new yaker in need of some advice...

I have to agree with pdxfisher. I got a Bending Branches Whisper (entry level, mid-range quality aluminum/plastic paddle $60.00) included with the purchase of my Tarpon 120. So basically, it was free. It's working just fine. I can't imagine putting my money (what's left of it) into a fancy paddle. Hell, you need a fancy new rod and reel, a fancy new fish finder, a fancy new dry suit........

I could go on and on. But one thing I think everyone here would agree on- you need a kayak paddle for a kayak. 

Well, we'll see what you think about paddles after you have some significant 'seat-time' paddling that new kayak....and the Whisper is a fairly decent paddle....what I'm talking about is the crap paddles that often come with a kayak.

Which fish finder did you get? Have you used it yet?

I think I found the paddle that you just HAVE to purchase...

Yes,  it is the Carlisle VooDoo model   

I think it was meant to be   

I think I found the paddle that you just HAVE to purchase...

Yes,  it is the Carlisle VooDoo model   

I think it was meant to be   

I'm with Craig on that one and might add, bring along your iPod and a little VooDoo Child, Stevie Ray Vaughn style

An abundance of experience, knowledge and opinion have been shared and I greatly appreciate all of it.  I'm not against spending a little more to get a quality product.  I'll shop around and get one of the three (or so) paddles suggested.  Of course, I may also lean toward the Voodoo Carlisle, but if it's not on par with the other ones listed, I will go one of the others.

As for my fish finder, it's one of the self contained Humminbird's.  It's a regular humminbird 565pt.  I wrote a review for it back in 08 when I bought it here.

http://www.washingtonlakes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2568&p=25911&hilit=Vooduuchild#p25911

If it's not permitted to post links to other forums, please have a mod remove it or I can modify/edit it.  But as you can see from the review; I'm very pleased with it's performance.  It's been in all kinds of crap-ass northwest Washington weather fishin with me and never lets me down.  I fish for days and days without recharging the battery.  Sometimes I remember and charge it before goin, but mostly just grab and go.

Thanks for the help on the paddle issue and I now have a much more guided direction in which I need to go.  Oh yes, someone asked my height, I'm about 5'8.

Sorry about the delay in response; my work takes up far too much of my time any more; but ya gotta pay to play and it just payed for our new home that closed escrow on Halloween.  Now the real work begins with the remodel....ugh.  I can't wait to do some more fishin.  Heck, I used to fish three to five days a week...but I was also unemployed, lol.

Congratulations on your new home, as well as on beginning your new hobby....kayak fishing!

I have to agree with pdxfisher. I got a Bending Branches Whisper (entry level, mid-range quality aluminum/plastic paddle $60.00) included with the purchase of my Tarpon 120. So basically, it was free. It's working just fine. I can't imagine putting my money (what's left of it) into a fancy paddle. Hell, you need a fancy new rod and reel, a fancy new fish finder, a fancy new dry suit........

I could go on and on. But one thing I think everyone here would agree on- you need a kayak paddle for a kayak. 

I'm with Nu2kayaks (wishful thinking), I didn't get a paddle thrown in, but was offered what was "suppose to be" a good deal(another story). I'm certain its a fine paddle and it works well. Unfortunately, a month later I looked at a fibre carbon Werner and a few minutes after that, my wallet was lighter than the paddle. 

As for the original question and kind of touching base with demonic's comment, I invision constantly switching a canoe paddle from side to side. I'm certain it can be and has been done, but not sure I'd want to.

The decision to spend more on a paddle should also be made in the context of what sort of body of water you're intending to fish.  If you're talking about a day on a small lake or pond, the paddle quality probably wouldn't be much of an issue....but if you're on bigger water, with a lot of surface to cover (probably encountering wind and waves), you'll be much less fatigued with a lightweight paddle. In kayaking, reducing fatigue isn't just a comfort or pleasure issue....it can have a direct impact on survival outcome.....properly handling big water requires effort, and a clear head.  In that situation, a paddle is the most important item on the kayak (except for PFD and cold-water immersion gear (when necessary).

I'll be in waters that are just puddles all the way to some of the larger lakes in the county.  I'll also be in the rivers and once ready, out to the sound for when the salmon run as they're usually pretty close to shore and easy to catch.  But one common thing I run into is wind.  That one really kills, but I'm also used to a canoe that's over 80 pounds, with at least twenty to thirty pounds ballast up front and then all my fishing gear.  That thing is a pig, but it sure fishes well.......and can carry like 800 pounds, lol.

A "good" paddle will draw straight through the water and resist blade flutter. This lets you use a much looser grip, when your not trying to keep it from twisting, reducing fatigue dramatically.