How to Find the Best Fishing Kayak Paddle After 2015

Kayaking is fun, and when mixed with fishing, you’ll be able to enjoy the serenity of the water and catch fish to eat, too. The right paddle can make kayaking and kayak fishing just a little less taxing and a lot more enjoyable.

Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle	Our favorite for 2020
Shoreline Marine X-II Kayak Paddle	A great value option
Werner Camano Hooked Fishing Paddle	Nice paddle with a cool design

Lightweight and durable are the two best aspects of a kayak paddle.

And we’ve rounded up five of the top kayak paddles for fishing based off of our stringent criteria. But how do you compare them to find the right paddle for your needs? A few key points to consider are:

• Breakdown: Most models offer breakdown, or two piece options, that allow the paddle to be broken down for easy storage. This is ideal for most users and is recommended as one piece paddles are difficult to store and transport.
• Blade Degree: The degree of the blade allows for right and left-handed users to take advantage of their stronger hand. Adjustable degrees allow for the utmost in flexibility and control.
• Noise Production: Trying to fish with the paddle splashing in the water will not be a fruitful endeavor. Splash guards can reduce splashing and are ideal for anyone that finds that their paddling technique leads to loud splashing.
• Material: The material needs to be examined and considered. Carbon is the lightest in terms of weight, but it’s also expensive. Aluminum is a good compromise in terms of weight and price, but the metal isn’t as light as carbon.

The right paddle can mean the difference between scaring fish away and becoming fatigued in the water, and going home with dinner.

The Best Kayak Paddles for Fishing

Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle Review – The Carlisle Magic comes in a cloud/black and sunrise/black color scheme with a weight of just 35.6 ounces. Three length sizes are available (220cm, 230cm and 240cm) to be able to match your needs.

The blade material features high-impact, glass-filled polypropylene, and the shaft is made from lightweight fiberglass.

When stroking, the fiberglass provides a bit of flexibility that allows for smooth and powerful strokes through the water. The blades are made to be lightweight while also being durable for better overall usage in the water.

With three size options, users of all heights can use these paddles. The blade is 18” long by 7” wide and handles exceptionally well in the water.

Shoreline Marine X-II Kayak Paddle Review – The Shoreline Marine is a very stylish paddle that comes in a natural brown or a blue color. Offering two size options, 84-inches and 96-inches, this paddle is lightweight and durable while also being corrosion-resistant.

Aluminum is used in the construction of the paddle, and a high-impact handle allows for comfortable strokes even in rougher waters.

Hand strain is reduced as the firm grips add some cushion when paddling. The grips are foam, so you won’t need to worry about lack of traction on the handles, or hot or cold weather causing the grip to be cold to the touch or too hot when left in the sun.

For a low cost paddle, The X-II is a great choice.

Carlisle Day Tripper Aluminum Kayak Paddle Review – The Day Tripper is a two piece, aluminum kayak paddle that has a weight of just 37 ounces and has is a low to medium level item. This is the right paddle for anyone on a very tight budget, and these yellow and black paddles span 4” x 10” x 48” with a 230cm size.

Push-button takedown allows you to change the blade from 60-degrees to inline for maximum versatility and right or left-hand control.

Recommended for beginners or as a backup paddle, the anodized aluminum shaft is lightweight and features asymmetric polypropylene material for smooth and efficient strokes. This is a two-piece paddle that comes apart for easy storage.

Carlisle Magic Mystic Poly Kayak Paddle Review – The Carlisle Magic offers an aluminum shaft plus polypro blades to ensure the paddle is lightweight and easy to maneuver.  Size options include: 220cm, 230cm and 240cm with a weight of just 35.3 ounces for the 220cm model.

Sunrise and cloud colors are offered as well as a slightly bent shaft to minimize wrist flexion during forward strokes.

Perfect for users with wrist pain, this paddle does breakdown into two smaller paddles for easy storage. A “paddle handle” is not included, and the blade does have a curve to allow for greater force on the water.

Splash guards are included to keep splashing to a minimum – perfect for fishing.

Werner Camano Premium Fiberglass Kayak Paddle Review – This high-end model offers a mid-size blade that allows for easy strokes and gentle power as you push through the water.

A myriad of color options are available, and a dihedral blade allows for stable forward strokes.

A carbon blend is used on the shaft to provide for traditional feel, while the lighter weight reduces fatigue. This is a two-piece paddle that has an adjustable ferrule system, which allows the user to quickly feather from right to left in small 15-degree increments.

Buyer’s Guide –  How to Choose the Best Paddle for Kayak Fishing

When kayaking, you need to have the best kayak paddle to make your session fun, and increase your speed and agility in the water. Paddles that come with kayaks are usually subpar in quality and cannot meet the quality or lightweight design of higher-end paddles.

And there is always a chance a paddle can break or wear over time, which will require you to buy a new paddle.

The biggest issue is trying to determine how to choose a kayak paddle. What things should you be looking for when making your purchase? Which features are 100% necessary?

This depends on you.

A few points you’ll want to consider include:

• Price: Make a budget and do your best to stick to it. Some paddles are reasonably cheap, while others can be very expensive. The higher-end models are often used by professionals or true enthusiasts that will be out on the water often and want the best money can buy.
• Size: There are a lot of different length options, and these lengths coincide with the height of the user. A person that is taller will need a longer paddle. Sizing charts are often available on manufacturer websites, so you can find a size that is right for your height.
• Weight: The lighter the paddle, the better it will be in terms of arm strain. You’ll be exerting a lot of energy when kayaking, so a lighter weight paddle may mean you’ll notice increased endurance and speed out in the water.

Also, pay attention to paddle reviews to see if the blades crack or the rings move too much. Quality is a must-have when choosing a paddle.