When choosing a kayak paddle for fishing, there are a few things to consider. The most important factor is the size of your kayak. Next, think about the type of water you will be paddling in and the weight of your gear. Finally, decide on the length and proper blade shape of your lightweight paddle.
So, if the question comes to your mind how to choose a kayak paddle for fishing? You have landed on the right page.
In this post, you will get all the details about how to select your preferred kayak paddle for fishing.
Note: If you are looking for a kayak paddle for fishing so I recommend you buy Pelican Poseidon Angler Kayak Paddle.
Table of Contents
How to Choose a Kayak Paddle for Fishing?
Before Choosing the kayak paddle for fishing, you need to understand some terms related to kayak paddles. Check out the following list of those terms:
1) Length
Kayak paddles come in a variety of lengths and you should choose the length that suits your needs, based on your height and kayak type. A shorter paddle strokes gives you more power but less speed while a longer one means more speed but less power.
2) Shaft Type
Most kayak paddles have either plastic or wooden paddle shafts. Plastic is generally lighter and more affordable, while wood gives you a little more power in your strokes and is still very lightweight.
3) Materials
The most common materials for kayak paddles are plastic and fiberglass or carbon-fiber composites. Carbon fiber paddles are usually the most expensive but they are also the lightest and most durable. Fiberglass is a good choice for those who want to spend less money on high-angle paddles without sacrificing too much durability or feel.
4) Blade Size
The size of your blade should be based on how you will use it. Smaller blades (around five inches long) are the best choice for calm waters like lakes and ponds because they give you more control over your kayak. Larger blades (around ten inches) are better for rougher water or people who want to go fast with each stroke.
5) Angle of the Blade
The angle of the blade should be determined by how much power you need behind each stroke. If you want more speed, choose a kayak blade with a greater angle. However, kayak paddle blades with a lower angle will give you more power instead of speed and take less effort for each stroke.
6) Paddle Shape
Kayak paddles have either three rounded edges or one flat edge paddle design. You should choose the shape that best fits your needs. Rounded edges are good for maneuverability in calm waters but flat blades allow you to cut through the water more efficiently when you need speed and power.
7) Blade Usage
Most kayak paddles have one blade, but some come with two or even three instead. Two-bladed paddles are used by people who need to maneuver their kayaks around in tight spaces, while three blades are good for people who want more speed.
8) Paddle Shaft Size
The straight shaft of your boat is measured by the widest part of it and paddles usually come in four sizes:
- Small (under 3.5 inches)
- Medium (under 4 inches)
- Large (over 4.5 inches)
- Extra-large (over 5 inches)
To sum up, depending on your needs and preferences, you should choose a kayak paddle that suits your kayak type, body height, water conditions, paddle length, and blade size.
Different Types of Kayak Paddles for Fishing
There are many different types of kayak paddles for fishing. Here we have categorized that are very important for you to know before buying a kayak paddle for fishing.
1. Single Blade Paddles
Single blade paddles are straight and long. They don’t have a bend or curve to them. These give you the most power behind each stroke, but since there is only one blade it means that you use more energy on each stroke for moving forward.
If you paddle a lot then a single-blade paddle might not be the best for you. They aren’t as efficient as 2 blade paddles and can be too long for some kayaks which means they stick out of the water more, making them harder to control.
2. Two-Bladed Paddles
These paddles have two paddle blades and a bend in between which gives them an advantage over single-blade paddles. There is usually a spring-like system that allows the upper side of the paddle to bend if it contacts something hard like a rock or log giving you less chance of breaking it.
More blades mean more power but also less efficiency so this kind of paddle might be perfect for those who want both speed and power behind their high-angle strokes without spending as much energy on each one as with single blade paddles.
3. Three-Bladed Paddles
Three-bladed paddles are similar to two-blade paddles except there is an extra blade in the middle to give you even more power for each stroke. They are great for those who want speed and power behind their strokes but don’t plan on spending too much time kayaking or exploring because they tend to use a lot of energy per stroke compared to other kinds of paddles.
4. Bent Shaft Kayak Paddles
Bent shaft kayak paddles bend as two-bladed ones do but without any blades attached to them at all which gives you more control over your kayak and makes it easier for you to steer with the paddle rather than having the weight of the kayak on one side all the time. These are good for those who need more control over their kayak but don’t want to spend as much power on paddling.
5. Short Kayak Paddles
People who have short kayaks might want to consider using shorter paddles for fishing. A short blade is generally used in calm waters near beaches or flat rivers with slow currents.
The blades are usually fairly small, ranging from five to nine inches long, and can help you steer better since they don’t stick out of the water as much. However, it also means that you don’t have as much power behind each stroke which makes it harder to move quickly or make fast turns with a short paddle like this.
6. Long Kayak Paddles
Long kayak paddles are great for people who really enjoy exploring and want to get all the way out into deeper water. These usually have paddle blades that are around twelve inches long or even longer.
They can also be used by those who have short kayaks but prefer the feel of a longer paddle in their hands because it gives them more control, whether it’s covering more ground with each stroke or just being able to pick up the pace whenever they want to for an extra burst of speed.
What Size of a Kayak Paddle is Needed for Fishing?
When it comes to the size of a kayak paddle there are a couple of things you have to think about. First, the length of your kayak.
If it’s a short kayak then you want a smaller paddle that won’t stick out of the water as much and will be easier for you to use one-handedly without being too far away from your boat, but if it’s a long kayak then you’re going to want a longer paddle that can help you cover more ground with each stroke and also make your turns faster.
The other thing that matters is the type of water you will be paddling in since different waters call for different sizes as far as fishing kayak paddles go. Smaller, shallower ponds with calm water might call for something like a three-foot-long fishing kayak paddle, while deeper lakes with big waves might require five or six feet in order to survive.
Conclusion
When choosing a kayak paddle for fishing, there are a few things to consider that might have an impact on your decision. So, think about the type of water you will be paddling in, the length of your kayak, and then decide on how long or short your paddle should be.
In the end, we hope that you are now well aware of how to choose a kayak paddle for fishing?
FAQs
1. How long should a fishing kayak paddle be?
It really depends on the type of water you will be paddling in. Generally, a longer paddle is better for deeper waters but if you have a short kayak then maybe something shorter might work better for you to give you more control over the boat.
2. What is different about a fishing kayak paddle?
There aren’t really any big differences between a regular kayak paddle and the one you might use to fish. They do, however, tend to be longer than regular ones since it’s harder for shorter kayaks to control bigger paddles so people with short boats may want to look for something smaller.
3. What is the best material for fishing kayak paddles?
The best material is usually fiberglass since it’s lightweight and doesn’t corrode when in contact with water so you won’t have to worry about rust taking over your paddle after a while.
4. What is the difference between a high angle and low angle kayak paddle?
The main difference between a high-angle and low-angle kayak paddle is the position of your hands in relation to the blade. A high angle stroke uses your hands near to the top of the paddle blade, whereas a low angle stroke uses your hands closer to the bottom of the paddle blade. Low angle strokes are more efficient and produce less wind resistance, but high angle strokes are more powerful and can be utilized in rougher water scenarios.