Backwater Paddle Company Hand Paddles
Backwater Paddle company has produced two hand paddles that allow you to maneuver the kayak while still keeping a hand on your fishing rod. I have been using them for a few months now and they are great inexpensive addition to you kayak fishing arsenal. Back water makes two version of this paddle the Predator, which has a square design, is touted for use on Sit In Kayaks (SINKs). The Piranha which has a longer asymmetrical design is the preferred paddle for Sit On Top kayaks (SOTs). Both paddles are designed with a built in Hook for retrieving fishing lines, anchor lines, etc. The Piranha sports a scalloped blade edge for pushing off of rocks, pilings, etc. What a great present for the kayak angler who has it all. MSRP is $24.95. Their website is www.backwaterpaddles.com.

Visit Tidalfish.com at http://www.tidalfish.com/forums/content.php/756-KAYAK-FISHING-Gift-ideas-for-the-Kayak-Angler-Gifts-for-Guys-Presents-for-Men-Fisherman-Gift-Ideas to see the Backwater Paddles and other great gifts for kayak anglers!

We appreciate all your support at Tidalfish.com.   Paddle on my friends!!

The site Native Paddler, from Barb Langford residing on the west coast of Florida, is the latest site becoming involved with Backwater Paddles.   Barb, or Paddle Gal as she is affectionately called, recently put together this awesome site for the paddle sportsmen and enthusiasts in and around Florida.  The Native Paddler site provides weather reports, tide charts, fishing reports, tournaments and dealerships for the Florida paddle sportsman or sportswoman.  Where has this site been all along?? 

I went over to the “left coast” of Florida, as we Florida east coasters have denoted the west coast side, to have a chat and visit with Paddle Gal.  She was interested in becoming a sales rep/dealer/distributor for Backwater Paddles and our products.  Just being 2 – 1/2 hours away, the trip over was worth the time I would have spent sitting in my office, plugging away at my computer, wishing I was outside paddling somewhere.

Barb and I went for a paddle through Clam Bayou outside Boca Ciega Bay.  It was a quiet, overcast day, with wildlife in abundance.  We checked on the progress of some ecological rehab work being done in and around Clam Bayou.  Clam Bayou is a classic native mangar, thriving with all the natural species of plants and animals you could want to locate and identify.

As this was a semi-business trip, I brought along one of Backwater Paddles proof of concept/prototype Raptor Kayak paddles for Paddle Gal to beta test and provide some future feedback.   Paddle Gal took to the Raptor, like a fish to chum….maybe not such a good metaphor??

All in all, except for the trip back to the east coast (traffic jam for 50 miles) it was a great time and certainly a pleasure to have met Barb.  I look forward to bringing Paddle Gal onboard the Backwater Paddle Team. 

Visit www.nativepaddler.com to procure all the necessary information you need to have a great fishing or paddling trip around the great state of Florida. 

This is a photo Paddle Gal took of me on Clam Bayou

Again, for all you Florida anglers and paddle sportsmen, be sure you check out the Native Paddler site before heading out!!  There is a plethora of information on that site that will make your next adventure even more awesome!  

Paddle on my friends!!!

Predator Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle in action.

Since the introduction of kayak fishing hand paddles, paddle sports, particularly the sports of kayak fishing, hunting and photography has embraced these simple, yet indispensable paddling accessories with open arms.  Having open arms, at least free hands, while fishing, hunting of taking pictures is what every paddle sportsman desires.   Paddle sportsmen want to focus on one thing and one thing only.  They want success in getting close enough to catch, capture or photograph their prey.   The last thing a paddle sportsman wants to do is scare their prey away, or not be at the ready, before they have the opportunity to perform.

Kayak fishing hand paddles make it much easier to keep fishing, hunting or your subject within the camera view finder without spooking your elusive prey.   The problem all paddle sportsmen encounter is how to stealthily maneuver their boat within close proximity while still accomplishing their mission! 

Compact and lightweight, kayak fishing hand paddles allow you to stow those bulky, seven foot kayak paddles.  Simply keep an eight ounce kayak fishing hand paddles between your legs, or within easy reach, and with one hand, stealthily move your boat to within range without ever setting down your fishing rod, gun or camera.   Now you can easily fish, hunt and photograph while moving your boat!

Previously, the kayak sportsman got as close as he could with his seven foot kayak paddles.   Once on target, he commenced to do what he came to do.   As we know, wildlife becomes very skittish when man, whom they view as a predator, enters their protected domain.   The natural tendency of wildlife is to move away from their predator, with stealth if possible.  The more action you provide in your approach, the faster and further they flee.   Wildlife often watch with intrigue as you approach from a distance, however, encroaching into their fight or flight zone, wariness ensues.  Flailing seven foot kayak paddles while in close proximity to wildlife is tantamount to certain failure.  They will soon be gone.

Kayak anglers continually find it necessary to stealthily move their kayak short distances to stalk their prey.  Fish are always on the move.  Facing a common dilemma as how to keep fishing, move your boat and not scare prey away, became problematic.  Having to break out their seven foot kayak paddle and lay down their fishing rod just to move their kayak a few yards put them in jeopardy of losing sight or frightening away their prized lunker.  Fish have eyes, and believe me, those eyes are always looking for predators.  No matter how stealthy you are while flailing seven foot kayak paddles, it is surely to grab their attention and send your prize darting away.

Duck hunters find kayaks as the ultimate method of quietly sneaking across lagoons, lakes or ponds.  Getting your boat situated in the reeds or cat tails, sliding into a blind or silently slithering along the surface is paramount to successful duck hunting.   Turning your boat for the correct presentation to aim your gun without sending the flock flying is easier said than done.   Again, having to break out your seven foot kayak paddle and setting down your gun to attempt a stealthy maneuver without scattering the flock is a challenge most duck hunters wish to avoid. 

Water fowl, shore birds and marine mammals live in a very dynamic environment and are particularly hard to photograph unless you have a plan, or a huge telephoto lens.   Kayak photography has taken off as the innovative method for obtaining those natural habitat photos of wildlife.  Half the battle of getting that perfect photograph is being in the right place at the right time.   Paddle sportsman, particularly paddle photographers, are taking advantage of the stealth that kayaks provide in locating and snapping that once in a lifetime shot.   However, just like fish and ducks, marine wildlife is easily spooked by flailing objects.  Breaking out those seven foot kayak paddles to maneuver closer for your shot is a guarantee that your subject will be spooked.  Photograph missed.

Kayak fishing hand paddles provide the ultimate opportunity for paddle sportsmen to stealthily maneuver their boat in any scenario.  Whether you are kayak angler, duck hunter, or paddle sports photographer, having the capability to stealthily maneuver your boat determines whether you become a player or get skunked.

Kayak fishing hand paddles simply allow you to put away those awkward kayak paddles, stealthily move your kayak one-handed and successfully  keep fishing, hunting of shooting photos.    

Terry fishing with the Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle

Backwater Paddle Company is proud to announce that Outdoor Specialty Innovations(OSI) will become the exclusive distibutor of Backwater Paddle Company paddle products throughout the US, Canada, Mexico and Australia.  Late October, OSI approached Backwater Paddle Company wanting to market, distribute and sell our legendary Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles.

Ron Basket, CEO and founder of Outdoor Innovations (OSI), a Nevada based company, is dedicated to the development and discovery of innovative products designed to ease and heighten the joy of the fishing experience.   Ron has come up with answers to some of these perennial fishing frustrations with his own line of Easy2Hook non-threading loop tie fishing hooks and the company’s patented clip-on Bait Strap bait and attractant holder line of products.

Integrating the innovative paddle concepts of Backwater Paddle Company with Outdoor Specialty Innovations patented fishing tackle and accessories is a natural path for mutual growth and prosperity.   Paddle sportsmen are clamouring for the latest and greatest gear,  equipment and accessories.   OSI has experience in outdoor marketing and sales, having attended the 2010 ICAST  show in Las Vegas earlier this year.   OSIs employment will launch Backwater Paddle Company into the paddle sports and fishing markets  sooner and more efficiently.    

Outdoor Specialty Innovations’ Easy2HookUSAs, non-threading loop tie line of fishing hooks,  exemplifies how practical solutions solve the difficult and time consuming process of attaching your fishing  line to an open eye and even more difficult,  spade-end hook.  But not anymore!  OSI made it easy with the ultimate fishing hook you can attach to a line in five seconds!

Backwater Paddle Company’s Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles will continue to be manufactured and headquartered in Central Florida.  Our regional sales force and company dealerships will continue to grow, working under the auspices of Outdoor Specialty Innovations.

Backwater Paddle Company’s future plastic and composite line of paddles are working their way through the designing and testing phase.   In the works are another plastic/structural foam kayak fishing hand paddle, the Raptor Kayak paddle and the Havoc Canoe paddle, all reflecting Backwater Paddles patented “hook and teeth” blade designs.

Contact Outdoor Specialty Innovations  at  www.outdoorspecialtyinnovations.com for all your Backwater Paddle Company paddle requests and inventory.    Outdoor Specialty Innovations Inc 800 North Rainbow Blvd Suite 208 Las Vegas NV 89107

Brad Wiegmann, outdoor writer, sportsman, photographer and professional fishing guide took the time to review our Piranha and Predator Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles.    

Below is his review:

Nota, Nota, Nota going to do that again. I ended up the creek without a paddle. You think that’s funny don’t ya. Well, it’s not exactly what you think. See, I had my long 220 cm high-strength, air-grade 7075 T6 aluminum shaft with high impact ABS plastic blades, but the long, dangling vines and branches were making it impossible to use. So, I was literally up the creek without a paddle. At least one paddle that I could use to get around with and fish.

I am not the only kayak angler who faces this dilemma every time they go out fishing. The longer paddles of course are great for getting to where you are going to fish, but only seem to be in the way once you start fishing. That’s what Ed Halm, owner of Backwater Paddles discovered. His solution was to design a hand paddle that anglers could use to control their kayak while fishing. Interestingly, Halm not only designed and built one hand paddle, but two: Piranha and Predator. Both are designed for anglers when kayak fishing, but built different to accommodate what kayak the angler is fishing out of. The Piranha weighs 7-ounces with a blade size of 5” x 12” and total length of 19-inches. Piranha’s longer length makes it ideal for anglers fishing from sit-on-top kayaks. The Predator weighs 6-ounces with a blade size of 6” x 9” and total length of 15-inches.  Predator’s shorter length makes it perfect for anglers fishing from sit-in kayaks. Both are waterproof and have a wooden blade and handle. Backwater Paddles (www.backwaterpaddles.com) are made in the U.S.A. and 100% guaranteed against breakage.

Nota, Nota, Nota going to do that again. I ended up the creek without a paddle. You think that’s funny don’t ya. Well, it’s not exactly what you think. See, I had my long 220 cm high-strength, air-grade 7075 T6 aluminum shaft with high impact ABS plastic blades, but the long, dangling vines and branches were making it impossible to use. So, I was literally up the creek without a paddle. At least one paddle that I could use to get around with and fish.

Brad checking out the Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles

I am not the only kayak angler who faces this dilemma every time they go out fishing. The longer paddles of course are great for getting to where you are going to fish, but only seem to be in the way once you start fishing. That’s what Ed Halm, owner of Backwater Paddles discovered. His solution was to design a hand paddle that anglers could use to control their kayak while fishing. Interestingly, Halm not only designed and built one hand paddle, but two: Piranha and Predator. Both are designed for anglers when kayak fishing, but built different to accommodate what kayak the angler is fishing out of. The Piranha weighs 7-ounces with a blade size of 5” x 12” and total length of 19-inches. Piranha’s longer length makes it ideal for anglers fishing from sit-on-top kayaks. The Predator weighs 6-ounces with a blade size of 6” x 9” and total length of 15-inches.  Predator’s shorter length makes it perfect for anglers fishing from sit-in kayaks. Both are waterproof and have a wooden blade and handle. Backwater Paddles (www.backwaterpaddles.com) are made in the U.S.A. and 100% guaranteed against breakage.

Hand paddles can be used by anglers, hunters, or even photographers to control their kayaks. “Some of the benefits to using a hand paddle include being able to control the kayak with one hand so you can fish with the other and not have to lay down your fishing pole; you can also use them in skinny water or around thick cover and brush like mangrove trees. The hook also allows anglers to pull themselves next to docks, grab trees, snag lines, and maneuver their kayaks,” explain Halm. The Backwater Paddles come with a wrist strap that anglers can put around their wrist to keep from dropping or losing it. Being shorter in length than a standard two bladed paddle, anglers can store them inside their boat or hook them onto the side. It’s common to see anglers using the hand paddles in skinny water. The blade length allows the angler to control the kayak and stalk fish effortlessly; however hand paddles shouldn’t be overlooked in moving water. “Hand paddles are great in moving water like rivers and streams. They can be used to control your drift and flow with the current.; in addition to paddling yourself to a shallow spot, eddy, or like a rudder to guide the kayak,” said Halm.

 Are you going out fishing from a kayak? Would you like to fish more than paddling trying to control your kayak? When it comes to fishing more than paddling you are better off with a hand paddle. The smaller compact paddles can be used to maneuver your kayak with little effort making it easier to sneak up on fish in shallow water. Plus they can be used as a backup in case your longer paddle breaks. You won’t want to find yourself up a creek without a paddle would ya?

Author:  Brad Wiegmann

We appreciate your time and consideration Brad! 

Ed Halm

I was first introduced to Backwater Paddles earlier this year. When I first saw them I was skeptical, I didn’t think the paddle had a place in my already cramped kayak. Little did I know, the Backwater Piranha was going to become a mainstay on my kayaks.

My first use came on the Georgia Kayak Fishing Tournament Trail. The Lake Harding event made for a great proving ground – the waters were high and fast. Holding over an area without an anchor was going to be difficult, and this is where we kayak anglers usually fish with a rod in one hand and an 8′ paddle in the other. I think it’s safe to say that this isn’t the most ideal situation.

I took my regular paddle out of my lap whenever I wasn’t paddling to my next spot – that is to say, fishing. The Backwater Paddle made keeping my spot easier. I wasn’t fighting 8 feet of paddle lying across my lap or in one of my hands. I was able to make adjustments to my position with the Backwater Paddle with very little effort, and without the splashing around you’d normally get with a standard paddle. This meant I was able to spend more time fishing, and less time spooking fish. It didn’t take long before this paddle impressed me.

Fishing along jetties had me switching up between rod and traditional paddle to keep me off the rocks. The Backwater Piranha Hand paddle worked just as well to shove me off the rocks, and I didn’t have to put my rod down to do it. The cut edge gripped the rocks well and allowed a great push-off.

It’s also come in useful when anchored in moving water. Sometimes water movement might sway you just out of where you wanted to be. This is definitely inconvenient right before you cast. I just drop the Backwater Paddle into the water and use the drag created to swing me back into position.

By far the most important thing I found with the Backwater Paddle is efficiency. Kayak fishing is a very physically active sport. I’ve paddled as much as 12 miles in a day. Any amount of time I can spend not throwing around a heavier kayak paddle one-handed just to maintain position gives me more energy to get from hole to hole. The Backwater Paddle makes it easier to fish more water – that means you can catch more fish.

The only issue I have for the Backwater Paddles is the finish. While this paddle has held up just fine in the last 7 months, I think an epoxy might be better suited. So far it’s held up in fresh and saltwater, so I my concerns with the finish probably are not warranted.

I like the Backwater Paddle so much that I now have one paddle for each of my kayaks, and one to give anyone I might end up fishing with. They’re that nice to have.

You can find this product at Backwater Paddle Company for about $19.95.

Please feel free to leave your comments below if you have used this product or have questions and we will be happy to help.

Outdoor Products 360 Field Staff
Isaac Miller
Portland OR
11/03/2010

As seen in the 2010 Kayak Angler Magazine Fall Issue,

Ultimate Kayak Fishing Gear Guide!

Kayak Angler Magazine, the #1 magazine for kayak fisherman, selected the PREDATOR Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle for its 2010 Ultimate Kayak Fishing Gear Guide!

Backwater Paddle Company is extremely pleased to have achieved this accolade!  We want to thank all the kayak fishing hand paddle owners, anglers and sports writers who dedicated their time in consideration of this achievement and made this selection possible!

 Backwater Paddle Company sincerely thanks KAYAK ANGLER Magazine for their time and consideration in recognizing the PREDATOR Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles as one of the BEST Paddles to have in their 2010 Ultimate Kayak Fishing Gear Guide! 

You can check out our PREDATOR Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles on page 44 of  the 2010 Kayak Angler Magaizne Fall Issue 

Predator Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle

Fishing with Predator Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle

“Kayak fishing hand paddles do what?”  I first asked myself after hearing about them.  “That’s all they cost?”  I questioned, once I heard the story and realized their benefit!

How many kayak fishermen have struggled with their ability to hold their fishing pole and paddle their kayak at the same time? 

Think about it.  Can you hold your fishing rod and paddle your kayak at the same time? 

“This is going to be hilarious” The line was ripping off and the big red was hell bent for the mangrove roots.  Sitting in a saltwater lagoon ten yards away, I mused at what was unfolding.  “The look on Andy’s face as he tried to grab his kayak paddle, hold his fishing rod, fight the fish, and figure out how to do it all with two hands was priceless!”

To Andy’s credit, he did finally manage to land a nice thirty inch redfish.  Despite the fact that during that melee, he dropped his kayak paddle, had to get out of his boat, lost one shoe and waded at least 25 yards!  Fish on Andy!

It takes two hands to wrangle a seven foot kayak paddle, no matter how you hold it.  Throw in a fishing pole, and you soon realize you need three hands!  Paddling your kayak and fishing at the same time became a comedy on the water.

Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles are the answer to the kayak angler’s dilemma.  The introduction of these revolutionary designed paddles has brought simplicity, mobility and stealth into the kayak fishing arena.

This paddle or fish dilemma has finally been addressed.  Kayak fishing hand paddle designs evolved from experienced kayak anglers and sportsmen working closely with the paddle sports manufacturing community. 

Valiant efforts in backyard paddle design have resulted in ping pong paddles, Kadema paddles, and other modified racquet devices temporarily fulfilling the kayak paddling quandary.  These pioneering anglers could hold onto their fishing rod and with the other hand paddle their boat stealthily.

The kayak fishing hand paddle is a compact and lightweight paddle, specifically designed to use with one hand, while keeping the fishing pole in the other.   This simple concept to a complex problem is revolutionizing the sport of kayak fishing.  

Once you rig up and wet your line, stow away that seven foot, cumbersome kayak paddle.  Place your compact kayak fishing hand paddle close by.  When it is time to maneuver your kayak, a few silent strokes of your kayak fishing hand paddle places you back on target.  You were stealthy, kept fishing and never spooked your prey.  Halleluiah!

Using kayak fishing hand paddles in open waters, where drift control is essential, hand paddles provide simple, one handed tracking.  Stick the hand paddle in the water and the blade acts like a basic rudder.  No fumbling or cross body flailing a seven foot kayak paddle.

The beauty of the kayak fishing hand paddle solution is the cost!  These hand paddles provide more benefit for the cost than any other kayak fishing accessory sold for under $20.00! 

For less than a handful of lures, one simple paddle will change your whole kayak fishing game plan.  Paddle one handed, chase stealthily and keep fishing.  

Yes, you can fish and paddle at the same time, inexpensively! 

See Backwater Paddle Company about their Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles.  Available Now!!

Have you ever tried holding a fishing pole, gun or camera and paddle your kayak a few yards?  It is a very complicated effort.  Try to fish, hunt, or photograph while paddling a kayak at the same time!  You have to put something down to do the other!

“It was a fishing comedy on water.”  I mused from afar.  Jim was on the salt water flats flailing a seven foot kayak paddle.  He was trying to hold onto an eight foot fishing pole while chasing a redfish through the mangroves.   I thought to myself, “He needs another hand to juggle that kayak paddle and hold his rod.”

Paddle or fish?  Paddle or shoot?  This is the kayak fisherman’s dilemma!

All kayak fishermen and sportsmen have experienced the difficulty of paddling your kayak and holding your fishing rod.  No matter how you “fore arm wrestle” or “cross body flail” that seven foot kayak paddle, it still requires two hands.

The question baffling the kayak fishing community is how do you hold onto your eight foot fishing rod with one hand and stealthily paddle your kayak with the other? 

“It became readily apparent that kayak fishermen and sportsmen did not realize there was a hand paddle being developed to make their next fishing experience  more rewarding!”

This is when the Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle concept was launched.

Kayak fishing hand paddles are the straightforward solution to the kayak angler and sportsmen’s dilemma. 

Below are the TOP TEN reasons why you need a Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle:

1. Simple, one handed paddle operation.  Stow away that 7 foot kayak paddle.
2. Keep fishing.  Never put down your fishing pole.
3. Stealthy paddling.  No flailing an awkward kayak paddle to scare away fish.
4. Short distance mobility.  Why use a 7 foot kayak paddle to move a few yards?
5. Open water drift control.  Steer & control drift with the fishing hand paddles.
6. Retrieving lines.  Reach out and grab those mono filament and braided lines.
7. Grabbing onto structures.  Use the hook to pull, attach, snatch, & drag anything.
8. Pushing off obstacles.  Use the teeth for positive purchase while shoving off.
9. Small and lightweight.  Weighing between 6-7 ounces vs. a 2–3 lb kayak paddle.
10. Backup emergency paddle.  For who knows when?

“Having that kayak fishing hand paddle at my side and readily available was the difference between just good ole time fishing and an awesome kayak fishing experience!”

It is truly amazing how having that one paddle, a kayak fishing hand paddle, has made all the difference in stealthily moving your kayak without spooking your prey!  Who would of thought?  

Backwater Paddles has the inexpensive solution to solve your kayak fishing problems!

Try our Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles.  Yes, you can paddle and fish!

Go to www.backwaterpaddles.com to solve your kayak fishing problems today!

Paddle one handed, chase stealthily…keep fishing!  Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles!

Fishing with Predator Kayak Fishing Hand Paddle

Paddle sports, particularly kayak fishing, are the fastest growing water sport today.  Kayaking, canoeing and rafting are now destination activities.   With all the green and eco friendly activities available, paddle sports have dominated the outdoor adventure scene.   Paddle sports are low impact on the environment, inexpensive, thrilling and always memorable.

Not to be left out, the fishing and sporting communities wanted in on this explosion.  Kayakers, anglers and sportsmen merged concepts and technologies.  Along with diversity came opportunity.  New specialty equipment, gear and accessories evolved.  Fishing kayaks and kayak fishing hand paddles evolved from this call to action.  

With the rapid growth of paddle sports, there has been a definitive diversification of the sport into various disciplines.  All the technological and manufacturing advancements have fueled the sudden increase in the sport.  Kayak fisherman and kayak sportsman have recently dominated the growth in the paddle sports arena. 

Kayak fishermen, also known as kayak anglers, and kayak sportsmen require specialty equipment, gear and accessories to effectively pursuit their sport.  Their fishing kayaks and fishing hand paddles are specifically designed to accommodate their dynamic environments and distinctive sporting activities. 

Kayak anglers and sportsmen have designed boats for easy access and mobility.  Many facets of their kayak design reflect accoutrements that were found only on motorized fishing vessels.  Today you can find rod holders, live wells, storage compartments, battery wells, fish finders, anchors, etc.  If they can fit a specialty fishing accessory on a twelve to fourteen foot kayak, they will try to get it on there!  They even have twin hulled, foot propelled and battery operated kayaks for the hard core anglers.

For ease of access and dismount, the anglers use a modified version of the sit on top kayak, or SOT.  SOT’s were a natural conversion platform for kayak anglers. These boats are self bailing, meaning that any water that gets in the kayak will be drained away by gravity.  Getting on and off is much easier than a sit in kayak.  Turning or sliding around to access tackle or gear behind you is a much simpler evolution.

With this approach to fishing from kayaks, came another conundrum that caused problems in the kayak angling community.  How do you paddle and fish at the same time?  Think about it.  Can you hold your fishing rod and a kayak paddle at the same time? 

Paddling your kayak and fishing at the same time became a comedy on the water.  It takes two hands to wrangle a seven foot kayak paddle, no matter how you hold it.  Throw in a fishing pole, and you soon realize you need three hands! 

Kayak fishing hand paddles evolved from pioneering anglers solving this problem with ping pong paddles, Kadema paddles, modified badminton racquets and the sort.  They could hold onto their fishing rod and with the other hand paddle their boat stealthily toward their prey. 

It soon became apparent that flailing a seven foot paddle is not conducive to shallow water, or skinny water fishing.  The fish can see you!   The best way to sneak up on your prey is to glide stealthily toward them.   While holding your fishing rod, using a little six or seven ounce fishing hand paddle to propel your kayak, about 16” long, is perfect for the task.

As you begin your foray into kayak fishing, do your research.  Peruse the internet, talk to local anglers, visit local outfitters and try various kayak platforms and fishing hand paddles.  That little effort will certainly make your fishing trip much more rewarding and memorable. 

Fish on!!