Paddling Education

Our Readers’ Favorite Content of 2022
Grab your beverage-of-choice, a comfortable seat and your digital device for an overview of your favorite content of 2022 on the Bending Branches blog.
Holiday Gift Guide for Kayak Anglers & Canoeists
If you’re making a list and checking it twice, we’re here to give you some holiday gift ideas. We have lots of friends in the paddle industry we’re happy to recommend, as well as some gear of our own that your family and friends will love.
Re-Enter a Capsized Fishing Kayak
Active kayak anglers know there’s a chance, however slight, they may end up in the water for one reason or another. The best way to prepare for that is to practice flipping your kayak back over from the water and getting back on.
Secret Weaponry for a Slow Autumn Bite
Fall fishing is absolutely my favorite. Out of all the seasons, there is something so incredibly peaceful about launching a kayak on a chilly fall morning. The bite had been surprisingly slow for me that morning, and after unsuccessfully throwing a square bill crankbait, I decided to pull out what I jokingly referred to as my “secret weapon.”
Bending Branches' Lineup of Kayak Fishing Paddles

As a kayak angler, your paddle is an indispensable tool that provides both the motor and the ability to position yourself precisely where you want to be to catch and land fish.

Kayak Paddle Ferrule Systems: Snap-Button vs. Versa-Lok™
A kayak paddle’s ferrule system is one of its most important components. We offer two ferrule systems for our paddles here at Bending Branches: the snap-button and our (new for 2023) Versa-Lok.
Gear Review: Old Town Discovery Solo Canoe
Bending Branches Regional Ambassador, Bill Sikora—aka The Florida Bass Paddler—reviews his Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman hybrid canoe for anglers.
How to Paddle Your Fishing Kayak
It’s not uncommon for kayak anglers to dismiss the need to learn proper paddling technique. But kayak fishing veteran and Bending Branches ProStaffer, Chad Hoover, learned that learning paddling skills makes you a better angler.
It’s Easy to Fly Cast from a Kayak with these 4 Tips
Do you ever wonder if there are special secrets or tricks to fly casting from a kayak? As an avid kayak fly angler who learned to fly fish after learning to kayak, I can tell you there are a few tips, but no real secrets or tricks.
Angler Pro: Cosmetic Second Review
Bending Branches’ ProStaff team member, Chris Funk, already loved our Angler Pro Fiberglass kayak fishing paddles. Earlier this year he decided to take a chance and buy one of these paddles with a cosmetic blemish.
Sight Fishing Success from Your Kayak
Sight fishing in shallow water is a challenge, but is something every kayak angler can learn to do with success. Bending Branches ProStaffer, Gene Jensen, gives us his best tips and tricks for sight fishing from your kayak in this video
Canoeing Gear Ideas for Older Adults
One of the best things about paddle sports like canoeing and kayaking is that they’re low-impact, healthy activities we can continue to do well into our older years. Here are a few gear ideas that will make canoeing and kayaking easier as you get older.
What’s the Best Fishing Kayak for the Money?
In this video, Bending Branches ProStaff team member Chad Hoover gives us his opinion on the 10 best fishing kayaks for the money. These are boats that were on the market in 2021, covered in his early 2022 video.
Adaptive Kayaking and Canoeing Get More People on the Water
Here at Bending Branches, one of our main goals is to get more people out on the water in canoes and kayaks. That’s why we believe in adaptive kayak and canoe programs and equipment.
6 Mistakes Anglers Make when Choosing a Kayak Fishing Paddle
Choosing a kayak fishing paddle—especially if you’re a new kayak angler—is an important decision. More important than you might think.
Cosmetic Seconds FAQs
Want to know more about our cosmetic second blades? This article discusses how we determine what is a cosmetic second and accompanying frequently asked questions.
Kayak Fishing and Alligators
Bending Branches ProStaffer, Chris Funk, kayak fishes all over the southeastern United States. One of the questions he gets most is: “How about paddling with gators? Are they dangerous? What do we need to look out for?”
How to Purify Water when Canoe & Kayak Camping
No matter how clear and clean backcountry water looks, there’s no guarantee it’s safe for people to drink. Microorganisms in wilderness waters can cause an array of nasty consequences, from mild to severe.
Gear Review: YakAttack’s VISICarbon Pro Lighted Flag
Kayak Bass Fishing (KBF) and Bending Branches ProStaff team member, Chad Hoover, reviews the VISICarbon Pro, something “every kayak angler should have in their kayak.”
Easy Kayak Fishing Tournament Set-Up
Bending Branches’ ProStaffer, Drew Gregory, takes us through his kayak fishing set-up when he wants to strip down for simplicity and ease of movement for a tournament.
Canoeing and Kayaking Safety in Stormy Weather
Let’s look at some of the weather hazards canoeists and kayakers may encounter, especially if you’re in remote or wilderness areas with no chance of getting to shelter.