Last Updated on July 7, 2022 by Ecorf
Kayaking is an exciting experience. Think about the time you spend on the water exploring the waterside and enjoying the wildlife and natural sceneries that dot the landscape. Undoubted, the atmosphere tends to spike up that adventurous side of you that have been looking for a way to come to the fore again. While kayaking comes with many thrills, you may want to take the fun higher by fishing. Indeed, many fishing kayaks have been devised to help you and many other anglers to enjoy your time on the water.
On the one hand, the fishing kayak makes the journey less tortuous. On the other hand, you can enjoy your paddling the more when you have the right paddle, which is the kayak paddle designed for fishing. So, read on to discover all you need to know about selecting the best kayak paddle for fishing.
Table of Contents
The Need for a Kayak Paddle
You may be wondering about the need for a kayak paddle when you can use any other paddle, such as that of the average kayak. You should note that the same way you need a dedicated fishing kayak is the same way you need a kayak paddle to move around with ease. Besides, a fishing kayak isn’t any good without the right paddle.
Worthy of note is that fishing kayaks are broader and more substantial than the average kayak. Therefore, you would find it challenging to use the regular kayak paddle to moor the vessel. Besides, getting the right paddle for a fishing kayak does not only make the task of moving the larger boat more comfortable but also provides better reflexes for you to relax without stressing out yourself.
How To Choose the Best Kayak Paddle for Fishing
You want to select the best kayak paddle for fishing in the market, but you don’t know how to go about it. The fact is that many other anglers find themselves in the same position as you do, and are taking steps to get over it. So, you’re not alone in the search for the perfect kayak paddle for hitch-free movement of the kayak while fishing. Ideally, the height of the paddler and the width of the kayak are the essential factors that come into play when selecting the best kayak paddle for fishing.
Nevertheless, we have compiled some pointers to help you in arriving at the best decision. Find below some of the clues that you should look for when buying a kayak paddle for fishing.
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Paddle Length
Many anglers have become familiar with the rule that longer kayak paddles are perfect for taller paddlers/anglers, as well as for wider kayaks. That is not all there is to the sizing of the kayak paddle. Special consideration should be given to the different width of the kayak, and the height of the paddler. The breakdown below would guide you through the process.
| Kayak Width | Under 23 inches | 24 to 28 inches | 29 to 33 inches | 34 inches and above |
| Paddlers’ Height | ||||
| Under 5’5” | 210 cm | 220 cm | 230 cm | 240 cm |
| 5’5” – 5’11” | 220 cm | 230 cm | 240 cm | 250 cm |
| 6’ and above | 220 cm | 230 cm | 250 cm | 260 cm |
The point is, the higher a paddler is, the longer the paddle he/she or uses. More so, the wider the kayak, the longer the kayak paddle used. Aside from those, it should be noted that recreational kayaks tend to have more width. Therefore, the length of the kayak paddle might differ from those on the table, as the paddle ought to be a bit longer than the former. Finally, you may have a need for shorter kayak paddles if you’re using either of the sea or touring kayaks.
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Weight
Because the fishing kayak is broader and more massive than the conventional kayaks, you might be tempted to select a kayak paddle with the same weight. That is not always advisable except in situations when the elements and the weight capacity of the kayak and the contents tend to be heavier than expected.
Therefore, settling for the lightweight kayak paddle is the best option because it gives you the needed flexibility to move the boat with ease. On the flip side, you may have to budget some money for it because the lighter/lightweight kayak paddle tends to cost more than the heavier/sturdier variation.
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Material
While you’re looking for the lightweight kayak paddle for fishing, you should also be cautious that the material used for the construction or design has some roles to play. For instance, a kayak paddle made from plastic or aluminum tends to weigh less than the others made from either carbon fiber or fiberglass.
That notwithstanding, it should be noted that the type of material also depends on the angling skills of the users. For instance, the aluminum and plastic kayak paddles are perfect for amateur anglers or beginners that are “still tasting the waters.” As you progress and begin to master the art of angling, you can migrate to using the sturdier and heavyweight kayak paddles like those made from carbon fiber and fiberglass.
Hence, the selection of the material used in designing the kayak paddle has to do with the skills of the anglers.
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Size of the Blade
The size of the kayak paddle’s blades correlates to the skill of the anglers as well. Larger blades tend to push through more water, which also demands more delegation of power to do so. Smaller blades require little effort.
Therefore, if you’ve considerably mastered the art of kayak fishing, then selecting the larger kayak paddle blades is perfect. Otherwise, settle for the smaller blades and work your way up.
Benefits of the Best Kayak Paddle for Fishing
The use of the right-sized and flexible kayak paddle helps to make your fishing a hassle-free process. More so, it makes it easier for you to move the boat on the water, turn at different points, and for you to have full control of the kayak at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Kayak Paddle for Fishing
Like many other anglers, you might have some questions about the kayak paddle. Find answers to some of them below.
- How Can I Get the Right Kayak Paddle for Fishing? Many factors, like the height of the paddler/angler and the width of the kayak, must be considered. Also, go through the guide above to be sure of the things to look for.
- What Is the Perfect Size for the Kayak Paddle? The size of the kayak paddle depends on the width of the kayak and the paddler’s height. Above all, go through the detailed size guidelines above to make an informed decision.
- Which Is Best: High-Angle Paddles or the Low-Angle Paddles? The choice of either of the two depends on the length of the paddle and the type of water the kayak is meant to tour. For instance, the low-angle kayak paddles are ideal for longer paddles and are perfect for recreational and touring kayakers. The high-angle paddles, on the other hand, are for shorter paddles and are best for whitewater kayakers.
The Top 5 Kayak Paddles for Fishing
Haven considered the essential factors you need to look for when buying a kayak paddle for fishing, find below some of the kayak paddles you can use for a hitch-free fishing experience.
Here is a kayak paddle for fishing for anglers that are looking for something that isn’t heavy. The paddle is not only lightweight but is adjustable, so that you can always turn the grips to your taste.
Pros:
- Adjustable setting point design
- Smooth and steady
- Perfect length
Cons:
- Some buyers wished it had more colors for camouflaging
The exciting thing about this kayak paddle for fishing is the anti-slip design pattern that keeps it handy despite the hurdles you might face while fishing. Other features you would like are the angle adjustment and sturdy structure.
Pros:
- New blade design with Dock hook and tree branch hook
- Anti-slip design pattern
Cons:
- The price is a bit expensive
This fishing kayak paddle does not only have a classic design and enough length but also bolsters the features with the adjustable construction and the hook-retrieval notch. So, if you have a full fishing kayak and your height is a bit on the tall side, then here is the perfect fishing kayak paddle for you.
Pros:
- Rugged fiberglass-reinforced blades
- Adjustable construction
Cons:
- Some users hinted that it is a bit expensive
Here is another lightweight kayak paddle that packs more length. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the adjustable grips that keep it handy, as well as the impact-resistant fiberglass reinforced polypropylene blade for better durability on the water.
Pros:
- Ovalizaiton that makes the shaft move from a rounded shape to a slightly oval shape as a way of reminding you on where to place the right hand
- A 98-inch length that is perfect for taller paddlers/anglers and wider kayaks
Cons:
- Some users complained that one side of the paddle seemed more oval than a circle
- Heavy-duty paddle
The last but not the least is the kayak fishing paddle that is both useful to the amateur and the advanced anglers. Aside from that, it comes with a three-position system for customizing the paddle, and the lure retrieval slots for removing stuck lures from debris and logs.
Pros:
- Designed for the intermediate and the advanced anglers
- Angle adjustment
Cons:
- You may have to deal with the 86” and 96” paddle length that tends to be heavy
Final Words on the Best Kayak Paddle for Fishing
With the best fishing kayak paddle, you can be sure of doing wonders on the water as you sail swiftly to the point you intend to fish. Besides, it wouldn’t be an arduous task for you to move the paddle as you wish because it is flexible. It’s in the light of those that we recommend the MAXSHADE COVERS Fishing Kayak Paddle, which is perfect for intermediate and advanced anglers. So, seize the opportunity to either use this excellent kayak paddle for fishing or select another from the list.
Which of the kayak paddles for fishing detailed above catches your fancy, and why? Tell us in the comment section and tell us how the experience has been when using it.
