How to Choose a Fishing Kayak Paddle

Kayak paddles are made from various materials with corresponding prices. Which kind of paddle should you choose to suit a fishing kayak?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Aluminum. An aluminum handled paddle is usually the cheapest paddle. It will also be the heaviest of the three choices. The handle may not be as stiff as the fiber glass or carbon fiber paddle and therefore will not be as efficient. The paddle shape may be rectangular and the hardest to draw through the water.

2. 
    
   2 piece fiberglass kayak paddle

   Fiberglass. This is probably your best choice combining a lighter handle and a plastic paddle blade. There is a weight savings over the aluminum paddle but it is not as light as carbon fiber. You will not usually be paddling ‘touring kayak’ distances when fishing. Once you get to your fishing spot you will be making adjustments to your drift and attempting to avoid rocks and oysters. (The photo shows a two-piece Carlisle Magic 2 paddle at 230 cm. The two-piece paddle is easier to transport and allows straight or offset blade alignment.)

3. Carbon fiber. This paddle will be lightest but this savings in weight is offset by a high price. Even the paddle blade may be made from carbon fiber. Consider this paddle for a touring kayak where many miles and thousands of paddle strokes can benefit from a few ounces of saved weight. The paddle blade may offer a narrower profile thus making it easier to draw through the water.
   This may not make a good choice for inshore saltwater kayak fishing. Which object would you use to keep your expensive kayak off the oyster bar you are about to drift over; your fishing rod, your foot, or your carbon fiber paddle?