Angler Classic Fishing Paddle

The Angler Classic is the fishing paddle most kayak anglers end up with, and for good reason: a big 102.5 square inch blade, a hook retriever, a tape measure on the shaft, and a price that does not make you wince when it knocks against an oyster bar.

What Makes a Fishing Paddle Different

Three things, and the one nobody mentions matters most. There is a hook retrieval notch in a blade, for pulling a snagged lure out of a branch instead of paddling over and standing up. There is a 40-inch tape measure printed on the shaft, so you can lay a fish alongside it on the spot — Bending Branches is clear that it is not an official tournament measuring device, and nor are we. And then the part that actually does the work: an oversized blade. A rigged fishing kayak with a crate, a battery, a cooler and four rods is heavy and catches a lot of wind, and a slim touring blade just slips through the water. A big blade gives you the low-end grab to move that weight and hold position against a breeze.

Built to Be Knocked About

The blade is fiberglass-reinforced nylon rather than thin carbon, which is the right choice for a paddle that will meet dock pilings and cypress knees. It is hand-built in Osceola, Wisconsin.

Angler Classic Details

• Blade: fiberglass-reinforced nylon, 102.5 sq in (661 sq cm), 7.5" x 18"

• Shaft: 100% fiberglass, ovalised at the grip

• 35.5 oz (1,006 g)

• Lengths 240, 250, 260, 270 and 280 cm

• Snap-button ferrule, 0° and 60° feather, left or right hand control

• Carbon ferrule insert

• Hook retrieval notch in one blade; 40" tape measure on the shaft

• 2-piece; 2 year manufacturing warranty

We have it on the rack in 240, 250 and 260 cm in Tidal Blue and Electric Green, plus one adjustable Versa-Lok at 230–245 cm. A wide fishing kayak with a raised seat usually wants 250 cm or more — bring the boat by our Clearwater shop and we will measure it properly.