Modified Special The Perfect Middle Ground. The Modified Special sits comfortably between the Ray Special and the Modified Ottertail, combining the look and feel of the Special with a slightly shorter blade. It is ideal for paddlers who love the long, efficient blade of the Special but find it a little too much for shallow water. The Modified Special is one of Ray Kettlewell’s signature designs, refined to offer excellent reach, responsiveness, and efficiency while remaining versatile in varied conditions. Like all Fishell paddles, every Modified Special is handcrafted and individually tuned to a specific flex, working with the natural characteristics of each piece of wood to create a paddle that feels strong, responsive, and perfectly balanced at the throat. Made for the way you actually paddle. Ideal for canoe tripping and lake paddling, the Modified Special is a beautifully proportioned paddle that bridges the gap between the Ray Special and Modified Ottertail. Handcrafted. Individually flexed. Built to paddle.