Fishing from a kayak is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. The fishing kayak tends to be wider and heavier than the average kayaks. Due to the wider design, they tend to be more stable. However, you also need to consider which paddle you need. A paddle that can propel a heavier kayak is fundamental for anglers.
In the following article, we will be looking at the 5 best kayak paddles for fishing. These paddles are perfect for almost any kayak, giving you versatility and value for your money. A couple of important features need to be considered when you buy a kayak paddle. However, we got you covered to help you choose with confidence.
2020’s Top Picks: Best Kayak Paddles for the Money
To confidently select the right paddle, you have to do some research. However, we have a small buyer’s guide following the reviews to give you all the information. We also used the same information in the selection process. If you are looking for the best kayak paddles, the following five paddles are the best on the market:
| Paddle Name | Blades | Ratings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Werner Camano Premium (Editor's Choice) | Fiberglass | 4.9 | |
| 2. Bending Branches Angler Scout (Best in Budget) | Fiberglass-reinforced | 4.8 | |
| 3. AQUA BOUND 2-Piece Paddle (Best Overall) | Carbon | 4.8 | |
| 4. Carlisle Magic Plus | Polypropylene | 4.2 | |
| 5. ADVANCED ELEMENTS Compact | Aluminum | 4.7 |
1. Werner Camano Fiberglass Kayak Paddle – (Editor’s Choice)
If you have limited experience with kayak paddles, the brand Werner is one of the top brands that you can rely on. The brand features a wide variety of paddles, with the Camano standing out as a leading option. A blend of carbon fiber and fiberglass makes up the shaft of the paddles, which adds to the durability.
The fiberglass blades are durable and slightly flexible if compared to the shaft. The fiberglass is great for absorbing the impact of the blades and making them more flexible. It is lightweight to make it easier to handle for the average paddler. A low-angle shape means the blades can generate a lot of thrust to move the kayak forward.
The paddles might not give you any benefit when it comes to catching fish, but it allows you to move around on the waters. You can find the blades in a variety of different colors, with many of them mimicking the skin of fish. The paddles might be a bit too big for the smaller paddles with a short reach on the kayak.
The Werner Camano Premium Fiberglass Kayak Paddle is not a paddle you will use as a beginner. These paddles are expensive and you need to understand the rhythm of paddling. However, they are the perfect long-term option. If you are an avid kayak angler or you intend to be, this is the ideal kayak paddle to grow with you.
Key Features
- Various colors to choose from
- Flexible and durable
- Low-angle shape for more thrust
- Lightweight
2. Bending Branches Fishing Paddle – (Best in Budget)
If you don’t intend to spend too much on your paddle, you might be interested in the Bending Branches Angler Scout Fishing Paddle. The shaft is constructed predominantly from fiberglass, with a fiberglass plastic being used for the blades. A high-angle design might not give you as much thrust but requires less power to mover forward.
If the high-angle does not work for you, you can adjust the angles of the blades by up to 60-degrees. Additionally, the paddle can break into two pieces, making it much easier for users to transport with their paddles. A tape measure also forms part of the kayak paddles to ensure that you can easily measure the fish when caught.
Aside from the tape measure, it features a hook and numerous other minor features that will complement you with fishing. According to the manufacturer, it is a durable paddle, with a breakage rate of less than 0.03%. The only downside is that all of these additional accessories add weight to the paddle.
As mentioned, the paddles are affordable and come under $100 of range, which makes them ideal for almost anyone to use. There are a variety of colors that one can choose from and a couple of different sizes that will make them ideal for any kayaker. If you are an intermediate kayaker, the Bending Branches Angler Scout Fishing Paddle is for you.
Key Features
- Adjustable blade angles
- Affordable
- Durable construction
- Numerous fishing accessories
3. AQUA BOUND 2-Piece Kayak Paddle – (Best Overall)
Aqua Bound is another reliable brand with a reputation that many people have trusted. It is also made from a combination of carbon fiber and fiberglass. The combination of these materials gives you the perfect balance between durability and flexibility. Multiple carbon compounds make up the blades and the durability it has.
Since travel and transportation always seem to be an issue, these paddles can be broken into two pieces. The blades have a high-angle design and smaller blades, but it means that you don’t need as much power when using them. Each stroke can give you up to 20% more power than the average paddles.
There are no real downsides when it comes to the AQUA BOUND Manta Ray Carbon 2-Piece Kayak Paddle. However, there might be a few difficulties with finding the correct size if you are unsure about what you need. The paddle looks stylish and it has been rated as a durable option to be used to sit on top and sit inside kayaks.
As for the price, the price might be one of the only concerns for the hobbyist. The paddle is expensive, but you will get great value for your money. You don’t have many colors to choose from, which means you have to take what you get. However, the design and colors are still worth it if you need something neutral.
Key Features
- Used for any kayak types
- Flexible and durable
- Lightweight
- Easy to transport
4. Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle
The Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle is another affordable kayak paddle that is made for the intermediate kayaker. It features a fiberglass shaft that offers a lightweight construction reasonable durability. Polypropylene is the material of choice for the blades, making them flexible and lightweight for all paddlers.
The blades feature a high-angle design, which means the user does not need to exert more force when they follow a natural paddling pattern. The paddle is almost 40-ounces, making it a bit heavier than most of the others. However, it is still the ideal weight for most intermediate and average kayak anglers that have a wide kayak.
The blade has a slight angle, forming a spoon, which makes it possible to generate more power when you are paddling. You can find these paddles in a variety of colors that will match up to your kayak. They are also available in multiple different colors. Unfortunately, it does not break into two pieces for easier transportation.
If you need a standard paddle without all the hassles and unique features, the Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle is your best option. It does not have any unique features or accessories to deal with or understand. We would recommend the paddle to a beginner for the learning experience and improve kayak power.
Key Features
- Blades for a spoon
- Quite Flexible
- Affordable
- Multiple colors and sizes to choose from
5. ADVANCED ELEMENTS Compact Touring Paddle
The ADVANCED ELEMENTS Compact Touring Paddle is the perfect paddle, designed for touring kayaks. It breaks up into smaller pieces, making it easier to transport and giving you additional space on the kayak when you have fishing gear. It is constructed from fiberglass, making the paddle lightweight, while giving you decent durability in the blades.
The drip guard acts as a stabilizer for your hands. It is smooth, but the guards will keep the grip area dry. It has a 60-degree angle for you to work with, adding to the angle to ensure that every thrust gives you the maximum distance. Multiple sizes are available to choose if you need something specific for your kayak.
At 2.9-pounds, it is the heaviest of all the paddles we have on the list, but it is still comfortable to use. With the right size, you can reduce the weight and it does not have any extra features to make it harder to use. The asymmetrical blades also make it much easier for you to move around on the water when you increase speed.
If a paddle does not have any carbon fiber, it tends to be more affordable than the competitors. The ADVANCED ELEMENTS Compact Touring Paddle is one of the paddles that do not have a carbon fiber, making it ideal for beginners. We would recommend it to beginners and for almost any kayak type that you own.
Key Features
- Works with all kayaks
- Easy to increase speed
- Lightweight paddle
- Breaks up into smaller parts
How to Choose a Kayak Paddle?
The paddles we selected are among the best for fishing kayaks. However, there are many more paddles that one can choose from. If you intend on buying a different kayak paddle, you might want to consider a couple of the following features. Here is the buyer’s guide that we also used for the selection of the paddles mentioned above:
Materials
Kayak paddles are not all made from the same materials. There is a variety of materials that can be used in the construction of a kayak paddle. We have identified the most common paddle materials that you will find. These materials are often blended, giving you a combination with the benefits that each of the materials has to offer:
- Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber is one of the most expensive materials on the market today. It Is a bit brittle, making it less effective for blades, but the durability is great for the shaft.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass is a slightly less expensive material, but still offers quality. It is a stiff option that can be blended. Fiberglass is not as durable as carbon fiber, but it is lightweight.
- Polypropylene: Kayaks are constructed from rotomolded polypropylene. However, the raw form of the material gives you flexibility. For kayak paddles, it is one of the main materials to give you quality paddles.
If you are looking for something cheaper, Aluminum is a decent option. It offers a lot of durabilities, but aluminum might be a bit heavy. It is hard to blend aluminum with different material and give you the benefits of two materials. However, aluminum is great for beginners that don’t know if they are serious.
Length Of The Paddle
When you consider a new paddle, you need to make an important decision. The length of the paddle is important to ensure that you can use it correctly. If the paddle is not the correct length, it might be harder to get the full potential of the kayak. A short paddle can reduce the efficiency by up to 50% and a long paddle might be too uncomfortable use.
Most kayak paddles will have some sort of sizing chart. The sizing chart means that you can take your length to figure out which paddle is the best. However, you also need to consider the width of the kayak. Fishing kayaks tend to be wider, which means the paddle might be longer, but only slightly to make it over the edges.
The final thing to keep in mind when you look at the paddle length is the design of the kayak. Most kayaks used for fishing will allow you to sit on top. These kayaks are easier to paddle, but when you have a kayak made for speed, you often need to sit inside. A longer paddle might be a better option for these paddles.
Weight
If a paddle is too heavy, it is hard to use it. On the other hand, a light paddle might not feel like it gives you enough to work with. You need to look at the weight of the paddles to make sure they are comfortable for you to use. Additional accessories can affect the weight, but the materials will play a bigger role.
If you are not a kayak enthusiast and you only do it as a hobby, you don’t need to spend too much time looking at the weight. A cheap kayak paddle will suffice for having some fun and paddling around a small lake. If the paddle is too heavy, you might find that you tire out much sooner, which might not be the best thing for fishing.
Blade Shape
The blade shape is neglected by many inexperienced kayakers. However, it affects the movement of the paddles and how they propel the kayak forward. Your blades can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, depending on your paddling technique. The symmetrical paddle is the best for beginners allowing you to retain a comfortable technique.
The angles will give you an idea of how much thrust the paddle can offer. You can choose the right angle to make your life more comfortable with the following knowledge:
- Low-angle: The low-angle is designed for speed and touring kayaks. It does not have the same power that a high-angle paddle has. These paddles are best for flat water that does not need a lot of effort.
- High-angle: These blades are slightly shorter in total length, but the blades are wider, giving you more blade that enters the water. If you need to move through rough waters and increase speed, the high-angle blades are the best.
Nowadays, you can also find adjustable kayak paddles. If the blades can be adjusted, you can change it in the water depending on the situation. However, you are better off finding a paddle with the right angle you will use most of the time.
Accessories
The last important aspect is the accessories that are common in many of these paddles. The most common accessory is the grip that will allow you to have a solid hold on the paddle with it gets wet in the water.
If you are willing to add a bit of weight to the paddle, you might even find advanced paddles that include tape to measure your fish. Having a paddle that serves the same purpose as many other additional fishing equipment you will need can reduce weight in the kayak. Additionally, it also means your entire kit will be slightly cheaper.
The Bottom Line
With all this being said, you should now have all the tools and information to buy the best fishing kayak paddle. All of the paddles on the list are heavily endorsed for the value they offer and the quality features. If there are any other paddles that you believe should make it onto our list, we would love to see which you have in mind.