Hey guys,
I have never kayak fished and am about to get started. I am in the process of building a boat. Not actually a kayak but clse enough. The boat is 14 feet long with a 24" beam at the water line and 11 inc sides. I plan on using it like a kayak and need to get a paddle.
I stand 6’ and was wondering what size and type of paddle to get. I plan to use it trout fishing, duck hunting and sight seeing.
I don’t want to spend much money (at least at first).
Judo, A paddle around 230cm should do the trick for you. Werner makes a great paddle called the Skagit that sells for $130. It is a fiberglass shaft with a nylon blade. Great weight and strength for the money. You can find a good paddle for less, something like a Harmony or an Aqua Bound, but you will have a much heavier paddle. In my honest opinion, don’t buy a higher end paddle (over $175) if it is going to be a “fishing” paddle. I have found that carbon fiber and fiberglass blades do not react well with oysters.
DD
The Redfish’s only natural predator is the DOLPHIN D
First paddle I bought was 120$ wooden paddle, nice, lost at Bushy. Second was piece of crap Haromony 50$ still own. The one I use is “day-tripper” 40$ at Ludens (sports authority sells for 59.99). (call Dee at ludens and ask price).
Hey Judo
I have the Skagit paddle Dave mentioned. I’d buy it again if I had to. It’s a great bang for the buck for a fishing paddle. My first up grade from a square crappy ol paddle was to a $80 Walden Sports paddle which made a huge difference. I then later upgraded again to a two-piece Skagit, I think I got it for $110 at the April Kayak Festival. The Skagit is another big increase in paddling ease over the first two paddles. The design of two piece Skagit won’t lock up on you like other cheaper two piece paddles if you forget to take it a part for storage. As Dave said it’s lightweight and tuff enough to beat back the oyster bars when they “attack”. The Skagit also makes for a good depth-finder in shallower water without bangin’ up the blade. I’ve also paddled through a lot of pluff mud with it, gettin’ out of skinny water without breaking it so far (knock on wood). My advice is to save up and get one.
Stinky