Bending Branches Classic Angler Paddle - 2-Piece Snap-Button for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

I haven't used anything but this paddle...first one ever. after 8hrs paddling I did have an almost kinda blister but I think that is pretty impressive. The paddle did its job.

This paddle is light and works fine. I've been on the lake dozens of times with it. After the third time, the hook retrieval cutout became more of a nuisance than a help. On my kayak (the jackson cuda 12) there's a paddle holder that uses bungee type straps. If you don't pay attention and put the paddle with the cutout in you will likely get it stuck. It became such a pain that I duct taped the hook retrieval cutout. If you plan to store the paddle when fishing, I recommend getting something other than this paddle or you'll be taping it up. If this came from the factory with a snap that could be undone to open the hook retrieval cutout it would be perfect.

I bought this paddle along with a Ride 115. Great combination! It is light weight and easy to manage.

If you're a kayak fisherman, this paddle is nice to have on hand. I mainly purchased this paddle for its measuring capabilities. Having a ruler on the paddle itself is innovative, and makes for one less item to remember to bring or store on the kayak. You will always have the paddle, therefore, you will always have your ruler; and the ruler is glassed into the handle, so it will not rub off or fade away. Then there's the lure retrieval knotch that is located on one of the paddle fins. At first I thought of this as just an extra bonus because I wasn't sure if I'd ever need it, or just how well it would really work, afterall it's only a knotch cut into one of the paddle ends. Let me just say that after you need to use it for the first time, that alone will make you so grateful you purchased this paddle. While trolling, one of my favorite redfish lures got snagged low on a dock post. I tried pulling it free from every angle I could think of and it would not free itself. I thought I was going to have to cut the line, then I remembered the knotch in the paddle. So I put the fishing line into the knotch and followed the line down about six feet until the paddle met the lure, and worked it free. It was great because the water was black with tannins and I couldn't see into the water to know where the lure was caught, but being able to guide my paddle down using the knotch led me right to the lure where I could pry it off, without any damage to the lure or hook. The shaft of the paddle has oval hand grips to fit in your palms better, and makes for less soreness in your hands after a long day out. The drip guards work as well as any other, you'll still get a little wet, I don't know of any drip guards that completely keep you dry. The handles fit together snuggly and can be a bit difficult to pull apart at times, especially wet. If you have even a small amount of arthritis I'd suggest a different paddle. (My Werner Skagit FG paddle pulls apart easier)