Paddle Choice fishing kayak

[Jonesdds]

Getting a Sportsman by OldTown 10.6. Says 36” wide, seems to be one of the higher set seats of the fishing kayaks I checked out.

I’m 5’9”. I will mostly be on freshwater lakes, possible from time to time in calmer ocean bays, harbors.

It has the Minnkota option(inboard version) but I still plan a lot of paddling, lord know I need the exercise.

From research I’m thinking about 260 CM. I typically like the fins straight on but I’ve only used an ocean type kayak, Hobie dual seat so sitting lower. Would like adjustability, I believe the Hobie paddles I have have three positions which would be good(might only be two been awhile).

Budget $100-200, looking at bending branch at high end of budget. What should I be looking at?

[FullFlavorPike]

I like aqua bound paddles. You can get some of their glass and carbon composites under $200.

However, if you can spend a little under $300, the aquabound whisky fiberglass paddle is a thing of beauty! So light and strong. You may find spending a little extra to get a really fine paddle is worth it. Imagine you bought a new Cayman GT4 and put snow tires on it for track day...that's kind of like paddling a sophisticated and HEAVY modern kayak with a heavy floppy plastic paddle.

[SoCalEDC]

You dont want plastic blades like the Hobie paddle uses. Every amount of deflection in the paddle is going to result in you wasting effort.

You can find a paddle with carbon fiber shaft (rigid) and fiberglass blades (rigid) in your budget if you shop around. You will need to determine if you are a high angle or low angle paddler as that will weigh into your choice of paddle. The paddle is going to make the biggest difference in your experience on the water.

[JohnMckroidJr]

Even though I don't use mine, if you're not using a peddle kayak, the paddle is your engine.... not an area to skimp on its quality.

[Jonesdds]

Originally Posted by JohnMckroidJr

Even though I don't use mine, if you're not using a peddle kayak, the paddle is your engine.... not an area to skimp on its quality.

Funny you should say that because it has the minnkota built in. But I plan to mix it up, need the exercise and sometimes just may go out to explore minus the motor, not fishing. So, I don’t feel I need the best money could buy. If I didn’t have the motor, I’d certainly have the money for the best.

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by Jonesdds

Funny you should say that because it has the minnkota built in. But I plan to mix it up, need the exercise and sometimes just may go out to explore minus the motor, not fishing. So, I don’t feel I need the best money could buy. If I didn’t have the motor, I’d certainly have the money for the best.

LOL, That's going to be a beast to paddle. As long as you use low power all day, the battery will last awhile. I found the weight of the battery outweighed the value of the power when I had a 35lb thrust watersnake. Cheaper lithiums might change that.