7 Best Fishing Kayak Paddles: Choose the Best Fishing Kayak Paddle

by | Last updated Aug 4, 2024

Best Overall Branches Angler Pro
Branches Angler Pro

Lightweight, durable fiberglass construction with an integrated hook retrieval system and measuring ruler. Available in various lengths and feathering angles.

Best Value Alpha Angler
Alpha Angler

Affordable and durable fiberglass paddle with an integrated hook retrieval system and adjustable feathering. Great value for the price. It’s a great deal.

Most Featured YakGear Backwater
YakGear Backwater

Versatile and budget-friendly paddle with adjustable length (220-240cm), integrated hook retrieval, ruler, and bottle opener. Best budget friendly deal-

Best fishing kayak paddle

Are you frustrated with your current kayak paddle? You’re not alone. Many anglers settle for subpar paddles that slow them down and leave them sore.

Don’t let a bad paddle spoil your fishing adventures! The right paddle can significantly enhance your casting, maneuvering, and overall enjoyment on the water.

We’ve researched the best fishing kayak paddles on the market to help you find the perfect fit for your fishing style and budget.

What are the Best Fishing Kayak Paddles?

Tired of struggling with a flimsy paddle? We’ve researched to bring you a carefully curated list of the top paddles for fishing kayaks. These paddles excel in durability, performance, and features specifically designed for anglers. Upgrade your gear and experience the difference a quality paddle makes!

1. Branches Angler Pro

Alright, let’s talk about the Angler Pro from Bending Branches. This paddle is a real gem. It’s designed for serious anglers who demand the best. The Angler Pro is lightweight, durable, and packed with features that make your time on the water more enjoyable and productive.

Branches Angler Pro

Our Take

10out of 10

The Angler Pro is a top-notch fishing kayak paddle that delivers on performance, durability, and features. It's an investment, but it's worth it if you're serious about your fishing.

Key Benefits

  • Blade Material: Compression-molded fiberglass (durable, lightweight, responsive)
  • Shaft Material: Fiberglass or carbon fiber (depending on model)
  • Blade Shape: Optimized for smooth, efficient strokes
  • Feathering: Adjustable feathering angles for custom fit
  • Length: Available in various lengths to suit your kayak and height
  • Grip: Ergonomic palm grip for comfort and control
  • Weight: Lightweight for reduced fatigue
  • Features: Integrated hook retrieval system, measuring ruler on the shaft
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty on shaft, three years on blades

Pricing

  • Price: Starting at $298.95
Branches Angler Pro

Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable to use for hours on the water
  • Durable construction can withstand tough conditions
  • Hook retrieval system is a lifesaver when fishing
  • A measuring ruler is convenient for measuring fish
  • Available in multiple lengths and feathering angles

Cons

  • The carbon fiber version can be pricey
  • Not as easy to find in stores as some other brands

2. Alpha Angler

The Alpha Angler is a solid choice for anglers who want a high-performance paddle without breaking the bank. It's durable, lightweight, and offers excellent value for the price.

Alpha Angler

Our Take

10out of 10

The Alpha Angler is a great all-around paddle that won't disappoint. It offers solid performance, decent features, and a reasonable price. It may not be the lightest or most innovative paddle out there, but it gets the job done and is a reliable choice for most anglers.

Key Benefits

  • Blade Material: Fiberglass-reinforced nylon (durable, affordable)
  • Shaft Material: Fiberglass
  • Blade Shape: Slightly dihedral for smooth strokes and good tracking
  • Feathering: Adjustable feathering
  • Length: Available in various lengths
  • Grip: Ergonomic palm grip
  • Weight: Moderately lightweight
  • Features: Integrated hook retrieval system
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Pricing

  • Price: Starting at $301.20
Alpha Angler

Pros

  • Affordable option for a quality fishing kayak paddle
  • Durable construction can handle regular use
  • The hook retrieval system is a handy feature
  • Available in multiple lengths and feathering angles

Cons

3. Camano Hooked

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line paddle that delivers exceptional performance, the Werner Camano Hooked is worth considering. It's lightweight, efficient, and built to last.

Camano Hooked

Our Take

10out of 10

The Werner Camano Hooked is a premium paddle that delivers exceptional performance and features. It's lightweight, efficient, and built to last.

Key Benefits

  • Blade Material: Carbon fiber (lightweight, efficient)
  • Shaft Material: Carbon fiber
  • Blade Shape: Curved blades for powerful, smooth strokes
  • Feathering: Adjustable feathering
  • Length: Available in various lengths
  • Grip: Ergonomic Werner Smart View Adjustable Ferrule
  • Weight: Extremely lightweight
  • Features: Integrated hook retrieval system
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Pricing

  • Price: Starting at $318.25
Camano Hooked

Pros

  • Incredibly lightweight and efficient
  • Durable carbon fiber construction
  • The hook retrieval system is a great feature
  • Adjustable ferrule for custom fit

Cons

  • Expensive compared to other paddles
  • Curved blades may take some getting used to

4. YakGear Backwater

The Backwater Assassin from YakGear is a versatile paddle designed for anglers who fish in a variety of conditions. It's durable, adjustable, and offers several features that make it a popular choice among kayak anglers.

YakGear Backwater

Our Take

10out of 10

The Backwater Assassin is a solid choice for anglers who want a versatile, feature-packed paddle at an affordable price. It's not the lightest or most high-performance option, but it's a reliable workhorse that can handle various fishing situations.

Key Benefits

  • Blade Material: Fiberglass-reinforced nylon (durable)
  • Shaft Material: Fiberglass and aluminum hybrid
  • Blade Shape: Asymmetrical blade for efficient strokes
  • Feathering: Adjustable feathering
  • Length: Adjustable length (220-240cm)
  • Grip: Ergonomic palm grip
  • Weight: Moderately lightweight
  • Features: Integrated hook retrieval system, measuring ruler, and bottle opener
  • Warranty: One-year limited warranty

Pricing

  • Price: Starting at $113.15
YakGear Backwater

Pros

  • Affordable and versatile
  • Adjustable length and feathering for custom fit
  • Multiple features (hook retrieval, ruler, bottle opener)
  • Durable construction

Cons

  • Not as lightweight as carbon fiber paddles
  • Grip may not be comfortable for everyone

5. Pelican Poseidon

The Pelican Poseidon Angler is a budget-friendly paddle that doesn't skimp on performance. It's durable, lightweight, and offers features typically found on more expensive paddles.

Pelican Poseidon

Our Take

10out of 10

The Pelican Poseidon Angler is a great entry-level paddle for anglers on a budget. It offers surprisingly good performance for the price and comes with a few handy features.

Key Benefits

  • Blade Material: Polypropylene (durable)
  • Shaft Material: Aluminum
  • Blade Shape: Dihedral blades for smooth, efficient strokes
  • Feathering: Fixed feathering
  • Length: Available in various lengths
  • Grip: Ergonomic T-grip
  • Weight: Lightweight
  • Features: Integrated hook retrieval system
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Pricing

  • Price: Starting at $55.99
Pelican Poseidon

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • The hook retrieval system is convenient
  • Available in multiple lengths

Cons

  • Not as durable as fiberglass or carbon fiber paddles
  • T-grip may not be comfortable for everyone

6. Angler Classic

The Angler Classic from Bending Branches is a popular choice for kayak anglers who value tradition and performance. It's a reliable workhorse that delivers smooth, efficient strokes.

Angler Classic

Our Take

10out of 10

The Angler Classic is a solid choice for anglers who prefer a traditional paddle design. It's reliable, durable, and offers smooth, efficient strokes. However, it may not be the best choice for windy conditions or anglers who prioritize the lightest possible paddle.

Key Benefits

  • Blade Material: Fiberglass
  • Shaft Material: Fiberglass
  • Blade Shape: Classic spoon blade design
  • Feathering: Fixed or adjustable feathering (depending on model)
  • Length: Available in various lengths
  • Grip: Ergonomic palm grip
  • Weight: Moderately lightweight
  • Features: Integrated hook retrieval system
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty on shaft, three years on blades

Pricing

  • Price: Starting at $189.99
Angler Classic

Pros

  • Classic, proven design
  • Smooth, efficient strokes
  • Durable fiberglass construction
  • Available in multiple lengths and feathering options

Cons

  • Not as lightweight as carbon fiber paddles
  • Spoon blades may not be ideal for windy conditions

7. Accent Paddles

The Accent T10 is a versatile and affordable paddle that caters to both recreational and fishing kayakers. It offers a balance of performance, durability, and value.

Accent Paddles

Our Take

10out of 10

The Accent T10 is a good option for anglers on a budget or those who are new to kayak fishing. It offers decent performance and features at an affordable price.

Key Benefits

  • Blade Material: Fiberglass-reinforced nylon
  • Shaft Material: Fiberglass
  • Blade Shape: Dihedral blades for efficient strokes
  • Feathering: Adjustable feathering
  • Length: Available in various lengths
  • Grip: Ergonomic palm grip
  • Weight: Moderately lightweight
  • Features: Integrated hook retrieval system, measuring ruler
  • Warranty: One-year limited warranty

Pricing

  • Price: Starting at $127.46
Accent Paddles

Pros

  • Affordable option for a decent fishing kayak paddle
  • Adjustable feathering and multiple lengths
  • Integrated hook retrieval system and measuring ruler

Cons

  • Not as durable as some other paddles on the list
  • Grip may not be comfortable for everyone

What to Look for When Buying Fishing Kayak Paddles?

  • Blade Material: Fiberglass is affordable and durable, while carbon fiber is lighter and more efficient (but pricier). Consider your budget and paddling style.
  • Shaft Material: Aluminum is budget-friendly, while fiberglass and carbon fiber are lighter. Adjustable shafts offer versatility.
  • Blade Shape: High-angle blades provide power, while low-angle blades are better for endurance paddling. Consider your fishing environment and preferences.
  • Feathering: Feathered blades reduce wind resistance but require more technique. Beginners may prefer unfeathered paddles.
  • Length: Your height and kayak width determine the ideal paddle length. Refer to sizing charts or consult a paddling expert.
  • Grip: Ergonomic grips prevent hand fatigue and blisters. Some paddles offer adjustable grips to accommodate different hand sizes.
  • Weight: Lighter paddles are easier on your joints and muscles, especially for long paddling sessions.
  • Features: Some fishing kayak paddles offer fishing-specific features like integrated hooks, ruler markings, or built-in camera mounts.

How Can Fishing Kayak Paddles Benefit You?

Upgrading your kayak fishing paddle can significantly improve your overall fishing experience.

Kayak paddle and boat

A well-designed paddle tailored for kayak anglers reduces fatigue, improves paddling efficiency, and enhances maneuverability, allowing you to cover more water and reach those prime fishing spots with less effort.

The right fishing kayak paddle also contributes to better casting accuracy and control, as you'll have more stability and balance. Many paddles

come with integrated features like hook retrieval systems and measuring tools, further enhancing your fishing experience.

Ultimately, a good paddle can lead to catching more fish and having more fun on the water.

Buyer's Guide

When doing our research to find the best kayak fishing paddles, we determined using these factors:

Kayak paddle
  • Pricing: How much did each kayak fishing paddle cost? We considered a range of price points to accommodate different budgets.
  • Features: What were the best features of each paddle? We looked for features specifically designed for kayak anglers, such as integrated hook retrieval systems, measuring rulers, and adjustable feathering.
  • Negatives: What was missing from each kayak fishing paddle? We noted any drawbacks, such as heavyweight or uncomfortable grips.
  • Support or refund: Does the manufacturer offer a community, support, or refund policy? We prioritized brands with excellent customer service and warranty coverage.
  • Reviews: We scoured online reviews and forums to gather feedback from another kayak angler on their experiences with each paddle.
  • Materials: We considered the materials used in the blade and shaft, prioritizing durability and lightweight construction.
  • Length: We researched the ideal paddle length for different kayak sizes and user heights to ensure a comfortable and efficient paddling experience.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right fishing kayak paddle can feel like navigating through a sea of options. But remember, finding the perfect paddle doesn't have to be as elusive as a manta ray.

Kayak paddles

Consider your fishing style, budget, and the features that are most important to you.

From the adjustable versa lok system on the Bending Branches Angler Pro to the snap button ferrule adjustment on the Werner Camano, there's a paddle out there with your name on it.

With the right length and features, your new paddle could be the difference between a frustrating fishing trip and a successful one.

So do your research, choose wisely, and happy paddling!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best material for a fishing kayak paddle?

Fiberglass and carbon fiber are popular choices. Fiberglass is more affordable and durable, while carbon fiber is lighter and offers better performance. Choose based on your budget and paddling style.

What length of paddle do I need for my kayak?

The ideal length depends on your height and the width of your kayak. Refer to sizing charts provided by paddle manufacturers or consult a paddling expert for personalized advice.

Should I get a feathered or unfeathered paddle?

Feathered paddles reduce wind resistance but require more technique. Unfeathered paddles are easier for beginners. Please take into account your experience level and paddling conditions when choosing.

What are some features to look for in a fishing kayak paddle?

Consider features like integrated hook retrieval systems, measuring rulers, and adjustable feathering angles. These can make your fishing trips more convenient and enjoyable.

How do I care for my fishing kayak paddle?

Rinse your paddle with fresh water after each use, especially if you've been paddling in saltwater. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent damage.