Do You Carry a Paddle?

[SoonerFan]

I was watching one of Randy's old stories the other day about him getting stuck on a sandbar. As his story goes, he used his paddle to dig a trench for the prop...yada yada. He made the comment that "back before Spotlock everyone carried a paddle in the boat". This got me to wondering if I still have a paddle or have I tossed it to make room for tackle. Turns out, I do still carry the paddle. I found it in the bottom of the starboard locker along with my light pole that I never use. I took it out and put it on the shelf.

So I ask.....What possible use would a 3 foot long paddle be in a 18 foot bass boat? Is it required by law like I assumed? Do you carry one in your boat?

[Okie Poke]

I believe in OK that is a required piece of equipment to operate legally on waterways.

[BroWhoop]

Required in Louisiana, although useless for a larger boat of any kind.

[BassinPaPaw]

We do. I believe it’s law here. Now it’s a small, collapsing paddle and I’m not paddling my skeeter anywhere with it. lol. But it keeps me legal. Ain’t paddling a canoe at my age.

[Highcentered]

I don't. No anchor either.

[basfish]

I do

[unknown angler]

I fish the Mississippi River, lots of sand bars that move with changing water levels. I carry a push pole, 5 ft. paddle and an anchor.

[n2theblue]

"back before Spotlock everyone carried a paddle in the boat".

What does Spotlock have to do with carrying a paddle?

I think they were more common when outboards were less reliable

[Highcentered]

What does Spotlock have to do with carrying a paddle?

I think they were more common when outboards were less reliable

Kinda makes you wonder why Randy even has spot lock or sonar of any kind if he really is the purist he claims to be.

[BoatBuggy]

I fish the St Lawrence and carry 2 collapsible paddles, an anchor with 100 ft of rope and flares (required on the New York side).

[bassboat1]

Required equipment here.

[DaveBrabec]

Yes to Paddle and anchor.

[geodebasser]

I carry a push pole but always have a conventional anchor.

[davesz518]

Yes

[pavi69]

Paddle and anchor not required in Texas for 16' - 26'
Always have a push pole

[WarEagle24]

No paddle, no anchor or no push pole.

[mactlman]

required here but mostly useless on a bassboat also

[fly by night]

Yes

[Ksuchris2000]

I carry a paddle just in case little Waylan acts up ands needs a whoopin.

[SoonerFan]

Interesting replies. I guess that I'll put the dang thing back in the boat.

Another topic brought up is an anchor. I haven't carried the useless mushroom anchor since I moved out of the old tin boat 20 years ago.Both anchor and paddle was worthless even on that old Tracker. My boat is so loaded with tackle that I can't imagine hauling around an anchor heavy enough to anchor an 19 foot fiberglass boat.