You may think you’re good at multitasking, but until you try to fish from a kayak you don’t really understand what it means.
You are trying to do so many things at once that it is amazing that it is possible to propel your kayak and catch fish.
Keeping your gear organized and secure is fundamental when it comes to kayak fishing. One of the first things you should be thinking about when you outfit your kayak should be the best kayak paddle holder.
There are several different ways to secure your paddle so read the guide and reviews to see which model will be best for you and what are the best kayak paddle holder Amazon options out there.
Types Of Paddle Holders
As I mentioned in the introduction, the best way to keep your paddle out of the way when you are busy fishing is to use a paddle holder. Since there are several different kinds, we have to take a closer look at each.
Which type is best will depend on the deck space you are working with as well as how much drilling you want to do in your hull.
These are all pretty easy to mount, but some have more drilling needed than others.
Paddle Holder Bungee
The most commonly used type is the bungee cord variety. There is minimal drilling needed to mount one and they are very commonly already installed in fishing kayaks.
The way these work is that there is a screw drilled into the rail with a plastic cover on it, like a knob.
Then there is a small bungee cord tied down in two points by the side of the screw. This way the paddle shaft is placed in front of the knob. Then the bungee is pulled over the shaft and secured into place by the screw. The bungee is usually very tight so the shaft is not likely to be popped off.
These are the kind I almost always use and I have never had a bungee go loose and let the paddle pop off.
These are very easy to install yourself as you only have to drill holes for three screws. It may seem intimidating to drill, but with the right kit is is very easy. When done right, there is no risk of sinking your kayak.
Another great benefit is that they are more flush than the other types of clips and won’t get in the way when you are trying to load your kayak on a roof rack. Especially if you need to flip it over so the deck is against the rack.
YYST Kayak Bungee Paddle Holder
Features:
- Made of 6MM bungee cord
- Two J Hooks secure the bungee in place securely
- 6 stainless steel 304 screws and nuts are included
- Stretch resistant material
You really cannot beat the price of this set of 2 kayak paddle holder bungees. Also considering how durable and easy to use they are. There are other more complicated bungee paddle holders out there but they are more expensive and don’t do any better than what you get with these.
The kayak paddle holder bungees are the most popular kayak paddle holder Amazon choice as they are economical and effective.
Paddle Holder Clips
Besides the kayak paddle holder bungees, another great way of keeping your kayak paddle secure is through plastic clips. It is actually a bit easier to one handedly secure your paddle by using clips.
There are a few different kinds of them, however so let’s check them out.
The Taco Clip
It should be no surprise how this kayak paddle holder clip got its name. It looks exactly like a taco.
How does it work?
It differs from a taco shell in the sense that the tops of the side curl back inwards. In this way, the clip can grab hold of and partially enclose the shaft of the paddle. It snaps shut but is still easy to remove the paddle.
Though they are easier to use since you only need one hand, there is the possibility that they warp from being in the sun continually and lose their firm grip over time. Plastic can get brittle after exposure to the salt water for long periods, also.
YakGear Kayak Paddle Clip With Hardware
They fit just about any type of shaft including oval.
Installation is very easy with only two small holes needing to be drilled. A huge benefit is that you don’t need access to the inside of the hull to do this since the screws are self anchoring.
It literally takes less than 5 minutes to mount.
The one drawback potentially is that it is not flush. Loading your kayak upside down on a roof rack will have to be done with care so that it isn’t cracked.
This taco style is the most popular kayak paddle holder Amazon since they are much longer lasting than many of its peers.
C Clips
In the same vein as the taco clips are the C clips. Literally shaped like the letter C, they allow for one handed operation to secure your paddle. Unlike the kayak paddle holder bungee you don’t have to do anything besides just snap into place. The rigid plastic or rubber clips around the shaft. Be careful about the particular model as some won’t fit with an oval shaft paddle.
The ones I find are most used are the hard rubber or nylon variety that manages to be more durable than the plastic types.
A potential downside is that many of them have flush bottoms which limits where you can mount them. Many need to be mounted vertically and not on the side of the hull. This means you have to have one side of the deck clear so there is room for the paddle to go.
YYST 4 PCS Kayak Paddle Clip Paddle Holder
Features:
- 4 x Molded Nylon Paddle Clips
- 8 x stainless steel Pan Head screws 8 stainless steel nuts
- Fits most standard paddle shafts 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4” diameter
- The screw mount sits under the rubber so the screw will not scratch your paddles
These particular C clips are made out of durable nylon that won’t warp or become brittle over time. They offer a secure hold for your paddle.
Again, they can only be mounted vertically so please check that you have the space in your kayak for your paddle.
These are easily the kayak paddle holder Amazon most highly rated for its type.
D Ring Clips
If you really hate the idea of drilling holes in your kayak or maybe you’ve rented one, then your best option is to use these velcro D ring hanging clips. They look just like a keyring that will hold your paddle to your kayak.
The positive aspects besides just that you don’t have to drill is that since the strap is velcro it can wrap around any shape or diameter paddle shaft. It will also never warp or become brittle from exposure to the elements.
All you have to do is clip it to any ringlet or bungee anywhere you see fit on your kayak.
There are a couple of negatives, however.
One is that the paddle is not firmly held. It kind of dangles next to the kayak. So bumping against the hull is a possibility. It won’t be going anywhere or drifting off, but it may be annoying.
The other problem is that you are at the mercy of the location of the D rings or bungees. You may find yourself reaching for the paddle if it is slightly out of reach. At least when you drill, you are putting the clip exactly where it is going to be most convenient for you.
SAMSFX Paddle Holder
Features:
- 4 pieces in pack, two pieces hold one paddle
- Fit any size paddle shafts
- Sturdy nylon material for straps
- Strong velcro holds firmly
You get two rings in this pack so you can always have a backup in case something happens to one of them.
To give a good range of motion, there is a swivel that rotates 360° to prevent tangling.
Overall, a very good solution to those that are not able to drill into the hull. I picked these as they are the kayak paddle holder Amazon for its kind and the straps last a long time.
If you are kayaking in fast water, then be careful where you place your paddle clip as the current can really bang around the paddle.
Should You Use A Paddle Leash?
Another way to secure your paddle is with a paddle leash. You can never be too careful when out on the water, so having a paddle leash in addition to the kayak paddle holder bungee is the leash.
How does a leash secure your paddle?
One end is a loop around the shaft around the blade end. Some others are velcro straps. There are a few different kinds so choose the one that you think is going to be the least intrusive when you are paddling.
The other end is secured to your kayak by a carabiner which can be locked into a D ring somewhere or an eye ring or even bungee on the hull of your kayak.
The most important part of the kayak is your paddle so you want to have extra insurance to make sure it doesn’t float off on you when you’re distracted by other things like landing a fish.
Having a kayak fishing holder bungee is one thing, but if you drop the paddle it does not help you in the least.
The downsides are few but there are some considerations. First, it can be distracting when you are paddling. They don’t actually interfere with your paddling, but it takes getting used to having it there.
Another thing to consider is that it can get tangled with your other gear easily. Especially if you are kayak fishing. I have had leashes get hooked because they had a nylon cover and it was really hard getting that hook free.
Some people will use their leash as the only way to secure the paddle but I advise against that.
I used to simply throw my paddle over the side of the kayak when I was landing a fish or tying a jig, but found it more trouble than it was worth.
I’ve had the paddle go under the kayak and cause problems with my rudder. I’ve also had my line get tangled around the leash when it was in the water.
Also when you are in a river or a strong current, it can cause problems when it is loose around your kayak.
My advice is to have it leashed and when you need to clear your deck to put it in a clip. Whichever kind of clip you use is up to you, but make sure it will hold your paddle and leash.
Summary
Now that you are getting everything ready on your kayak, this is a good time to remind you about kayak safety and the holder plays a big part in that.
Keeping your gear secure but within reach and easily accessible is really important no matter what kind of kayaking you plan to do. This is especially the case if you plan to do any kayak fishing, so make sure you get the best kayak paddle holders you can find.