So I have been kayak fishing for about 5 years now with a cheap paddle I got from Amazon. I am now looking to upgrade to a nice one, but I don't really know what to look for. What materials/brands/etc do you feel are worth it?

Or put more simply, what is your favorite kayak paddle?

Part of it depends on your paddling style. Paddles for low angle paddlers tend to have narrower blades. Paddles for high angle paddlers tend to have broader blades.

Look for something that is light in weight, a carbon shaft is nice and light. I'm very happy with my AquaBound Manta Ray carbon, $190 and 29.5 oz. Werner, AquaBound, and Bending Branches all make good paddles, it's just a matter of your budget. I don't need a $400 Werner paddle. My backup paddle is a Bending Branches Slice Hybrid Plus. The blade surface area is a bit smaller and it's about 2 oz heavier than the AquaBound.

If feathering is important, make sure that feature is present. YakGrips are worth every penny of their $13 price.

ONNO paddles are about the best you can buy. Mine is 230 CM and 23 ounces.

I have an Onno paddle too. You need to know exactly what you want before you order because he custom makes each paddle in his garage.

Paddles generally get stronger and lighter as the price goes up. It starts with plastic and aluminum, then fiberglass, then carbon fiber.

I suggest on the water testing with as many paddles as possible before buying another one.

I mentioned it in another post about having an ONNO paddle. The one I have is too light weight for my taste... It was given to me when a good friend got out of kayaking due to messed up shoulder. He knew I thought they sucked, I think that is why he gave it to me. I've kept it only because it was a gift. Can't speak for all ONNO's paddles but this one did not have a fisherman in mind. Lots of different strokes and uses a kayak fisherman has that a touring paddler would never dream of... pushing off rocks in creeks, rocks on dams, oyster bars, or standing up and using paddle as a push pole for starters. A lot better choices in my mind, as even the sound made or feeling in your hands when composite material hits rocks is much more harsh and louder than some of the other better paddles made.

Now using a Bending Branches Navigator that cost less than an ONNO, doesn't flex, doesn't fly out of my lap, and for back strokes it doesn't flutter like a butterfly, and wood feel on rocks is much softer. Lots of good paddles that you can find in the less than $300 range. Unless you are in an extra wide kayak or sitting in a higher chair type kayak, the shorter 230 cm length paddles are great. If you get a chance, try a few out, otherwise just get the one in your favorite color. Just my opinion.