Kayak "fishing" paddles

And they are photogenic!

  Before I comment on a few of the points shared here on paddling techniques, I still would like to keep the thread focused on the marketing/construction of the fishing paddles (for now) and give those members who represent other paddle companies an opportunity to share their perspectives.

I am a little disappointed, but not surprised, that there isn't more participation regarding this topic.
Seems that there are more and more sponsored "pros" here, but at times I wonder if there is any real kayaking skill and knowledge to back the brand.






 

I've been ogling over the Oracle to replace the carbon/wooden paddle I still use    Can't wait to give one a try in 2016
...and no, I'm not a pro in any respect to paddle selection, choice, etc ...  learning like the rest of us.

  Before I comment on a few of the points shared here on paddling techniques, I still would like to keep the thread focused on the marketing/construction of the fishing paddles (for now) and give those members who represent other paddle companies an opportunity to share their perspectives.

I am a little disappointed, but not surprised, that there isn't more participation regarding this topic.
Seems that there are more and more sponsored "pros" here, but at times I wonder if there is any real kayaking skill and knowledge to back the brand.

I am guessing that the lack of input is due, in part, to the minimal information required for paddle selection pertaining to paddling a SOT, fishing kayak vs. other kayak segments such as touring, whitewater, surfing, etc. that often appear to require more specific paddle choices and, thus, possibly greater education.  Since the greater populous on here are SOT kayak fishing, the  desire for paddle education in other forms of kayaking seem to be far less desirable.  I do enjoy reading posts on more technical kayaking never the less.  Always good to see what else can be done on/with a kayak.

First of all, I'm a Hobie guy so I don't profess to know much about paddles or paddling.  That being said, I really like my Bending Branches paddle with the line retrieval notch and the measuring ruler on the shaft.  I frequently forget my hog trough and use the paddle to measure.  The line retrieval notch is a great tool when grabbing line on a crab pot or an anchor line. I'm not sure this says much about the "paddle" but it's a great utility tool when fishing from a Hobie pedal kayak.  The paddles that come with Hobies are very poor quality and the Bending Branches Angler is the perfect replacement paddle.

  Before I comment on a few of the points shared here on paddling techniques, I still would like to keep the thread focused on the marketing/construction of the fishing paddles (for now) and give those members who represent other paddle companies an opportunity to share their perspectives.

I am a little disappointed, but not surprised, that there isn't more participation regarding this topic.
Seems that there are more and more sponsored "pros" here, but at times I wonder if there is any real kayaking skill and knowledge to back the brand.

I am guessing that the lack of input is due, in part, to the minimal information required for paddle selection pertaining to paddling a SOT, fishing kayak vs. other kayak segments such as touring, whitewater, surfing, etc. that often appear to require more specific paddle choices and, thus, possibly greater education.  Since the greater populous on here are SOT kayak fishing, the  desire for paddle education in other forms of kayaking seem to be far less desirable.  I do enjoy reading posts on more technical kayaking never the less.  Always good to see what else can be done on/with a kayak.

 It appears that the paddle companies might disagree with your assessment or they wouldn't be producing paddles specific for this demographic.
 Fishing SOTs are not WW, surf, or touring boats and they require different shaft lengths and blade styles to manipulate them with efficiency and for maximum recreation.
My surf paddle is 196cm where my primary fishing SOT paddle length is 240cm.
If I just grabbed any paddle off of the rack, my day of paddling would not be nearly as enjoyable as if I chose the right paddle for the boat I was using.
 I looked deeper into what Adventure Tech is doing and found something that is very specific to kayak fishing applications. The shaft of the fishing paddle extends to adapt to the elevating chairs like Jackson is using.  Very smart move for Adventure Tech.
 

I am a pro.

I like good paddles.

Especially Black ones.

Yellow ones are nice too.

OK serious now.  lots of paddles out there, but for me, ,mostly ocean fishing, I go with more the "touring" style paddle, as do most of us I think.  I like a longer length paddle especially for newer stand up style boats that are wider.  This allows me to maintain a low angle stroke.  I prefer this stroke to conserve energy, efficiency and thereby extend my range.  Or, keep some gas in the tank for the trip home.  Even a longer paddle can be used with a higher attack when necessary by adjusting the width of my grip. I prefer skinnier blades for the same reason.  Economy and maintaining stamina.

And I like LIGHT paddles.  So, carbon is the WTG. After saying all that, I admit my #1 go to paddle is semi-carbon, bent shaft Lendall, that I got YEARS ago from sponsor. Because of the complicated angle and length options on that paddle, it's actually heavier than it should be. I still use this paddle 90% of the time. 

On the Predators, sometimes I'll use the 240 glass Paddle by Carslisle.  Again, a sponsor-provided paddle.  Pretty light though, and I like it cause it's simple and straighforward not any geegaws on it.  Both these paddles have a semi-wing aspect to the blades.  I've gotten used to using that wing action when I am trying to stroke with proper technique.

I had a full-wing carbon paddle from Lendall, and it was really too mush for me.  It bit so deep it wore me out, so I gave it to Fuzzy Tom who is famous for long-ass paddles.

What I really want though is a carbon Werner 230 or 240.....But they haven't called me up for sponsorship yet. 

"Fishing" paddles?  I guess that can be whatever the manufacturer wants it to be.  The line grabber I never liked.  RBark said it best.

Please remember despite all the above, I am probably a horrible paddler.  I'm low on technique, but at least I don't have any endurance.  Note to self:  Call Werner........


Bushy

 Bending branches says they were first

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOVBahYX65o&feature=youtu.be


Good bending branches angler series info
https://www.youtube.com/user/BendingBranchesTV

 It's kind of discouraging to see that Bending Branches promotes using the paddle to push away from rocks instead of a simple T-stroke or sculling maneuver.
Part of what I believe is a dumbed down version of kayaking for anglers.

How about a paddle designed to lessen fatigue from / ease paddling one handed (while positioning and what not)?  I've got enough tape measures and hog troughs, don't need a sticker on the shaft.

Maybe its out there already and I'm not looking hard enough...

Thanks for sharing your findings with us, Terry. 

Accent is another brand that has a focus on this market.

http://accentpaddles.com/product-category/fishing/

 The Transformer looks pretty functional for the stand up/sight fishing anglers or folks that fish the flats a lot.
I would have purchased this paddle back when I was fishing on the Imagine Speeder.
I was using something similar called the Rapier. I did not like it.

Like Adventure Technologies, they have the "sliders" to adjust shaft length for the elevated chairs.

While at first I thought that was a pretty smart idea, Im not sure now. I don't know how operationally smooth they are or how long they will function. I don't have any time with these products so I can't be sure of anything.
 Personally, I put a lot of value in simplicity and might just want to use a 250-260 paddle for those boats no matter how I have the chair.  I have used a 250 on the Old Town Predator with the chair up and it was just about right. I wouldn't be afraid to buy a 260 though.

How about a paddle designed to lessen fatigue from / ease paddling one handed (while positioning and what not)?  I've got enough tape measures and hog troughs, don't need a sticker on the shaft.

Maybe its out there already and I'm not looking hard enough...

Something like this?

http://backwaterpaddles.com

^^ that is a great little paddle. I use mine all the time. They are making a full size paddle with that blade design aswell.

Been using the "slider" for 4 years with no issues. Smooth as the day I got it.

A low angle paddle is designed to be less stressful on the body.

A bent shaft is designed to be a little easier one hand paddleing, but I do it with the straight shaft and prefer it overall.