Going fishing on a kayak is exactly a dream hobby for nature lovers. However, unlike regular kayaking, you will need to spend hours or even all day long on the water to wait for fish to bite. Moreover, a huge catch of fish also means that your kayak boat will be heavier than usual.
These two requirements combined show that you must have an excellent paddle that is strong and lightweight at the same time to easily gear through water and drive you and your catches home safely.
So, to find the best options for you, we have made tests and research, and the bottom line are these six top picks. Check them out because they completely make the grade!
Here are the best kayak paddles for fishing (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: SeaSense X-Treme II Paddle
- Best for Beginners: Bending Branches Angler Scout Paddle
- Best for Intermediate Kayakers: WDAM Kayak Paddle
- Best for Advanced Fisher: MAXSHADE COVERS Fishing Kayak Paddle
- Best for Sit on Kayak: Naviskin kayak paddle
- Best for Wide Kayaks: Pelican Poseidon Angler Paddle - PS1129
| 6 Best Kayak Paddles for Fishing | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | SeaSense X-Treme II Paddle | |
Best for Beginners | Bending Branches Angler Scout Paddle | |
Best for Intermediate Kayakers | WDAM Kayak Paddle | |
Best for Advanced Fisher | MAXSHADE COVERS Fishing Kayak Paddle | |
Best for Sit on Kayak | Naviskin kayak paddle | |
Best for Wide Kayaks | Pelican Poseidon Angler Paddle - PS1129 | |
Best Overall: SeaSense X-Treme II Paddle
Best price
Extra length
Ergonomic, comfortable hand grips
Able to float
Durable
Smaller diameter shaft
SeaSense is well-known for producing a variety of cost-effective marine tools and accessories, and its X-Treme kayak paddle line has really hit the spotlight. This X-Treme II is the upgraded version of its old brother, the X-Treme I, and to be honest, a lot of factors have been greatly innovated but it’s still being sold at the price that you cannot expect more.
It also features foam rubber grips, floating ability, and the 2-piece construction that have made the reputation for the X-Treme I. The blades’ material have been changed from plastic to fiberglass that is more sturdy and durable, giving you more power to smoothly gear through water.
Designed with an asymmetrical blade, it enables kayakers to have more power and maneuverability when striking the water. The color chart has been widened as well with three dark tones.
The SeaSense X-Treme II is built with a bit small shaft in diameter, but luckily, this downside has been solved by the foam handle grips.
| SeaSense X-Treme II Paddle Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 84 x 7 x 1.9 inches |
Weight | 2.2 pounds |
Material | Aluminium shaft; fiberglass blades |
Highlight Features | Asymmetrical blade design; 3 locking positions; foam rubber grips; 3 colors; 2-piece; support ridge |
If you are looking for rock-solid but extremely affordable kayak paddle that even can outperform some in the high-end competition, you can’t go wrong with SeaSense X-Treme II.
Best for Beginners: Bending Branches Angler Scout Paddle
Many bells and whistles
Easy to use
Durable
Lightweight
Only two color choices
With Bending Branches, its kayak paddle line for anglers has received a lot of special attention from kayak fishing lovers right when it was first launched. The 2-piece paddle features different features specialized in fishing such as built-in tape measure, which can help measure your catch both in inches and centimeters right away, and hook-retrieval notch, which allow you to free up your line when it’s stuck underwater.
Like any 2-piece paddles, this Angler Scout can be easily broken down into 2 pieces for effortless travel and storage. Weighing 2.25 pounds, this is a garden-variety weight that almost everyone can handle at ease, even if you’re a beginner, you can rest assured that this will not give you a hard time.
The color chart has never been a strength of Bending Branches, especially its lower-priced range since this brand just offers two basic colors, which are orange and sage green.
| Bending Branches Angler Scout Paddle Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 51 x 7 x 4 inches |
Weight | 2.25 pounds |
Material | Aluminum shaft; polymer + fiberglass-reinforced blades; |
Highlight Features | 2-piece; 3 hole snap-button ferrule; built-in tape measure; hook-retrieval notch |
Bending Branches Angler Scout is a one-size-fits-all kayak paddle for beginners.
Best for Intermediate Kayakers: WDAM Kayak Paddle
Lightweight
High-quality materials
Stiff, sturdy scooped blades
Affordable for its materials
Only one size available (230cm)
Quite small blades (91 sq in)
If you are looking for a kayak paddle made from first-rate material, then this WDAM model makes an excellent option. It’s a great choice for anyone with a limited budget (only around $50), but still want to own a paddle constructed with carbon fiber, the most premium material that can last for long.
The scoop blade design can move much more water per stroke than usual straight blades, meaning that it is stronger and more powerful. The three locking positions allows you to adjust the blade angel from 0 to 60-degree both in left and right-handed control.
The rubber grips can give your hand a better, more comfortable hand position and reduce slipperiness. Another useful feature is the thick, fixed drip rings. They serve as the protection for your hands from getting wet.
Unlike other products that have various lengths, the WDAM kayak paddle has only one size 230cm. This is an ideal size for a wide range of kayakers and boats but it is still a limitation that should be improved. Additionally, the blades are a bit small for fishing activities if you lack kayaking experience and techniques, so this might not come in handy for newbies.
| WDAM Kayak Paddle Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 51.9 x 8.5 x 2.6 inches |
Weight | 2.425 pounds (38.8 oz) |
Material | Carbon fiber shaft; aluminum wrapped with fiberglass blades |
Highlight Features | 2-piece; 3 adjustable blade adjustments; drip rings; rubber grips |
WDAM Kayak Paddle is a lower-priced kayak paddle which is ideal for intermediate kayakers.
Best for Advanced Fisher: MAXSHADE COVERS Fishing Kayak Paddle
Cool design
Designed for intermediate and advanced anglers
Durable
Comfortable grip handle
Pretty heavy
Limited length size
If you are looking for a well-made, sturdy, and capable kayak paddle for advanced fishers, then the MAXSHADE COVERS is a good fit. Its high-tension plastic blades with the asymmetrical curve design provides you with smooth, high-end paddling performance.
Available in two length sizes, which are 86 inches and 95 inches, the two lengths are pretty good and popular for many kayakers, but frankly, we would love to have more length choices for a wider range of kayaks and people’s height.
Although this model does not come with a colorful, vibrant color chart, its design and patterns, especially on the olive version are really cool and suitable for those with the aesthetic style.
The measurement is engraved by laser along the shaft so that you can measure your fish right away. Weighing about 3 pounds, this model belongs to the heavier side when compared with other paddles on our list. The reason for this might be because of the aluminum shaft and its large size.
| MAXSHADE COVERS Fishing Kayak Paddle Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 2.2 x 8.4 x 45.8 inches |
Weight | 3 pounds |
Material | Aluminum shaft; high-tension plastic blades |
Highlight Features | Three position system; laser-engraved scale on the shaft; hook retrieval notch; |
MAXSHADE COVERS is a well-made, sturdy kayak paddle that will not break your bank.
Best for Sit on Kayak: Naviskin kayak paddle
Colorful
Affordable
Comfortable rubber grips
Pretty heavy
While Naviskin is not a famous manufacturer in the kayak paddle production niche as we have just come across only one model from this brand, but it has proved to be extremely useful. The durable rubber grips allow you to have an extremely comfortable kayaking experience.
This Naviskin features five distinctive colors that will surely capture your attention at the first glance. The high-angle blades make it great for not only fishing but also recreational or whitewater paddling.
Just like other recommendations on this list, it is a 2-piece constructed paddle. The reason why we often suggest this construction for our readers is because it is more compact than the single shaft and lighter than the 4-piece.
The shaft is made from aluminum, so it’s unexpected that this guy will be quite heavy, but don’t worry too much, it’s still lighter than many aluminum-made models.
| Naviskin kayak paddle Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2.9 pounds |
Material | Aluminum shaft; PP plastic blades |
Highlight Features | 2 piece; rubber grips; three locking positions |
Naviskin is a kayak paddle that can give you an outstanding and youthful look than ever.
Best for Wide Kayaks: Pelican Poseidon Angler Paddle - PS1129
Better hand position and grasp
Long shaft
Large blades
Strong
A bit heavy
Durable and high-efficient, this kayak paddle is one of the best choices for wide kayak boats because of its long shaft and large blades. The shaft is made from aluminum, while the powerful blades are constructed with fiberglass but reinforced with polypropylene (one kind of plastic) to lighten the weight.
The paddle is available in the 98-inch length, which is ideal for wide kayaks or tall people. Adjusting feathering is followed by the snap-button ferrule system, enabling you to have two blade adjustments, which are 0 and 60 degree (for both left and right-handed).
Protecting your hands from getting wet when paddling is just a breeze with adjustable drip rings. The oval-shaped shaft is a plus point since it allows you to have a better hand position and reduce fatigue.
Weighing 2.6 pounds, to be honest, it does not belong to the lighter end, but compared to its size and its aluminum shaft as well, we can catch the drift of how hard the manufacturer has tried to minimize the excess weight but still keep the sturdiness and balance at the same time.
| Pelican Poseidon Angler Paddle - PS1129 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 99 x 6.25 x 2 inches |
Weight | 2.6 pounds |
Material | Aluminum shaft; fiberglass reinforced polypropylene blades |
Highlight Features | 0 or 60-degree feather angles; integrated hook and tape measurement; adjustable drip rings; oval-shaped shaft |
If you intend to step up to a bigger kayak and now seek for a new kayak paddle that fits its size, Pelican Poseidon Angler Paddle will provide great performance.
How To Choose The Best Kayak Paddle for Fishing?
A kayak fishing boat is wider and heavier than a normal one. That’s why it’s a tall order to find a well-suited, powerful paddle to move such a heavy boat, but still lightweight enough for you to row all day long, or at least an extended period of time.
However, don’t be overwhelmed or worried because helping you to go through all difficulties and find out the best kayak paddle for fishing is our mission in this part. We won’t let you wait anymore and start this guide right off the bat!
In this part, we will not go into details of every knowledge about a kayak paddle. Instead, we will just give you a quick insight into what you should know or which necessary features benefit a fishing paddle.
Blade Size
Since your main purpose when kayaking is fishing, you will have to look for large, short blades to bear a heavy boat instead of choosing long, skinny ones because they are suitable for a calm, relaxed tour rather than some heavy-duty tasks. To gear through the water easily, the blades should be large at least 95 square inches, or in other words, mid-sized and above.
Those short, large blades, in the kayaking traditional terms, are called the high-angle type, meaning that when you use them, your paddle looks nearly vertical. This style of paddling is the optimal choice for conquering aggressive whitewater with strong wind, or dealing with a lot of weight.
Ferrule System
There are two major ferrule systems, which are the snap-button and the plus telescoping ferrule. While the snap-button gives you two options of blade angle adjustments: Unfeathered and 60-degree, the other kind enables you to have infinite feathering choices as well as 15-cm length adjustment.
To be honest, the plus telescoping ferrule is truly a game changer when you don’t have to worry much or measure accurately every indication before buying a paddle because its adjustment can handle most unexpected issues that you might come across.
Budget
Well, there is a rule of thumb in the kayak paddle niche, which is the more you pay, the lighter and stronger paddle you will get. There are four main types of materials that are used to produce kayak paddles, which are plastic/nylon; aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.
Aluminum and fiberglass is the most popular combination in the low-price range while carbon fiber can be considered as the gold standard.
Of course, many people think that a slight difference in a paddle weight or materials might not be worth such a huge difference in their payment, and it’s right, to some extent. That’s also the reason why we will not advise you to buy the most high-end model within your budget.
On the other hand, before you have not decided whether this kayak fishing game is your long-time hobby or not, perhaps you should begin with an affordable paddle instead of investing a bundle in it.
Which Brands Make The Best Kayak Paddle for Fishing?
Bending Branches
SeaSense
FAQs
What happens when you use too long of a paddle for fishing?
Using a too long paddle will make you not only overuse your power, more exhausted than usual, and harder to keep stability.
How much does a kayak paddle cost?
A kayak paddle cost can vary because it depends on a lot of factors.
How do you size a kayak paddle?
The fastest way to determine your kayak paddle size is to pick up your favourite paddle model, go to its brand website and check its size chart. Of course, there is a mutual paddle size chart for most brands on the Internet but we still recommend you to check its website for the exactness. Besides, if you find yourself falling between the two sizes, here are our tips and hacks to help you get out of that muddle:
High angle stroke uses shorter paddles.
Low angle stroke uses longer paddles.
Wider boats need longer paddles.
What size kayak paddle do I need in inches?
Do kayak paddles make a difference?
Yes, they do, a different size, or a different blade style will give you a brand new experience and might require other suitable paddling techniques. And, that’s why we are here to instruct you on how to choose your own proper kayak paddle.
Conclusion
Our best overall product is the SeaSense X-Treme II because of its price, and durability. However, the last decision is up to you, and we just hope that our list can give you a helping hand to make up your mind.
And, that’s all for today. Thank you for joining with us and sticking until the bottom line. Good luck and have fun!
Bryan Listor
