Paddles???

[kjnengr]

How does a newbie go about choosing a paddle?

[elementfiftyfour]

Your height, and the width of your yak play some of the biggest parts in the decision. From there you will probably get some suggestions on what works for other people.

[Yak-a-Lou]

Here ya go...

http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/drupal/content/choosing-paddle-kayak-fishing

Additional thoughts... down here in our shallow marshes paddle shaft and blade strength can be important. Some of us run aground regularly and need to use our paddles to push off of silty bottoms or oyster beds. I once cracked a favorite paddle while doing so. Strong is usually heavy. Heavy paddles are a bummer on long hauls. Try to strike a balance between strong and lightweight.

[OlDog]

How does a newbie go about choosing a paddle?
Go to your favorite outfitter, Backpacker or Masseys (is probably closer for you). Ask them what they think.
If you go to Masseys in N.O., talk to Blake. He suggested a Werner paddle for me when we had problems
with the orig equip Hobies.

[kjnengr]

I am 5'9" and my kayak will be 30" wide. Thanks for the suggestions so far guys.

[Knot Reelistic]

I would just do the standard length, 230cm I believe. If you plan on taking real good care of it, spend the money and get something light and nice, composite. If you are like most people fishing the marsh in south La, you will need it from time to time to get out of the mud. I have the basics, a day tripper and a carlisle magic and they are fine and I won't be to upset if I break one.

[Whaler]

Buy a cheap spare. I broke a paddle once and didnt have a spare, it was not fun.

I bought a bendingbranches whisper as my spare. $50 at the backpacker. I liked it so much I kept it as my primarybpaddle and bought another one to keep in my bow hatch.

[Mung]

you also have to determine if you are a high or low angle paddler. Werner and Aquabound both have websites where you can fill out some info to get a recommendation. I used an Aquabound Manta Ray for years until I broke it pushing off a jetty. Now have a Werner Tybee that is great. With a 30" wide boat I'd go with 230cm or 240cm.

[ReelThrill]

With any boat 30" or wider I would go with a 240cm.

[bigredbobber]

+1

My PBG is 32" wide and I sometimes feel like 240 cm is too short.

[Gnatless]

I have a bendingbranches slice these paddles are tough and made for fishing marsh. They have an angle model that has a glassed in ruller for measuring fish.