Rudder or not? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

sitinsidejim · 06-03-2008, 06:06 PM

Andy, in rough and windy weather a rudder makes a big difference and once in a while you will get your line caught in it. but I have always gotten my line out of it I seem to to do it when I not paying attention. Go for it! Chris, if your legs are a couple of inches above the bottom while in the pegs try a boat cushion under you legs so your legs can rest on it. you also have another life saving device. Good luck you guys. Jim

sbsyncro · 06-05-2008, 11:38 AM

I paddle four kayaks, two without rudders (ok, one is a surf kayak...), and I can tell you that paddling is DEFINITELY more efficient with a rudder. As Doug mentions, you track better, and you can compensate for an uneven paddle stroke due to injury, misplacement of the hands on the paddle, bad technique, etc.

I would not consider a fishing kayak without a rudder unless I was just looking to piddle around in a small bay or pond.

-Brent

dmr · 06-05-2008, 01:56 PM

Not so fun occasionally untangling spectra, performance/convenience makes the trade off worth it IMHO. Also make sure your crimps, twists, or whatever holds your cables are sound. Breaking one on the water sucks and may have you paddling in circles.

kenishere · 06-06-2008, 06:52 PM

sound like a great addition to the x/f. any recommendations on which rudder systems work best? ary they easy to install?

dgax65 · 06-06-2008, 08:26 PM

OEX sells the Crack of Dawn rudder for the X-Factor.
http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/...ounting/Detail

I've got a FeatherCraft on my X-Factor and I'm very happy with it.
http://kayakfishingstuff.com/Merchan...oduct_Code=FCR

mg2969 · 06-06-2008, 09:28 PM

On the times when the pedals have failed or the pedals were in the shop. Paddling I always keep the rudder down.
Definitely agree that it tracks way better which obviously results in less course corrections.

Craig jones · 06-07-2008, 04:14 PM

I often back the Extreme in when landing in surf, as it is much easier to control, the flat bow has the boyancy of a log, so it goes into waves with more control. I wonder if the rudder is going to survive, as the tail of the yac occasionally strikes bottom.

06-03-2008, 06:06 PM	#1
sitinsidejim sitinsidejim Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 49	to Andy and Chris Andy, in rough and windy weather a rudder makes a big difference and once in a while you will get your line caught in it. but I have always gotten my line out of it I seem to to do it when I not paying attention. Go for it! Chris, if your legs are a couple of inches above the bottom while in the pegs try a boat cushion under you legs so your legs can rest on it. you also have another life saving device. Good luck you guys. Jim

06-06-2008, 06:52 PM	#4
kenishere Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 19	sound like a great addition to the x/f. any recommendations on which rudder systems work best? ary they easy to install? __________________ ----------- ---Ken--- ----------- rolling in the surf is a speciality enjoyed more by the onlookers

06-06-2008, 08:26 PM	#5
dgax65 Guerro Grande Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 629	OEX sells the Crack of Dawn rudder for the X-Factor. http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/...ounting/Detail I've got a FeatherCraft on my X-Factor and I'm very happy with it. http://kayakfishingstuff.com/Merchan...oduct_Code=FCR __________________ Douglas Gaxiola Team No Fish- Amateur Staff

06-06-2008, 09:28 PM	#6
mg2969 Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Long Beach / Lakewood Posts: 85	On the times when the pedals have failed or the pedals were in the shop. Paddling I always keep the rudder down. Definitely agree that it tracks way better which obviously results in less course corrections. __________________ Hobie Mirage Revolution Prowler 13 - Look ma no hands

06-07-2008, 04:14 PM	#7
Craig jones Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 27	Backing in landings I often back the Extreme in when landing in surf, as it is much easier to control, the flat bow has the boyancy of a log, so it goes into waves with more control. I wonder if the rudder is going to survive, as the tail of the yac occasionally strikes bottom.

06-05-2008, 11:38 AM	#2
sbsyncro Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 80	I paddle four kayaks, two without rudders (ok, one is a surf kayak...), and I can tell you that paddling is DEFINITELY more efficient with a rudder. As Doug mentions, you track better, and you can compensate for an uneven paddle stroke due to injury, misplacement of the hands on the paddle, bad technique, etc. I would not consider a fishing kayak without a rudder unless I was just looking to piddle around in a small bay or pond. -Brent

06-05-2008, 01:56 PM	#3
dmr Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 155	Not so fun occasionally untangling spectra, performance/convenience makes the trade off worth it IMHO. Also make sure your crimps, twists, or whatever holds your cables are sound. Breaking one on the water sucks and may have you paddling in circles.