I just got a used ultimate 12 for rivers and calm water fishing and hunting. I am 5'10" and was wondering what length paddle would y'all recommend? The kayak already has an anchor trolley and I will put together a crate for the back. If you can think of anything else that I might need I would appreciate all the help I can get.

Most paddle makers have a chart on their web site to help determine proper length, based on the width of the kayak and your height. Check out the Werner web site. With a SINK, I think a 230-240 would be fine, 4" shouldn't make a big difference. Perhaps a more important question is whether you're a high angle or low angle paddler, that is often reflected in the shape of the paddle blade.

I'd suggest taking the kayak out a few times to see what you really need. I made a crate and only used it once. I bought a pair of rod holders and only used them once.

Thanks for the advice. I will check out Werner web site and see what they recommend. I do not know if I am a high paddler or low I have only been kayaking twice.

As for a crate being needed, you can get by without one, but I personally like being able to carry my anchor, tackle boxes, marker bouys, pliers, fish grips, sunscreen, filet knives, and even a small folding landing net. I've got a couple of rod holders attached to it for extra storage.
It's easy to load my kayak, grab my paddle, and grab the crate and not forget anything since it's all right there.
Since you are new to the sport, you want to be legal with TPWD law and although it's not required to be worn, you should always, always, wear your PFD, and you will also need a 360* white light if you launch before daylight, or stay after sundown, and a whistle. I attach the whistle to my PFD along with a knife. If you were to turtle and get tangled in fishing line or rope you will be glad the knife was in easy reach.
Be safe!

230 should be plenty for most folks

Thanks for all the information. I do have a life vest made for kayaking and will be wearing it. The crate is for when I turtle and I know I will so I don't want to loose my gear.

Go with the charts showing your height and the kayak width to determine paddle length. If they have separate tables for low vs. high angle you are almost certainly going to be low angle (calm waters, new kayaker). Don't go cheap on the paddle. Regarding crates, I got one as soon as I got my yak 'cause all the cool yakers had crates. It lives in the trunk of my car holding all the kayak accessories that I might want to use and rarely ends up in my kayak; I just cherry pick the accessories for that day's trip and move them to the yak. Regarding turtling, I have been kayaking for over 10 years and have yet to turtle (my wife is on her seventh year without a flip), so don't assume it will happen to you.

I have a pair of Native Ultimate 14.5, and have never flipped, or even come close to flipping, in the 5 years I've had them. But I do secure everything--leashes on the paddle and rods, and the tackle tray is velcroed to the floor.

Thanks tallgrass that is good to know about the ultimate 14.5. I will have everything secured and tied down just in case. Have you had the ultimate out in the lake with some decent waves and if you have how did it handle them?

I've paddled out on some windy days with whitecaps, and then tied up and fished in a cove that was still pretty windy. I never felt tippable. I imagine it could happen, most likely if you took a big wave broadside. I do have the bow spray skirt, which helps to keep water out when paddling on windy days. I use a plastic carton of Half & Half that I cut in half for bailing, it fits the curved bottom nicely. But most water gets in from wet feet after launching.

I've also rocked violently from side to side to show people have stable it is.

I am 5'-7" and used a Bending Branches Angler Ace 240cm for both my Old Town PDL and Ultimate FX12. If you are 5'-10" I would recomend a 250cm Paddle at least.

Thanks y'all for all the info I really appreciate it. I was worried about getting it swamped and it sounds like I shouldn't have to worry about that. Bending branches recommends a 240cm paddle so I will start looking for a mid grade paddle this week.

Bending Branches Slice Hybrid is pretty decent, only 30 oz and with a carbon shaft. That was my first paddle, now it's my backup paddle. Check out YakGrips, $11 foam paddle grips, the best thing since sliced bread.

Thanks tallgrass05.

Agreed - YakGrips are very helpful. You might also want to get a paddle leash, especially if you will be kayaking in streams with good currents. Most kayaks come with a form of paddle holder but it is easy to forget to use it every time you set the paddle down.