Bending Branches Angler Classic Versa-Lok

A kayak fishing paddle that makes a full day on the water feel manageable starts with the right balance of weight, flex, and durability.

The Bending Branches Angler Classic Versa-Lok has earned its reputation as one of the best-selling kayak fishing paddles on the market, and the 2023 update makes a good paddle genuinely better. The redesigned blade is larger, stiffer, and quieter on entry and exit than previous generations, with a fibreglass-reinforced nylon construction that gives you the right amount of flex to keep a loaded fishing kayak moving efficiently without wearing out your shoulders. At 102.5 sq. in., the blade hits a sweet spot for anglers, enough surface area to handle a heavily rigged boat in wind or current, without becoming fatiguing over a long day.

The 100% fibreglass shaft is a meaningful step up from aluminium. It's lighter, warmer to the touch on cold Canadian mornings, and more forgiving on the joints during repetitive paddling. Ovalized grip zones reduce the chance of blisters, and the updated carbon ferrule insert keeps the connection between shaft sections tight and rattle-free. The Versa-Lok system handles all your fit adjustments, with 15 cm of length adjustment and infinite feathering, backed by a corrosion-resistant clamp that holds its position reliably.

Practical fishing features round it out: a built-in hook retrieval system for snagged lures, and a 40-inch tape measure right on the shaft for on-the-spot catch verification. Hand-built in Osceola, Wisconsin by people who fish.

• Shaft: 100% fibreglass with ovalized grip zones
• Blade: Fibreglass-reinforced nylon
• Blade size: 7.5 x 18 in. (102.5 sq. in. / 661 sq. cm)
• Weight: 35.5 oz. (1,006 g)
• Adjustment: Versa-Lok ferrule with 15 cm length adjustment
• Feathering: Infinite angle adjustment
• Built-in hook retrieval system and 40-inch measuring tape
• Available in Tidal Blue and Electric Green
• Hand-built in Osceola, Wisconsin, USA