TOP 5 KAYAK FISHING PADDLES of 2022
Choosing the Best Paddle
I’ve included the top five kayak fishing paddles that I highly recommend and have either fished with or currently own. These paddles are on the more expensive side, but they are all highly recommended and I feel like I’d be doing you a disservice to recommend a cheap paddle. When you are purchasing a paddle under $100 there really aren’t any differences between them since they’re mostly all made of aluminum, plastic, or fiberglass and are all quite heavy. Paddles should have the same thought and research you put into choosing your kayak since it is your single point of connection and maneuvering on the water. Check out the paddle reviews and comparison table below and be sure to read about how to choose a kayak paddle to get the best one for you before buying!
Kayak Fishing Paddle Comparison
Picture | Paddle | Shaft | Blade | Weight | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bending Branches Angler Pro | Carbon Fiber | Fiberglass | 29 oz | $$$ | |
Werner Camano | Carbon Blend | Fiberglass | 27 oz | $$$ | |
Aqua Bound Sting Ray | Carbon Blend | Fiberglass Nylon | 30 oz | $$ | |
Werner Shuna | Carbon Blend | Fiberglass | 28 oz | $$$ | |
Wilderness Systems Alpha Angler | Carbon Fiber | Carbon Fiber | 27 oz | $$$$ |
Kayak Paddle Reviews
Bending Branches Angler Pro
Specs
- 100% carbon shaft
- Compression molded fiberglass blade
- 105 sq. in. of blade surface area
- Very lightweight at 28.5 oz
- 0 degree and 60 degree ferrule angles
Features
- Large paddle surface for powerful strokes
- Lightweight paddle so you can stay out on the water longer
- Durable paddle construction
- Pro staff designed color options
THE BEST FISHING PADDLE
I personally own the Bending Branches Angler Pro paddle in a 230cm size. It is a great paddle for kayak fishing and it was just built to be tough. Up until last year the paddle was fairly plain and was really a sleeper in the paddle game, however they have updated the blade designs and it really stands out now. It is light, strong, and includes and ruler printed on the handle. This is an excellent paddle and the company is deeply rooted in fishing as you can tell from their paddle design. They clearly have put in the time to find out what makes a paddle great for a kayak fisherman. This paddle will perform flawlessly for most people.
Werner Camano
Specs
- Carbon blend shaft
- Fiberglass blade construction
- 100 sq. in. of blade surface area
- Dihedral blade design for smooth paddling
Features
- Mid size blade offers best comprise on power and distance
- Wide variety of options in shaft pieces, ferrule, and colors
- Durable fiberglass blades matched with carbon shaft
- Dihedral blade for smooth and stable forward paddling
THE BEST LONG DISTANCE PADDLE
If you’ve been kayaking for any length of time you’ve heard of Werner paddles. Let me just say, there is a reason they are on this list twice. They are at the top of the game and make some of the best paddles in the industry. The Camano is a wildly popular paddle and it is designed as a low angle paddle for endurance and paddle long distances. It provides the perfect combination for anglers who want enough power to chase after fish all day but don’t want to be dead tired. The smaller thinner blades offer a lighter stroke with less power that you can sustain all day long. The paddle itself is made of carbon blend shaft with a fiberglass blade construction. This is a very popular design choice in kayak fishing paddles because they are strong and light and come in at a reasonable price. I can guarantee if you try this paddle you will not want to go back. If you are wanting to lighten the weight even more, the Camano is also available in a high performance and lightweight full carbon version.
Wilderness Systems Alpha Angler
Specs
- Full carbon paddle construction
- 94.5 sq in of blade surface area
- Weighs only 27 oz
- Adjustable shaft from 240cm to 260cm
Features
- Aggressive blade design for maximum power
- Adjustable shaft length perfect for fishing kayaks
- Full carbon construction offers lightest and strongest paddle
- Integrated shaft measuring tape
THE FEATHERWEIGHT CARBON CHAMPION
This paddle is no joke. It is the lightest possible paddle you can get at 27 oz and you will pay for it. It is made of 100% carbon fiber and it is the pinnacle of kayak paddle design and engineering. Make sure you don’t lose this one. The Alpha Angler features a powerful and aggressive blade design which is perfect for anglers that want to achieve maximum power and paddle faster on the water to get to their destination. The high angle design is great for quick powerful strokes and fishing a wide variety of conditions. This paddle also accommodates kayaks that use a high/low seat setup with a simple flip of the lever. It can be adjusted in length to fit different seat heights and paddler sizes. Also the design of this paddle is just spectacular – it is aesthetically pleasing and I personally love seeing the carbon fiber.
Werner Shuna Hooked
Specs
- Carbon shaft
- Durable fiberglass blades
- 95.3 sq. in. of blade surface area
- Weighs in at 27.5 oz – very light
Features
- Powerful blade to maneuver boat for good casting angles
- Perfect light, stiff, and durable high angle paddle
- Adjustable ferrule for offset feathering choice
- Dihedral blade design with stiff spine
THE MOST DURABLE PADDLE
The Werner Shuna is my other main paddle right now and I love it. I really enjoy the strong paddle power I can get out of the stiff fiberglass blades and the carbon shaft feels just right. The compression molded fiberglass blades are also super strong. I kayak fish in inshore areas often that have huge beds of oyster shells that scratch up everything, and the paddle has held strong and has not taken any damage despite using it to push of the beds sometimes. It’s often hard to explain why one paddle is better than another in just words, when you hold and test paddles you understand. However, what comes to mind with the Shuna is natural. It just feels right and it paddles strong.
Aqua Bound Sting Ray
Specs
- Carbon paddle shaft
- Injected nylon reinforced fiberglass blades
- 91 sq. in. paddle surface area
- Infinite ferrule angles with posi-lock
Features
- Smooth flutter free forward stroke with blades
- Posi lock ferrule allows for infinite feathering angles
- Reinforced nylon blades much stronger than plastic
- Well suited for high angle paddlers
THE BEST BUDGET PADDLE
The Aqua Bound Sting Ray paddle is an entry level paddle but offers several distinct features that elevate it above other entry level paddles in the group. It has a full carbon shaft construction along with nylon blades reinforced with fiberglass. The nylon blades make it the heaviest paddle on this list, but don’t discount it based on that, the paddle is a solid performer, it is well balanced, and it is very easy to use. One high end feature you get out of this paddle is the unlimited ferrule angles from the posi lock system which is great if you like paddling with offset blades.
Common Kayak Paddle Questions
What size paddle should I buy?
Check out our convenient paddle size guide table for this one!
Is a carbon fiber paddle worth It?
The answer to this lies in your wallet. If you can afford the paddle then it is definitely one of the best materials out there for high performance and lightweight kayaking. A carbon fiber is also very stiff which translates into more energy from your stroke being put into the water.
Why are some kayak paddles twisted?
The offset between paddle blades you see in some paddles is called feathering that you can set with an adjustable ferrule. Feathering offsets the blades from each other anywhere from 15 – 45 degrees to reduce wind resistance when your paddle is out of the water and help with a natural paddle motion.
What is the best kayak paddle for a beginner?
A beginner will benefit just as much as an expert from using a high quality paddle since it will put more of their energy into the water with each stroke. If you are committed to the sport then invest in the best paddle you can afford. You will not regret it.
What is the most durable kayak paddle material?
The most durable kayak paddle material is fiberglass for the blades. It is extremely popular because it is lightweight and very strong. I have extensively used a fiberglass bladed paddle for inshore fishing where you encounter oyster beds and jagged rocks and I have never had any damage.
Does paddle weight really make a difference?
Yes, weight does make a difference. If you have the opportunity paddle around for an hour with a basic heavy paddle, then switch over to a carbon fiber lightweight paddle. The difference is just insane even though we’re only talking about a few ounces. Also look at the math:
- 37 ounces for a basic paddle vs 23 ounces for a high end paddle = 14 ounces extra per stroke
- If you’re out fishing I’d estimate you’re paddling somewhere around 3 miles (estimate 500 strokes per mile)
- 11 (ounces) x 500 (strokes) x 3 (miles) = 21000 ounces = 1312 extra lbs of swing weight
That’s a lot of extra weight! And yes, I guarantee you will feel it the next day.
How do you hold a bent shaft kayak paddle?
The proper hold of a bent shaft kayak paddle is by gripping it on the blade side of the shaft after the first bend. You don’t hold it on the elbow of the bend but on the straight section afterward. If you are holding it correctly your wrist should not be bent.
Check out our other articles about Kayak Fishing:
- HOW TO FIND KAYAK FISHING SPOTS
- KAYAK FISHING CLOTHES – A GUIDE ON WHAT TO WEAR
- BEST LIFE JACKETS FOR KAYAK FISHING
- HOW TO CHOOSE A KAYAK TROLLING MOTOR BATTERY
- THE BEST STAKEOUT POLES FOR YOUR KAYAK, SUP, OR CANOE
- A GUIDE TO THE BEST KAYAK AND CANOE CARTS
- BUYING A USED FISHING KAYAK: 10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
- HOW TO CHOOSE A KAYAK PADDLE FOR FISHING
- BEST FISHING KAYAKS
- YOUR KAYAK FISHING GEAR CHECKLIST
- KAYAK FISHING WITH GATORS
Heath Anderson
Heath lives in North Carolina and has been an avid fisherman and all around outdoorsman for the past three decades. In addition to enjoying the outdoors, Heath has been active in the online fishing industry since 2010, teaching and sharing reviews of fishing products on BassGrab.com to help anglers catch more and look good while doing it.
All stories by: Heath Anderson