rudders on kayaks
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A rudder is at it's best in windy areas, particularly when crossing an expanse of open water. They are also practically indispensible when using a kite or sail.
As a general rule, longer kayaks need them more. But you guessed the answer, you have to try the model(s) that you are considering, and the answer will become apparent.
Flounder
As a general rule, longer kayaks need them more. But you guessed the answer, you have to try the model(s) that you are considering, and the answer will become apparent.
Flounder
rudders are great...it is cool because u can change your position while you have your hands on your pole, and not the paddle, its very hard to use a paddle to change position while a fishing rod is in your hand... especially with a large bluefish on!
Get a rudder you'll be happy you did.
Due to the nature of what I do I've gotten the opportunity to fish a lot of kayaks. Not just demo them for a few minutes but live with them and fish. Here's what I've learned about rudders. The longer the kayak the more important they become. I use a rudder 3 ways.
1) Wind ****ing. This is when you're traveling at an angle to the wind. The wind pushes against the kayak and you have to compensate with your stroke. The longer the kayak the more the wind will affect this and the more you have to compensate. Compensation is done by paddling more on one side of the kayak than the other. You make take one stroke on the port and 10 on the starboard. It messes up your rythm and gets old fast. The rudder allows you to paddle normally.
2) When fighting fish it allows you to better control the fish. Assume tht you just hookded a large bass and its heading somewhere you don't want it to go. Say some rocks, boats, etc. Normally a kayak will tend to follow the fish. If you turn the kayak via the rudder so it opposses the direction the fish is going the fish is forced to drag the kayak perpendicular or sideways. Most often the fish will change its direction and head between where it was heading and you. This technique is also good for tiring the fish faster.
3) if you're drifting and casting towards structure by feathering a rudder you can maintain your distance without the need for a paddle. Works great.
Every fisherman I know who got a rudder after not having one loves them.
1) Wind ****ing. This is when you're traveling at an angle to the wind. The wind pushes against the kayak and you have to compensate with your stroke. The longer the kayak the more the wind will affect this and the more you have to compensate. Compensation is done by paddling more on one side of the kayak than the other. You make take one stroke on the port and 10 on the starboard. It messes up your rythm and gets old fast. The rudder allows you to paddle normally.
2) When fighting fish it allows you to better control the fish. Assume tht you just hookded a large bass and its heading somewhere you don't want it to go. Say some rocks, boats, etc. Normally a kayak will tend to follow the fish. If you turn the kayak via the rudder so it opposses the direction the fish is going the fish is forced to drag the kayak perpendicular or sideways. Most often the fish will change its direction and head between where it was heading and you. This technique is also good for tiring the fish faster.
3) if you're drifting and casting towards structure by feathering a rudder you can maintain your distance without the need for a paddle. Works great.
Every fisherman I know who got a rudder after not having one loves them.
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