Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge - View Single Post

CheapPelican · 07-26-2012, 09:08 PM

Having a rudder helps cut down on the extra strokes you have to take on either side inorder to keep tracking straight. You are able to apply more of your effort to forward motion rather than using some of it to compensate for wind and waves. "All those extra strokes add up at the end of the day."

Also cuts down on your turning radius and gives you hands free control of your drift.

One drawback is that it may make transporting of your kayak more complicated. When I have to transport mine in the bed of a truck I like to remove the rudder from its bracket so that the flatter stern is against the bed wall instead of the pointed bow. Also sand from a bad surf launch can interfere with rudder deployment and function of the foot controls.

An anchor trolley is nice but just becomes one more thing to attend to. Several casts then you decide to move on. Draw back your trolley, pull your anchor or chute then you move. After you relocate you drop anchor and have to reposition your trolley again. I think its easier just to drop anchor and swing your legs overboard to get in the position you want to be facing. You'll get used to casting in awkward directions and positions.

07-26-2012, 09:08 PM	#1
CheapPelican Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Too far from the launch. Posts: 443	I recommend one Having a rudder helps cut down on the extra strokes you have to take on either side inorder to keep tracking straight. You are able to apply more of your effort to forward motion rather than using some of it to compensate for wind and waves. "All those extra strokes add up at the end of the day." Also cuts down on your turning radius and gives you hands free control of your drift. One drawback is that it may make transporting of your kayak more complicated. When I have to transport mine in the bed of a truck I like to remove the rudder from its bracket so that the flatter stern is against the bed wall instead of the pointed bow. Also sand from a bad surf launch can interfere with rudder deployment and function of the foot controls. An anchor trolley is nice but just becomes one more thing to attend to. Several casts then you decide to move on. Draw back your trolley, pull your anchor or chute then you move. After you relocate you drop anchor and have to reposition your trolley again. I think its easier just to drop anchor and swing your legs overboard to get in the position you want to be facing. You'll get used to casting in awkward directions and positions.