If you’re planning to use an inflatable kayak (IK) for fishing — like many who enjoy kayak fishing do — then picking the right paddle is surprisingly important. A good paddle makes paddling easier, more efficient and comfortable (especially if you’re on the water for hours), and helps you avoid spooking fish with sloppy strokes. Here’s a guide to how to choose the right paddle for inflatable-kayak fishing.
What to consider when choosing a paddle for an inflatable kayak?
Paddle length (and kayak width + your height)
- The ideal paddle length depends mostly on how wide your inflatable kayak is and your own height.
- Inflatable kayaks tend to be wider than narrow hardshell kayaks, so paddles for inflatable kayaks often need to be longer.
- As a general guideline for recreational/touring inflatable kayaks: paddles around 220–240 cm tend to work well.
- For wider fishing kayaks — especially if they’re “sit-on-top” or have high seats — anglers often go for 240–250 cm or even up to ~260 cm.
- Your paddling style also affects length: if you use a high-angle stroke (more vertical, powerful), your paddle can be a bit shorter; if you use a low-angle stroke (more relaxed, sweeping), a slightly longer paddle is often better.
Bottom line: measure your inflatable kayak’s width, consider how high you sit, think about how you paddle — and choose a paddle length accordingly. If you’re unsure, slightly longer is often safer with a wide inflatable fishing kayak.
Blade shape & paddle style: high-angle vs low-angle
Your blade shape and the way you paddle (stroke style) makes a big difference:
- High-angle blades: Shorter and wider, with more surface area. They’re better for powerful, vertical strokes — useful for quick acceleration, maneuvering, or dealing with waves. More effort is required, though.
- Low-angle blades: Longer, narrower blades that are better for smooth, efficient, relaxed paddling — ideal for long, steady trips or fishing when you don’t want noisy, splashy strokes that might spook fish.
Tip for fishing: Because you often want to minimize noise and splashes (to avoid scaring fish), many anglers prefer low-angle blades — unless they need bursts of speed or maneuverability.
Also consider shaft type. A straight-shaft paddle is simpler and versatile; a bent-shaft paddle can offer more ergonomic comfort (less wrist/shoulder strain) on long paddling sessions.
Feathering (offset blades) is another nice-to-have: it reduces wind resistance on windy days, which can help if you’re paddling in open water.
Material: weight, durability, cost — balance matters
Paddle materials affect weight, stiffness (efficiency), durability, price, and overall comfort:
- Plastic / nylon blades + aluminum shafts: Affordable and durable, but heavier and less efficient. Good for casual use or beginners.
- Fiberglass shafts/blades: A good balance — lighter than aluminum/plastic, decent stiffness and responsiveness, mid-range price. Great “do-everything” choice.
- Carbon-fiber shafts/blades (or composites): Lightest, stiffest, and most efficient — ideal if you paddle long distances, want maximal energy transfer, or care about minimizing fatigue. More expensive, though.
For fishing — especially if you’re out for hours and want to avoid fatigue — fiberglass or carbon paddles tend to give the best balance of performance and comfort.
Which paddle is right for you — based on what you do
- Casual fishing, occasional use, tight budget: Go with an affordable aluminum/plastic paddle (like the Airhead or Quest Chute). They’re heavier and less efficient but they get the job done.
- Frequent fishing, moderate budget, want convenience: Adjustable paddles (e.g. Quest Vapor, Pelican Symbiosa) give flexibility if multiple people use the kayak or if you change paddling style.
- Often on the water, long trips, want comfort + efficiency: Fiberglass or carbon paddles (like Bending Branches Angler or Quest Khor) give the best balance of light weight, power and reduced fatigue — ideal for serious fishing outings.
- Portability / travel matters: A paddle that breaks down into multiple pieces or is adjustable in length is a big advantage if you transport your kayak by car, storage is limited, or you hike to launch points.
Choosing the right paddle for inflatable kayak fishing isn’t rocket science — but it does require thought. The key things: match the paddle length to your kayak’s width and your body; choose a blade shape that matches your paddling style; and pick a material that fits how often and how long you paddle.