Kayak Paddle For Fishing Buyers Guide

Are you someone who prefers kayaking over the boat for fishing? Then this guide will certainly help you choose the best kayak paddle for fishing. There are too many options out there.

Does the shape of the kayak paddle make a difference, does the length matter? There are too many questions like these that might be lurking in your mind. However, this full-fledged guide brings you a complete array of factors to consider.

Before we begin going into the details, let’s learn the difference between a standard paddle and a kayak paddle. You will also understand the use of a kayak paddle for fishing and how it makes a difference. Furthermore, you will find some answers to the frequently asked questions.

So, without further ado, let’s cut to the chase and get down to asking the right questions:

Reasons to use kayak paddle for fishing following this buyer’s guide

Before you get into the consideration about kayak paddle fishing, you must ponder on the reason behind it. Do you need a kayak, and does having the right kayak paddle help you in your fishing endeavors?

Let's take a good look at some of the benefits of a kayak and how using the right paddle makes a significant difference. If you question whether you should buy a kayak or not, these reasons will hopefully provide sufficient explanation to help you decide.

There are some significant differences between standard kayak paddles and fishing kayak paddles. Kayak paddle for fishing are broader and weigh more than the usual kayak paddle. Read the following reasons to buy a kayak paddle for fishing.

A silent hunt

Motorboats and other similar choices can be way too loud in the waters. It's no secret that any form of unnatural or loud sound can disrupt the natural calm of the water. Hence, the fishes would become alert and scare away.

The motor of a boat creates more vibrations and noise, and it would considerably lower your chances of catching the right fish. Meanwhile, if you use a kayak paddle for fishing, they are built to be silent and provide the least vibrations.

Often, it might seem very natural. At least, it will not be as disruptive or loud as the motorboats. As a result, you will be able to fish better.

Perks of the small size

Kayaks are generally smaller than conventional boats. The slim build enables them to move even in the most restrictive passageways where other boats can't move. Thus, you have access to more territory of fishes to catch them better with the right bait.

Similarly, a kayak is smaller, lightweight, and convenient to store than any other boat. You can even carry it with your vehicle or boat efficiently and use it in the waters. For a solo fishing trip, it is one of the best water transportation options available.

The right kayak paddle for fishing enables you to steer into these narrow passageways efficiently. These are often durable and heavier to help you remove any obstacle you might encounter in a narrow passage of the water. Ergo, you have multiple functions.

Travel the distance

Apart from silent performance and ease of access to the smaller passage, kayak's lightweight makes it easier to push them around. Hence, they acquire higher acceleration and have better pickup rates to move faster into the water. Thus, you can change your positions more efficiently to fish.

Choosing the right kayak paddle for fishing enables you to conserve your energy further. You can paddle for a long time without getting exhausted or feeling stress. More importantly, the kayak's combined efficiency and the paddle enable you to cover a more considerable distance with less effort required.

A cost-effective choice

The best thing about Kayaks is that they are highly affordable. They are so cheap that instead of renting a boat, you can save up the money to invest in a kayak. It is easier to maintain and repair them for optimum working conditions.

Similarly, even if you lose a kayak paddle for fishing, you can always buy more at a feasible rate. There is a minimum requirement. You don't have to consistently spend on gas and maintenance of the motor or repair of the boat's integrity. Kayaks are much more durable than they look.

Great for solo fishing

As mentioned earlier, kayak boats and paddles are the best combinations if you're looking to go on a solo fishing trip. If you're someone who likes the isolation of a single fishing trip, the peace it brings, then a kayak is must-have. A motorboat might be too hectic and not exactly a feasible option for a single person.

All you need to do is grab the right kayak paddle for fishing and embark on a hunt to catch the fishes. A kayak is often an excellent form of exercise that keeps your heart pumping and strengthens your arms. So if you're a fitness enthusiast, it is a significant plus point for you to have some extra kayak benefits.

Factors to consider when buying kayak paddles for fishing

Finally, let’s get down to the primary consideration of kayak paddle for fishing. Here you have a complete guide to help you choose the right kayak paddle according to your requirement and preferences.

However, if you don’t want to get into the hustle and bustle of too much information, there is a quick guide at the bottom to help you find a suitable kayak paddle for fishing. Hopefully, this guide helps you find what you’re looking for.

Length of the paddle

The length of the paddle impacts the overall performance of the kayak. Whether it will take a toll on you or not.

A longer paddle would be unnecessarily heavy and may make it challenging to balance the paddling. You might end up steering on one side more than the other and vice versa. Additionally, in narrow spaces, the larger paddle will pose more inconvenience in moving.

A shorter paddle might pose problems reaching the water conveniently for optimum results. It might often hit your hand against the side of the kayak, which may cause a bruise and other discomforts. A shorter paddle will also require you to work excessively to make it work.

Choosing the right length

For choosing the right length, you have to consider the width of your kayak and your height because both of these factors impact paddling. You can follow up on the available chart in most kayak paddle shops and determine the right size from there.

According to the chart, you shouldn't go longer or shorter than the optimum size, as mentioned above.

Between two sizes

However, if you fall between the two sizes, it is better to always get the paddle according to the shorter ones. It would provide you more efficiency and lightweight paddling. Correlatively, if you have a shorter body or arms, then you might want to pick the larger side of the spectrum between the two choices.

Seating factor for size

Most of the charts consider a low seating position for the kayak paddle's length. However, kayaks come with two different seating positions. Therefore, if you go for a high seating position kayak, you might have to add an extra 10cm in your paddle length for the correct size.

The material of the paddle blade

The blade of the kayak paddle for fishing will determine the overall performance and efficiency. Apart from the apparent elevation in the cost, your kayak paddle's material will decide the blade's durability and maintenance requirements.

Plastic

Polypropylene is the most common material available for the paddle's blade. It provides the least flex and doesn't bend or break easily to the water pressure, even if you're putting excessive strength. Similarly, it works optimally to utilize the power of the stroke and provide proper acceleration.

These are the most cost-effective options available in the market. As they are flexible, it is not easier to break them either. However, sunlight is the natural enemy to these, and their integrity will wither away with time due to UV rays.

Fiberglass

A fiberglass blade is more rigid than plastic but still highly affordable. It might also contribute to a more 'lightweight' composition of the kayak paddle for fishing. This would enable you to have better strokes without exhausting yourself.

These are stiffer than the plastic counterparts. These are more prone to breakage, cracks, and damage with use. However, they can provide better acceleration for you to move around easier.

Carbon

These are high-end paddle blades and generally not worth considering unless you're a regular kayak user. If you frequently want to enhance your performance and need a long-term paddle partner. These are the best options.

Carbon blades are much more durable and lightweight, with the best rigidity to optimize each stroke for better acceleration. However, if you think that you may lose your paddle frequently, you might want to reconsider these options.

Wood

Wooden blades are very uncommon now as the other options have taken over. These were naturally flexible and stiffness on par with plastic and fiberglass and more affordable than carbon. However, the primary drawback is the mold and mildew growth among other agents, making them harder to maintain and use.

The material of the shaft

Similar to the material of the blade, a shaft's material also impacts your performance. It will also determine the overall cost of the paddle and its longevity. The lighter shafts would enable you to paddle faster and more efficiently.

Whereas heavier shafts might be great for extra power for acceleration. There are three common materials for poles: Aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon, each with respective perks and drawbacks.

Aluminum

This is the most user-friendly and cost-effective option that is lightweight and durable. An aluminum shaft would provide lightweight performance and longer life compared to plastic or wooden shafts. Hence, the other two materials were not considered for the list.

Similarly, for most entry-level or beginner paddlers, an aluminum shaft is a much better choice overall. An aluminum shaft can sustain heavy use. However, the aluminum shaft is most susceptible to changing temperatures. It will be cold in extreme colds, and in heat, it will become hard to hold. Therefore, you might have to wear proper gloves.

Fiberglass

If you're a professional or want to get into the more 'performance' aspect of the shaft, you might want to consider a fiberglass material. Generally, it is more affordable than carbon, a little costlier than aluminum, but overall a great choice.

These are lightweight and don't hinder your performance in any manner. However, fiberglass could be a little less durable than aluminum, so it requires proper care. Apart from that, it provides the best flexibility for you. Overall, it is a well-balanced choice out of the three.

Carbon

For those who generally prefer performance over anything else, a carbon shaft with a carbon blade is the optimum choice. It is a long-lasting choice that won't wither away at all. Highly durable, but not cost-effective. In other words, you have the best kayak paddle for fishing, but it will cost you a lot.

Therefore, if you're not someone who uses a kayak often (or regularly), you shouldn't invest in a carbon paddle at all.

The shape of the blade

Apart from the material, you will have the most impact from the shape of the blade of your kayak paddle for fishing. Think about it. The most vital part of your paddle is the blade that pushes the water. The more efficiently it does the job with the least resistance, the better.

Now, when you're paddling, you have to consider the fact that there will be wind resistance working against you as well, especially when the paddle is out of the water. Apart from that, you need a fast paddle that allows you to cover long distances faster to chase the fishes as an angler.

There are two types of blades available to help you with that. You can choose from them according to your preference. Do you need more speed in paddling or more acceleration?

Low-angle

A low-angle blade is generally slimmer than the standard paddle. It is easier to paddle as there is the least wind and water resistance. However, it might require you to paddle a little more than necessary. If you don't want to use excessive force and don't mind moving your arm a little more, then these are a great choice overall.

However, as low-angle would require more paddling to reach the distance, they create more noise and disturbance, which might not be ideal for an angler.

High-angle

A high angle blade is generally broader and more 'rounded' than other paddles. It can help you flutter through with more force and water. Therefore, it is a great choice to make quick accelerations and have a higher speed. If you're looking to cover the distance faster, this is an ideal choice.

It works remarkably well for an angler if you don't mind putting a little effort into each stroke. With minimum stroke requirements, you can reach the fishes without much disturbance and lay your catch.

The shape of the shaft

You probably didn't expect it, but there are two different shapes available for the pole of your paddle, as well. There is a bent shaft and a straight shaft. Let's take a quick look to understand what each one brings to the table:

Bent shaft

A bent shaft allows for more comfortable positioning and holds for your hands. It enables you to establish a firm grip and paddle your kayak as you like. However, it would require you to tweak and change your stroking techniques for optimum results.

While many people find it comfortable for the wrist and overall paddling, it is unnecessary unless comfort is your primary objective.

Straight shaft

Similarly, a straight shaft brings you the standard performance, and the grip relies upon you without any extra benefits. You can use it optimally with proper stroking techniques that can change as you like. These are more convenient to use, while a bent shaft provides more comfort to use.

The feathering of the paddle

There's one thing that people often overlook when considering to buy a kayak paddle for fishing, that is the feathering. Most of the paddles come with an option to change the shaft to turn your paddle into feathered or matched.

Matched paddle

A matched paddle means that your paddle's blades are facing the same side without any angular change. These are more comfortable to use and great for beginners as your intuition will lead you mostly to use them without considering the difference in the paddle's positioning.

Feathered paddle

On the other hand, a feathered paddle means that they will be angled from each other. You will have an easier time paddling due to reduced wind resistance on the paddle that is out of the water. Ergo, you will need less strength that you can use to increase the performance.

However, while feathered paddles are most efficient, it might take some practice to get used to them.

A quick guide to choosing the right

Now that you've accumulated all of the information, it's time to give you a brief overview and tips. This will also help you as a quick guide if you decide to skim through the above-given information.

Best choice for beginners

Now, this is a quick guide to help you get the best choice in kayak paddle for fishing if you're a beginner. You're looking for a paddle that is right on the size with a straight aluminum shaft, and plastic paddle, a wide-angle blade with a matched paddle will do the job.

Best choice for anglers

As an angler, you want a lightweight kayak paddle for fishing that has optimum durability. Therefore, a fiberglass shaft would be more ideal. Plastic blades remain a perfect choice if you're not into frequent kayak activities. Asymmetric shapes blade with high-angle would be perfect for quick strokes and chasing after the fishes.

Get a kayak paddle with notch cut and built-in hook retriever, and you have the best kayak paddle for fishing. Remember that you might want a high seating position since you're fishing, so make sure to get the 10 cm additional consideration for the shaft's length.

FAQs: Best Kayak Fishing Paddles

Q: How can I prevent the paddle from getting lost in the water?

A: There are two options for you to do this. The first option is to invest in a paddle leash. This is an excellent alternative to consistently investing in the paddle when you lose one, and it is a frequent occurrence.

The second option is to get the paddle holder or ring to hold the paddle while you fish. A leash is considerably a better option and a cost-effective method.

Q: Do kayak paddles make a difference?

A: Apart from the kayak itself, the paddles make the most significant impact on the performance and can determine whether you’re tired of fish or not. Kayaks have significantly impacted the fishing industry as something self-sufficient for anglers to embark on a solo fishing trip to explore the waters.

Q: Is it challenging to use a kayak paddle for fishing?

A: There’s no virtual difference between a kayak paddle for fishing or standard kayaks. So you don’t have to worry about anything. In fact, the kayak paddles cost the same. This guide helps you get the best paddle for a kayak that works well for anglers.

Conclusion

Kayak paddle is a vital part of a kayak that could help you prove a hindrance. You need to understand your skills and physical compatibility to get the best kayak. Designs and colors don’t matter. What matters is the quality of the material.

You can additionally look for kayaks to have waterproofing and anti-UV qualities. Apart from that, this guide covers all the vital aspects of choosing the right kayak paddle for fishing.