Pelican Kayak Paddles: 2 Picks Ranked by Specs

Quick picks

Our 2 picks

1 Best overall

Pelican The Catch 260 cm Nylon Kayak Paddle

Best for: tall anglers in wide kayaks

Blade Material

Fiberglass reinforced nylon

Shaft Material

Fiberglass

Length

102.4 in - 260 cm

Weight

2.14 lb

Ferrule Type

0 to 65° blade angle adjustment

Use

Kayak fishing

View on Amazon: Pelican The Catch 260 cm Nylon Kayak Paddle Affiliate link

The Pelican Catch is a kayak fishing paddle with a fiberglass shaft and fiberglass reinforced nylon blades. It adjusts from 102.4 to 260 cm. The 0 to 65-degree ferrule lets you change the blade angle. It weighs 2.14 pounds. It includes an integrated hook retrieval system and a tape measure. This paddle suits anglers over 6 feet tall who use kayaks wider than 34 inches.

Pros

• Adjustable length from 102.4 to 260 cm
• 0 to 65-degree blade angle adjustment
• Integrated hook retrieval system and tape measure
• Lightweight 2.14 pound construction
• Fiberglass reinforced nylon blades for durability

Cons

• Fixed blade width of 6.9 inches
• Shaft indexing may not suit all hand placements
• Limited to two size and color options

Good fit if

• You are over 6 feet tall
• You use a kayak wider than 34 inches
• You need a lightweight paddle for fishing

Skip if

• You are under 6 feet tall
• You use a narrow kayak under 34 inches wide
• You prefer a fixed length paddle

Verdict: Pelican Catch Adjustable Kayak Paddle fits tall anglers in wide kayaks who need adjustable length and blade angles. It offers practical fishing features like a hook retriever and tape measure.

2 Best budget

Pelican Symbiosa Adjustable Fiberglass Nylon Paddle

Best for: Tall paddlers in wide recreational kayaks

Blade Material

Nylon

Shaft Material

Fiberglass

Length

240-250 cm

Weight

2.13 pounds

Ferrule Type

Telescoping, 360-degree blade angle

Included Accessories

Paddle

View on Amazon: Pelican Symbiosa Adjustable Fiberglass Nylon Paddle Affiliate link

This Pelican Symbiosa paddle features a fiberglass shaft and nylon blades. It adjusts from 240 cm to 250 cm via a telescoping ferrule. The ovalized shaft helps with hand placement. It weighs 2.13 pounds. This length suits taller paddlers or wider kayaks. You get a versatile tool for recreational use.

Pros

• Adjustable length from 240 cm to 250 cm
• Lightweight fiberglass shaft
• Ovalized shaft for hand positioning
• 360-degree blade angle adjustment

Cons

• Nylon blades may feel less rigid than composite
• Telescoping ferrule can be less stable than fixed joints
• Fixed 360-degree rotation limit

Good fit if

• You are over 5.5 feet tall
• You use a kayak wider than 30 inches
• You need an adjustable length for travel

Skip if

• You prefer a fixed-length paddle for maximum stiffness
• You need a feathering angle other than 360 degrees
• You are under 5.5 feet tall

Verdict: Pelican Symbiosa 250 cm Paddle fits taller paddlers in wider boats. The adjustable length and ovalized shaft offer practical control for recreational use.

Specifications side by side

Pelican Kayak Paddle Picks

Pelican offers two main paddle options for your kayak fishing needs. The Catch 260 cm Nylon Paddle stands out as the best overall choice. It measures 260 cm in length and weighs 2.14 pounds. This model includes practical accessories like a hook retriever. It suits tall anglers who prefer wide kayaks and need adjustable ferrule settings.

The Symbiosa Adjustable Fiberglass Nylon Paddle provides a slightly shorter option at 250 cm. It weighs 2.13 pounds and features an ovalized shaft for better control. This paddle is ideal for tall paddlers in wider recreational kayaks. Both models use nylon blades and allow length adjustments. You can choose based on your preferred blade length and shaft feel.

Who Pelican Kayak Paddles Suit

Pelican targets tall anglers using wide recreational kayaks. Their range spans two adjustable lengths: 250 cm and 260 cm. The 250 cm model weighs 2.13 pounds, while the 260 cm version weighs 2.14 pounds. Both use nylon blades and adjustable ferrules. The longer option includes a hook retriever and tape measure. You will not find fixed-length paddles or fiberglass-only shafts in this specific lineup. The brand focuses on practical, adjustable tools for larger boats rather than lightweight touring gear.

How to choose the right Pelican paddle

1. Match length to kayak width

   You should select a longer paddle if you sit in a wide kayak. The Catch 260 cm model fits tall anglers in wide boats. Its 260 cm length provides the necessary reach. Shorter paddles may cause shoulder strain in wider vessels. Check your kayak width before buying. A wider hull requires a longer shaft to keep your hands clear of the gunwales. This ensures efficient strokes without hitting the sides. The 260 cm option is ideal for this scenario.

2. Check ferrule adjustability

   An adjustable ferrule allows you to change the shaft length. Both listed models feature this practical design. You can shorten the paddle for smaller kayaks or lengthen it for larger ones. This flexibility suits paddlers who use multiple vessels. It eliminates the need to buy separate paddles for different boats. Look for a secure locking mechanism to prevent slipping. Adjustable ferrules provide versatility without compromising stability during your strokes.

3. Consider blade material durability

   Nylon blades offer a balance of strength and weight. Both the Catch and Symbiosa models use nylon construction. This material resists impact and flexes slightly for better water catch. It is suitable for recreational fishing trips. Nylon blades are generally lighter than fiberglass options. This reduces fatigue during long paddling sessions. Check the blade thickness for added durability. The nylon construction in these models supports regular use on calm waters.

4. Evaluate weight for comfort

   Lighter paddles reduce arm fatigue over time. The Catch weighs 2.14 pounds, while the Symbiosa weighs 2.13 pounds. Both are relatively light for their class. A lighter shaft makes it easier to maintain a consistent pace. This is important for long fishing trips. Heavier paddles can cause shoulder strain quickly. Compare the weight specifications carefully. A lower weight value often indicates better comfort for extended periods on the water.

5. Look for included accessories

   Some paddles come with useful fishing accessories. The Catch includes a hook retriever and tape measure. These tools are handy for anglers who need quick access. A hook retriever helps free snagged lures without leaving your seat. A tape measure assists in checking catch size. Check the included accessories list before purchasing. These additions add practical value for fishing-specific tasks. They eliminate the need to carry separate tools on your kayak.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• pelican catch 260 cm nylon kayak vs symbiosa adjustable fiberglass
• pelican catch kayak review
• best pelican fishing kayaks
• best paddle boards with kayak seat