Hand Paddle

[Billy Rocket]

Anyone use a hand paddle? Is it useful or a gimmick?

[Cowpokey]

I can see where it would be handy, especially in close to the bank when a cast goes awry and lands in a low hanging tree limb.

[On the fly]

I am taking my assault hand paddle by backwater paddle company out today, will let you know this evening.

[BassMoore]

mine moves my pro angler around just fine

It takes a little getting used to as you dont have a longer pole for more leverage. but if you are only moving just a little bit, its alot easier to use that and keep the paddle strapped up

[buzz]

I have never used a "hand paddle", but I have a pair of these just in case I get separated from my paddle. Never tried wearing them while simultaneously fishing.

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[MetroMan]

I've won a few over the years and have yet to use them. HOWEVER, I do plan on using them to beat keeper fish on the head with...I used pliers in the past to knock fish out.

[J.A. Veil]

I have launched my Slayer Propel from Jonas Green 4 times so far. Each time I climb on the seat when the kayak is in about 12-15" of water depth. For a margin of safety before lowering the Propel drive, I take one half of my regular paddle and paddle out another few yards. Then I stow the paddle in the rear well. The hand paddle would accomplish that same function. But if my Propel broke while far from the ramp, the hand paddle would not be very useful for getting back. Since I plan to carry the full regular paddle (stored as two halves) anyway, there is not much use for the hand paddle too.

[BassMoore]

John thats a good point,

The pro angler has a place to store the half padle, but i also keep the Backwater hand paddle in one of the rod holders on my black pak, its only used to move me in short distances... mainly to go backwards in the PA.

I rarley use the half paddle but to launch and come back to the launch on the drive comes out.

its very convenient to have the hand paddle to make slight adjustments though.

[On the fly]

I am taking my assault hand paddle by backwater paddle company out today, will let you know this evening.

So I took it out with me today and found it more inconvienent than not. Since I have a jackson cuda 14 and have to paddle I find that my paddle always being out works fine. Now when I had my hobie pro angler where you peddle the smaller assault hand paddle would work well in that situation for an occasional assist or for reverse.. Just my one day opinion.

[Cowpokey]

I agree, if I was on a paddle kayak, the hand paddle wouldn't have much use.

[CB kayak 02]

For a pedal kayak they are nice, especially in smaller calm waters.

[CAGE RATTLER]

While fishing shorelines and laydowns this past season I found myself using my bare hand in the water quite a few times to try to position myself better.
That doesnt work to good so this winter I picked up one of the orange telescopic paddles to use as a hand paddle. Just need to figure out how to store it so its easy to grab and put back and not be in the way.