Updated November 5, 2021
When you head out on the water for a day of kayak fishing, your kayak, fishing gear, and accessories are a big part of the equation, but not all of it. You’ll want to get to the site with speed, efficiency, and precision, and that is where a good paddle comes in. The paddles that come as a part of the package when you purchase your kayak are often less than the best and often suited for general use and not very customizable to your needs and style.
That’s where we come in. Below top models at different price points that have features especially suitable for fishing are reviewed with a comparison table, key features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Waterproof Bags Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats
Best Kayak Fishing Paddle Reviews
- Werner Camano Hooked Kayak Fishing Paddle
- Werner Skagit Hooked Kayak Fishing Paddle
- Bending Branches Angler Classic Kayak Fishing Paddle
- Bending Branches Angler Pro Plus Kayak Fishing Paddle
- Bending Branches Angler Rise Kayak Fishing Paddle
- Backwater Paddles Assault Hand Paddle
- Backwater Paddles Assassin Kayak Paddle
- Carlisle Magic Angler Kayak Fishing Paddle
- Wilderness Systems Origin Angler Kayak Fishing Paddle
- Pelican Boats Symbiosa Angler Kayak Fishing Paddle
Kayak Fishing Paddle Comparison Table
| Picture | Paddle | Blade Material | Shaft Material | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Werner Camano Hooked Kayak Fishing Paddle | Fiberglass | Carbon Blend | 30 ounces | $$$ |
  | Werner Skagit Hooked Kayak Fishing Paddle | Fiber-Reinforced Nylon | Carbon/Fiberglass | 34 ounces | $$ |
  | Bending Branches Angler Classic Kayak Fishing Paddle | Fiberglass-Reinforced Nylon | Fiberglass | 35 ounces | $$ |
  | Bending Branches Angler Pro Plus Kayak Fishing Paddle | Fiberglass | Carbon | 30 ounces | $$$ |
  | Bending Branches Angler Rise Kayak Fishing Paddle | Polypropylene | Aluminum | 37 ounces | $ |
  | Backwater Paddles Assault Hand Paddle | Fiberglass-Infused Polypropylene | Plastic Handle | 12 ounces | $ |
  | Backwater Paddles Assassin Kayak Paddle | ABS-Injected Nylon | Carbon Fiber | 38 ounces | $$ |
  | Carlisle Magic Angler Kayak Fishing Paddle | Fiberglass | Glass-Filled Polypropylene | 41.6 ounces | $$ |
  | Wilderness Systems Origin Angler Kayak Fishing Paddle | Fiberglass-Reinforced Nylon | Carbon Blend | 37 ounces | $$ |
  | Pelican Boats Symbiosa Angler Kayak Fishing Paddle | Fiberglass-Reinforced Nylon | Fiberglass | 48 ounces | $ |
| Picture | Paddle | Blade Material | Shaft Material | Weight | Price |
Werner Camano Hooked Kayak Fishing Paddle
The carbon blend shaft is stiff for a powerful and efficient stroke and reduced swing weight while the mid-size fiberglass blades are sturdy and impact-resistant, great for fishing.
With adjustable feathering, it is available in two lengths with 20cm of adjustment to suit variable seating positions and different widths of a kayak.
4 attractive colors are available and the manufacturer provides a 1-year warranty.
- Sizes: 220-240cm, 240-260cm
- Leverlock® system for length adjustment
- Comes in green, lime, camo, and charcoal
- Low-angle style paddle
- Drip rings for a drier shaft and hands
- Right and left hand-control, adjustable feathering from 0-60° in 15° increments
- Shaft: 2-piece, carbon and fiberglass blend, straight
- Blade: fiberglass, asymmetrical dihedral shape
- Blade Surface Area: 100.75 square inches
- Weight: 30 ounces
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Price: $$$
Werner Skagit Hooked Kayak Fishing Paddle
Like the Camano Hooked model reviewed above, it has a carbon blend shaft that is lightweight, stiff, and powerful.
There is a different blade, this time using fiber-reinforced nylon which is sturdy, though moderately heavier and smaller.
It has easy-to-adjust feathering and is available in 3 different lengths to suit a range of paddlers.
So with only a few differences from the Camano Hooked paddle, you still get a very fine performer but at a price of less than half.
- Sizes: 230cm, 240cm, 250cm
- Comes in brown, and orange
- Low-angle style paddle
- Drip rings for a drier shaft and hands
- Right and left hand-control, adjustable feathering from 0-60° in 15° increments
- Shaft: 2-piece, carbon and fiberglass blend, straight
- Blade: fiber-reinforced nylon, asymmetrical dihedral shape
- Blade Surface Area: 93.78 square inches
- Weight: 34 ounces
- Price: $$
Bending Branches Angler Classic Kayak Fishing Paddle
The Bending Branches Angler Classic is a reasonably priced paddle in the excellent line of fishing paddles from this Wisconsin-based manufacturer.
The fiberglass-reinforced nylon blade and fiberglass blade are durable and relatively lightweight with the power to paddle with the heavy load of fishing gear.
There is even a built-in hook retriever in one blade for getting a snagged line or hook out of the branches after an errant cast.
The shaft has a handy 3-hole snap ferrule for ease in breaking it down and adjusting the feathering of the blade angle.
In the mid-range of the 3 Bending Branches fishing paddles reviewed here, the Angler Classic delivers durability and high performance at a mid-range price.
- Sizes: 220 cm, 230 cm, 240-255 cm, 250 cm, 260 cm
- Comes in sage green and orange
- Low-angle style paddle
- Ovalized shaft for an easy grip
- Measuring rule on the shaft
- Drip rings for a drier shaft and hands
- Hook retrieval groove in a one blade
- Right and left-hand control, adjustable feathering from 0-60°
- Shaft: 2-piece, fiberglass, straight
- Blade: fiberglass-reinforced nylon, asymmetrical shape
- Blade Surface Area: 95 square inches
- Weight: 35 ounces
- Price: $$
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Bending Branches Angler Pro Plus Kayak Fishing Paddle
It comes in two telescoping size ranges with a 3-hole snap ferrule for a snug fit to suit a variety of paddlers and has adjustable feathering with infinite angles possible.
It’s ultra-lightweight with a carbon shaft and a large, sturdy, stiff multi-laminate, high-performance fiberglass blade.
Features, performance, and pricing make the Angler Pro Plus and the Werner Camano Hooked direct competitors in the premium segment.
In addition, it is available in three intriguing camo-like color designs.
- Sizes: 230-245cm, 240-255cm (telescoping)
- Comes in glowtek, radiant, and raptor color designs
- Low-angle style paddle
- Measuring rule on the shaft
- Drip rings for a drier shaft and hands
- Right and left-hand control, adjustable feathering with infinite feathering angles
- Shaft: 2-piece, carbon, straight
- Blade: multi-laminate fiberglass, asymmetrical shape
- Blade Surface Area: 105 square inches
- Weight: 30 ounces
- Price: $$$
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Bending Branches Angler Rise Kayak Fishing Paddle
With many of the key features of the Angler Pro and Angler Classic, it has scaled down pricing due to materials.
Still relatively lightweight at 37 ounces, the durable aluminum shaft is ovalized with grips to make it more comfortable and the efficient asymmetrical blade is made of sturdy polypropylene.
It is a 2-piece model with a 3-hole ferrule for a snug fit and adjustable feathering.
You get a pretty good low-profile performance at a price anyone can afford
- Sizes: 230cm, 240cm, 250 cm, 260 cm
- Low-angle style paddle
- Ovalized shaft with comfortable grips
- Drip rings for a drier shaft and hands
- Hook retrieval groove in a one blade
- Right and left-hand control, adjustable feathering from 0-60°
- Shaft: 2-piece, aluminum, straight
- Blade: polypropylene, asymmetrical shape
- Blade Surface Area: 89 square inches
- Weight: 37 ounces
- Price: $
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Backwater Paddles Assault Hand Paddle
The durable fiberglass-infused blade has a serrated edge for traction pushing away from rocks or branches and a hook when you need to grab on to pull in.
Easy to stow and lightweight at 12 ounces, it has a comfortable foam grip and comes in olive or bright orange at a price anyone can afford.
- Hand paddle
- Hook for grabbing the dock or your line
- Serrated edge for launching from a solid surface
- Comfortable foam hand grip
- Wrist tether
- UV protective coating
- Available in orange and olive
- Blade: fiberglass-infused polypropylene plastic
- Size: 22 x 6 inches
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Price: $
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Backwater Paddles Assassin Kayak Paddle
This one comes in two adjustable lengths with a lightweight carbon hybrid handle and an oversized ABS-injected nylon blade.
Derived from the Assassin, the unique blade is ultra-tough with a serrated edge for pushing off and a hook for grabbing lines or tree limbs.
It comes only with a black handle and blade and is moderately priced.
- Sizes: 230-240cm, 250-260cm (adjustable)
- Drip rings for a drier shaft and hands
- Serrated edge for launching off solid surfaces
- Hook to grab your line, tree limb, or a dock
- Comes with a black shaft and blade
- Shaft: 2-piece, carbon hybrid, straight
- Blade: ABS-injected nylon, asymmetrical dihedral shape
- Weight: 38 and 42 ounces
- Price: $$
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Carlisle Magic Angler Kayak Fishing Paddle
The fairly flexible wrapped fiberglass shaft is durable and powerful, and the fiber-reinforced nylon blade has a J-notch cutout for line and hook retrieval after an errant cast.
It comes in a range of lengths with adjustable feathering to suit your paddling style and a push-button takedown for ease of use.
Other features include an easy-grip ovalized shaft, drip rings to keep the shaft dry, and an Imperial/Metric ruler on the shaft to measure your fish.
So you see it has a lot of high-level specs and is available in several naturally themed colors, all for a very reasonable price.
- Sizes: 230cm, 240cm, 250cm, 260cm
- Comes in camo, first light, and photic
- Low-angle style paddle
- Ovalized shaft for easy gripping
- Drip rings for a drier shaft and hands
- J-notch cutout in one blade for hook or line retrieval
- Imperial/Metric ruler on the shaft
- No-fail push-button takedown
- Right and left hand-control, adjustable feathering from 0-60° in 15° increments
- Shaft: 2-piece, wrapped fiberglass, straight
- Blade: fiber-reinforced nylon, asymmetrical, slightly curved shape
- Weight: 41.8 ounces (230cm)
- Price: $$
Wilderness Systems Origin Angler Kayak Fishing Paddle
It’s a high-angle style, lightweight paddle with a powerful blade design, and a carbon blend shaft that has an adjustable ferrule to customize the shaft length and provide infinite feathering angles.
Fishermen will love the 36-inch measure on the shaft and integrated line hook.
The pricing for all of this is quite reasonable.
- Sizes: 240-260cm
- Leverlock® adjustable ferrule system for feathering and length adjustment
- High-angle style paddle
- Drip rings for a drier shaft and hands
- Integrated line hook on one blade
- 36-inch measure on the shaft
- Right and left-hand control, adjustable infinite feathering options
- Shaft: 2-piece, carbon blend, straight
- Blade: fiberglass-reinforced nylon
- Blade Surface Area: 93 square inches
- Weight: 37 ounces
- Price: $$
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Pelican Boats Symbiosa Angler Kayak Fishing Paddle
Although a little bit heavier than high-priced paddles at 48 ounces, this low-angle style paddle has a sturdy fiberglass shaft and fiberglass-reinforced nylon blade.
The telescoping ferrule system makes adjusting the length easy and allows up to 65° of feathering.
The ovalized shaft is comfortable to grip and the hook retrieval groove and measuring rule are nice touches that add to the convenience of fishermen.
Of the full-length paddles reviewed here, this one has the lowest price.
- Sizes: 240-252cm
- Telescoping ferrule system
- Low-angle style paddle
- Ovalized shaft for an easy grip
- Measuring rule on the shaft
- Adjustable drip rings for a drier shaft and hands
- Hook retrieval groove in one blade
- Adjustable feathering from 0-65°
- Shaft: 2-piece, fiberglass, straight
- Blade: fiberglass-reinforced nylon, asymmetrical shape
- Weight: 48 ounces
- Price: $
Kayak Fishing Paddle Buying Guide
Paddle Length
Your physical stature and the style of kayaking you plan to do are the primary factors to consider when choosing the length of your paddle.
The width of the kayak and your height are starting points for determining paddle length. When you investigate paddles to buy the manufacturer will provide guidelines. Here are some pointers from one major manufacturer.
If you plan to paddle on flat or slow-moving water, a low-angle paddle will likely serve you best. This type has a longer shaft and longer, narrower blades. These don’t generate the most power per stroke but can be effective for covering a lot of water.
If you are operating in faster water and from a higher seat, a high-angle paddle may be your best choice. These have shorter shafts and wider blades for more powerful strokes penetrating the water from a more perpendicular angle.
For fishing, you should determine what style suits you best. Some paddles have adjustable lengths that can approximate both styles for you.
Shaft Material
Sturdy lightweight material is a focus in shaft design. Cheaper paddles may use some form of plastic but serious adult paddlers will want a shaft that is more dependable using aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or some combination of blend of fiberglass and carbon with nylon or high-quality plastic. Carbon is the lightest followed by fiberglass.
Blade Shape
Most blades are curved with a rib down the middle designed to effectively scoop the water. When the rib is present the term used to describe the blade is dihedral. In the past they were symmetrical but today most have an advanced asymmetrical dihedral shape that allows even more hydrodynamic efficiency.
Fishing kayak blades are often extra stiff for those times when the blade is used to push off when necessary. Some also include a J-shaped hook or line retrieval slot to aid in recovering an errant cast or snagged line.
Blade Materials
Weight, strength, and price are the major considerations in blade materials. Fiberglass and carbon are the stiffest and most durable, with carbon being the lightest and most expensive. Some fairly light and durable blades are made with combinations of carbon, fiberglass, nylon, and high-quality plastics and generally will be cheaper in degrees based on how much carbon or fiberglass is in the mix.
Feathering
This refers to the angle that the paddle blades are aligned. The two can be on the same plane or be “feathered” at different angles. When the blades are feathered a twist of the wrist is required to turn the blade into the water. Many paddlers find that feathering is more comfortable on the wrists and arms than when the blades are matched at the same angle. The position of the blade out of the water can be adjusted for the least wind resistance. When the blades can be feathered there is usually an adjustable joint or ferrule that allows degrees of adjustment to suit you.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Waterproof Bags Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats
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