being great on the water.
Pelican Poseidon Angler Fishing Kayak Paddle
The Pelican Poseidon Angler Paddle is a great paddle for anyone on a budget as they are the most affordable paddle in the review while still being great on the water.
Build
The paddle is made with polypropylene blades that are reinforced with fiberglass for extra durability.
The polypropylene blades are tough for kayak fishing when you want to push off rocks or trees, they’re also adjustable so you can use the right paddle angle for you when kayak fishing.
Shaft
The shaft of these paddles is made from aluminum that is both light and durable. At the top of the paddle, you’ll see rings for stopping drips and you’ll find a button ferrule that lets you split the paddle into two for easy storage and portability.
Along the length of the paddle, there is a measuring tape so you can use the paddles to measure your catch and know roughly how deep the water you’re kayak fishing in is.
Blades
The blades on the paddle come with a hook notch for grabbing your line and pulling hooks out of trees and preventing snagged lines.
You’ll also notice little grabs on the blades so you can use the paddle to latch onto the shore or dock and pull yourself in with it.
Weight
The only downside to these paddles is their weight.
The paddle is 10 to 20 ounces heavier than others which might make long paddles on the water a little tiring. But, you can’t really complain when you look at the price.
Specs
- Blade Material: Fiberglass reinforced plastic
- Shaft Material: Aluminum
- Pieces: 2
- Length: 252 cm
Pros
- 0-65˚ blade angle adjustment
- Hook retrieval notch for grabbing your line or hook from trees
- Affordable and durable
- 2 piece paddle for portability
- Tape measure on the shaft for measuring your catch
- Grabs on the blades for holding the dock
- Good performance
Cons
- Quite heavy
What Is a Kayak Paddle That’s For Fishing?
A kayak paddle is a paddle that has been designed with fishing in mind and comes with little extras that makes fishing from a kayak a little easier.
Is a Kayak Paddle Different From A Regular Paddle?
A kayak paddle for fishing will be quite different from a regular paddle. There are also different blade shapes.
They are usually designed to be a bit more durable for pushing off rocks and grabbing trees, they are also made for wider kayaks that anglers use for enhanced stability.
Features
You’ll find the blades on the paddles for fishing will have handy features like a notch for grabbing line and hooks with, and some even have a measuring tape along the shaft so you can see how long the fish you catch are.
Why Buy a Kayak Paddle That’s For Fishing?
A kayak paddle that is designed for fishing will be a major upgrade from the paddle that came with your kayak and make your kayak fishing a lot easier.
The blades are larger for better control and propulsion over the water ensuring you get to your fishing spot quickly, and can get the kayak in the perfect position while casting and landing fish.
Durability
They are also more durable for pushing yourself around off rocks and come with helpful features.
The blades can have hook notches on them that allow you to use your paddle to grab your line when landing a fish.
You can also use the notches for pulling your lures out of trees or sliding them down the line to pull out a lure that is snagged underwater.
Dock Pulls
Some of the paddles even come with dock pulls on the blades you can pull yourself to shore easily.
You’ll even find measuring tapes along the length of the paddles for measuring fish and how deep the water you’re fishing in is.
Who Should Buy a Fishing Kayak paddle?
Anyone who has a kayak and loves fishing from it should own the best kayak paddle for fishing. Although some of the kayaks I’ve reviewed come with paddles, it can sometimes be a wise investment to get a new one.
It’ll make your time on the water far easier and more enjoyable.
You’ll be able to maneuver your kayak better, cover long distances quickly, land fish more easily, and pull your favorite lures out of snags with ease so you don’t lose them.
What is the best length for a fishing kayak paddle?
The length of the paddle you choose comes down to a few things and there is no right answer.
The length should match your height and the width of your kayak.
The taller you are and the wider your fishing kayaks tend to be, the longer the paddle needs to be.
Here’s a short video on how to choose a kayak paddle length, so you don’t end up with a longer paddle unnecessarily.
Measurement
For example, you’re 6 ft tall and in a kayak that is 34 inches wide, you’ll need a 260 cm paddle.
If you’re 5 ft 8 inches tall and in a 34-inch wide kayak, then you’ll need a 250 cm kayak or paddle board.
TIP
The best all-around length is 230-240 cm as it covers most heights and width kayaks across the boards than any other length.
Things To Consider When Buying A Fishing Kayak Paddle
Material, Weight & Durability
The materials your paddle is made of dictates the weight and the durability of the paddle.
Most paddles are made with aluminum, carbon, or fiberglass shafts, with either: carbon, fiberglass reinforced nylon, or plastic blades.
In terms of durability, all of the materials mentioned are excellent, although some are more durable than others.
Durability
Plastic is the least durable, while carbon is the most, and aluminum, fiberglass, and nylon are somewhere in the middle.
Weight
The lightest of all the materials is carbon and a carbon paddle can weigh as little as 26 oz. The lighter the paddle, the easier it’ll be to use and the less tiring it’ll be to paddle long distances with.
Fiberglass, nylon, plastic, and aluminum blades, or a combo of them all tend to weigh about 35-40 oz, which is a little more but not too much of an increase to handle.
Price
The price of a quality paddle can range from under a hundred bucks to over two hundred and what you’re paying for is not the features but the materials.
Light carbon paddles weigh the least but cost the most, while heavier plastic and aluminum paddles are a lot more affordable.
If you kayak fish a lot, it’s probably worth spending the extra money on a light paddle as you’ll feel the benefits a lot more.
If you go kayak fishing now and then, it’s probably not worth the investment of an expensive paddle, and better to go for an affordable one.
Fishing Paddle Features
My favorite thing about fishing paddles is the handy fishing features added on to them, and they are really useful too.
Dock Pulls
The dock pulls you’ll find on blades (they look like a divot at the base of the paddle) make it much easier to pull your kayak into the shore or under a tree to a good fishing spot. The hook notch is great too.
You can use your paddle to grab your line at a distance to land a fish and pull hooks out of trees and underwater snags.
This not only saves you some cash by not having to buy more lures, but it also means you aren’t leaving any behind to rust into the environment.
Measuring Tape
The measuring tape along the length of the paddle is a great little addition too, making it easy to measure your fish and give them a safe release without having to fiddle around with a small tape measure inside the kayak.
If you also want to weigh your catch, this Best Fishing Scale article can help you get a reliable one.
Summing Up
Thanks for checking out my article and hopefully the world of paddles for kayak fishing is a little clearer now.
It’s not such a confusing world but it is worth swapping the usually sub-performing paddles that come with your kayak for paddles that are tailored to fishing.
If you’re still struggling to decide which paddle is best for you, don’t worry, I’m here to help. Below you’ll find my two favorite paddles and for different reasons.
Best Fishing Kayak Paddle For The Money
Top Pick
If you’re looking for the best kayak padle for fishing around, then choose the Bending Branches Angler Ace paddle.
This paddle is light, made from carbon for durability, breaks into 2 for portability, and comes with both the features paddles should have for kayak fishing, a measuring tape, and a hook notch for getting your lures out of trees and snags.
Best Fishing Kayak Paddle For The Money
If you’re looking to not spend too much, as you have probably already spent quite a lot on the kayak itself, then the Pelican Poseidon Angler might be the right paddle for you.
It is a little heavier than others but it’s the most affordable by a long shot and it’s not like a cheap paddle that compromises on quality or performance either.
This budget paddle also comes with handy fishing features like a hook notch, measuring tape, and dock pulls to make kayak fishing a little easier.
Happy Paddling!
I hope you found the article useful and enjoyed reading it. It can be tricky to find the best kayak paddle for fishing.
Please feel free to share it with your family, friends, and even your kayak fishing club as they might find it useful too.
I’ve written quite a few other articles around kayak fishing that you may want to have a look at, and I also cover everything you might need for fishing, from ultralight spinning reels to kayak bags to the best fish finders for your kayak.
Until then, enjoy your new paddles, and make sure you wear your ideal fishing kayak PFD before heading into the water.
