Best Kayak Paddles For Fishing

By Taylor Jensen

Finding the Best Kayak Paddles for Fishing is easier than you think. Here’s a rundown of our favorite paddles for anglers, including our top pick - Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle.

What does a perfect fishing trip need? A sturdy rod, a good boat, some bait? But what about propulsion? A motor boat then, perhaps? But a motor boat is quite an expensive thing to buy. So a kayak? Yes, that should do nicely. Light and compact, fishing kayaks are taking America by storm.

But to complete the experience of a good quality fishing kayak, you’ll need a good quality paddle. I mean, what kind of a kayak is without a paddle?! Indeed, some stand-on-top kayaks offer enough space for a small motor, but a paddle is a way better and cheaper alternative, especially while trying to be quiet and stealthy while fishing.

So, if you are in need of a paddle, you’ve come to the right place, as we have tested and compiled a list of five best paddles for kayak fishing.

What to look for in a Kayak Paddle For Fishing:

But first, some things to consider. Here’s a short list of what do you have to pay attention to while buying a paddle:

Angle of the blade: This is important to you because of your dominant hand and positioning in the kayak. People who sit further down toward the bow will benefit more from a low angle blade, while those who sit further toward the stern will use a high angle paddle. Some like paddling while standing, and that requires a special paddle.
Size of the blade: The size of the blade on the paddle determines how easy it is to use. Larger blades will be more difficult and are for more experienced kayakers, but produce more power, while smaller paddles are for more inexperienced people.
Length: This is a simple matter of scaling. The taller you are, the longer the paddle you need to use. Also, the width of the boat is a factor, as you need to be able to reach comfortable on the side of the boat into the water.
Breakdown: Some people like their paddles to have the breakdown option. This allows the paddle to be disassembled and more easily stored.
Noise production: To be able to fish effectively, you will need to stay quiet. That is why a good paddle has sleek edges so it doesn’t splash around when hitting the water.

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s take a look at our picks for the best paddles for kayak fishing

Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak Paddle

We start off our list with this product from Carlisle Magic Plus Kayak– our TOP PICK. This is a very high-end paddle, made specifically to endure long hours in the water. The blades of the paddle are made from High-Impact Glass-Filled Polypropylene, ensuring maximum durability and light weight.

To facilitate the paddle’s light weight, the shaft is made of fiberglass. The shaft and the blades are not rigid, and flex slightly to facilitate powerful strokes, but enough flexibility not to hurt your joints. The item weighs 35.6 ounces, and measures 220, 230 and 240 cm, so you can choose the length according to your boat’s width and your height. While testing, we loved the adjustability of the blades and found this to be the best overall paddle for the value.

What Users Are Saying:

Adjustable angle of the blades.
Good for both rough and calm waters.
A good selection of sizes covers most users.
Comfortable grip.
Lightweight but still sturdy.
Feels like you are in control, yet requires very little effort.

Bending Branches Angler PRO Kayak Paddle

Now, here’s a top-notch paddle unlike any other. The Bending Branches Angler Pro has been carefully designed by the very anglers themselves, so you know it is just right. On top of that, the fact that the item won Kayak Fishing Paddle of the Year for years 2013 and 2014 tells a great deal of its quality and efficiency.

What makes this paddle so great is its core – a battle-tested T-700 Carbon shaft that is both lightweight and very durable, so there is no fear of snapping it during heavy duty stroking. The blades of the paddle are made of multi-laminating fiberglass, a high-quality material, lightweight but sturdy, able to withstand the heaviest of punishment.

What Users Are Saying:

Very high-quality paddle, excellent performance.
Very sturdy, able to take on rapids and calm waters alike.
Superb handling due to low weight.
Adjustable blade angle.

Accent Paddles Ultimate Angler Adjustable Length Kayak Fishing Paddle

Our third entry is this baby. The Accent Paddle Ultimate Angler Paddle is one of the best paddles on the market and one that is more reasonably priced, considering its performance in the water. It is built with stealth in mind, its sleek blades cut water without making a single sound.

Speaking about the blades, they are made of carbon-reinforced nylon. This allows for reduced weight without sacrificing ruggedness. The shaft is made of carbon twill, and is adjustable, extending from 240 cm to 260 cm. This high-end oar has one of the best strength to weight ratios and is able to generate a lot of power on the strokes with very little effort.

What Users Are Saying:

Adjustable blade angle.
Able to generate a lot of speed with minimal effort.
Very lightweight, very good on the user’s hands.

Bending Branches Whisper II Kayak Paddle

This is a paddle definitely worth looking out for. A blend of very low price with some good quality performances makes the Bending Branches Whisper Paddle much coveted buy to kayak angler around the globe. A lightweight and durable tool, this oar is the thing you need for a good day out on the water.

The product’s blades are made with a shallow v-shaped cross section. This allows the blades to run gently and effortlessly through the water, maintaining low noise level at all times, but generating plenty of power. The blades are injection-molded and are very lightweight, but able to withstand a lot of punishment.

The centerpiece of the item is the aluminum shaft made with extra care concerning grip – the paddle will never slip out of your hands, and is very gentle toward them. The blades are also adjustable for better feel on your dominant hand. The paddle breaks down into two pieces.

What Users Are Saying:

Tracks wonderfully in the water.
Splashes very little.
Very lightweight.
The splash rings work great, especially if you push them a bit away from the blade

Cannon Paddles Escape E Kayak Paddle

When it comes to lightweight oars for beginners, this Cannon Kayak Paddle is one is the best of the best. A paddle so light, you will barely feel it in your hands. On top of that, the paddle offers great strength to weight ratio – it will propel you very far with a single stroke with almost no effort at all.

These blades are made of fiberglass-reinforced nylon, ensuring sturdiness without significantly upping the weight of the item. The oar’s shaft is made from heat treated aircraft-grade aluminum further reinforcing that sweet weight to strength ratio. The shaft is able to break down, and the blades’ angle is fully adjustable.