Does anybody use a bent shaft paddle with their fishing kayak?

Just wondering

Too pricey for me, but I sure like my YakGrips.

Tried a friend’s, not for me.

I've been using the Accent Diamond Edge He (no longer made) with a bent shaft since 2007, and love it. I truly believe it helps with ergonomics and reducing stress on the wrist. Plus, bent shafts help locate proper hand placement. They do cost more, and add a little weight compared to the straight shaft, but I like mine.

Probably depends on how you like to fish and paddle. I don’t feather my straight shaft Carbon Camano either.

I like to stand up and scout around in my Commander kayak. A straight shaft works well in this application. I like to be able to quickly secure the paddle under the forward shock cording or into the hull of the Commander, a non-feathered straight shaft low angle blade works best for this in my experience.

I can do little maneuvers and adjustments using the kayak paddle wedged in one arm and up against the body and keep a rod ready in the other. A light weight straight shaft paddle helps facilitate this.

I’ve never noticed stress on my wrists from the straight shaft paddles in 12 plus years of kayaking. I like to vary my hand position on the paddle shaft for a variety of reasons and a bent shaft paddle “locks” you into a position more or less.

There’s a lot to consider when selecting a paddle. You have to know yourself and know how you like to go about fishing. For me, a light weight low angle straight shaft paddle is the way to go, but not everyone fishes like I do. Some folks like high angle blade shapes. I tend to paddle at a high entry angle, but the other considerations outweigh the slight improvement in efficiency a high angle shape might give me over a low angle blade.

Be thoughtful about what paddle you get based on not just paddling but on anything else you might need in a paddle.

I have a Camano Hooked 250 and a Kalliste (260 max) but was always curious about the Kalliste 240 bent shaft. I have only used a bent shaft on enclosed, skirted kayaks and really never thought about it for fishing. Thanks for the responses.

Right now i use a straight shaft werner corryvreckyn carbon. I love it but after 35 years of paddling my elbows,wrists and shoulders are hurting. Im going to get a bent shaft next.

I use a Werner Ikelos with a bent shaft.

That goes up to 230cm correct? How do you like it and what are you paddling?

I bought mine (230cm) used and was told that that length was special order. I'm sure one of the more knowledgeable people on here can confirm whether that is true. I'm paddling a Viking Reload at the moment and it took a few trips to get used to the bent shaft but all is well now. The power of this paddle sure helps getting in/out of the surf AND it even seem like the stroke is lighter than the Aquabound Manta Ray carbon I was using. The only nit pick negative I can think of right off hand is the way it lays up against the yak when anchored up fishing for reds and sharks.

BKT bought my Ikelos. It was ordered a long time ago custom length and I was told they would not make it again. Unsure if that still holds true but worth asking a rep at Werner.

I use a greenland paddle. It takes less of a toll on my body so I am able to paddle a lot longer, it is much quieter than a traditional paddle, but it does take a little getting use to. Even though I still have a really nice Werner camano carbon paddle I am hard pressed to use it. Besides, the Inuits have been using them for the past 800+ years so they must be on to something.

Wood Greenland

Red Cedar

Carbon fiber

Werner will make any length paddle you want. Part of the reason the ikelos feels so light is it is buoyant and pushes out of the water. Amazing paddle.
Greenland paddles,,,i have seen them for years and have always wondered about them. They always seem to make your grip so close together. Id love to try one some day.

It is a special order but Mariner tries to keep some in stock.

If you don't have elbow, wrist or shoulder problems the bent shaft won't do much for you unless you are touring and paddling super long distances. I have used one for 10 years and will never go back. I dislocated a shoulder and have some upper back problems that the bent shaft relieves enough so I can enjoy my day. I have a bent shaft Skagit composite that they don't make any more for shallow water and a Cyprus full carbon bent shaft for deeper water.

Say what you want about cost but the paddle is your motor and material efficiency is key, the stiffer the paddle the more energy that transfers to the water. So what I transfer in energy in 5 strokes with carbon fiber is closer to 95% of the energy I apply. In comparison when you are using aluminum, plastic and even fiber glass it is lessened to a point that you are using more energy to travel the same distance.