How to Size A Fishing Kayak Paddle

Choosing a fishing kayak paddle is a little different than paddles for recreation and touring kayaks, and after a 6-8 hour day of fishing... you'll be glad you chose the right size. In this article we'll give you our thoughts on size parameters to consider and also a common setup for your pedal drive fishing kayak.

Fishing Kayak Paddle Size Considerations

Fishing kayaks are wide, stable and oftentimes heavy, so you need a longer paddle and a wide blade to avoid hitting your knuckles on the side and having to lean over with each paddle stroke to generate power. Many fishing kayaks have an adjustable seat height, so if you prefer to fish mostly in the tallest seat setting, your paddle will need to be longer.

There are three important factors to consider when choosing a fishing kayak paddle: 1) your height, 2) kayak width, and 3) kayak seat height. If your fishing kayak has a notably high seating position (like a Native Titan Propel), then adding 10cm to the paddle length is a good idea.

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Adjustable and Fixed Length Kayak Paddles

Fishing kayaks with a fixed seat height with be best served by a fixed length kayak paddle, while fishing kayaks with an adjustable seat height should opt for a kayak paddle with adjustable length. The shorter setting will work better when the seat it lowered and the longer setting when the seat is raised high.

If you're in a pedal drive kayak, you'll likely never use a paddle much and then our main recommendation is to buy a 2-piece paddle. Most of us kayak anglers will take both pieces but only have one half of it easily accessible for pushing off the bank, rocks, etc. The other half is out of reach or inside the hull storage area. I have personally switched to keeping a Backwater Assault paddle in my fishing kayak as it takes up practically no space and is very easy to paddle over the sides if needed. I mostly use it to push and pull on things.

Paddle Blade Size

Most, if not all, of your fishing kayak paddles will be broad and of a standard length. Some white water paddles are also broad, but are much shorter so as to be quicker and more maneuverable. Fishing kayak paddles need to move a lot of water since the kayaks are so large, so a longer wider blade accomplished that best.