Rudderless?
by Alabama Flats

   I will assume since you are reading this that, like me, you enjoy the
camaraderie of PaddleZone as well as the good info found in the articles,
musings, fishing reports et al.  I'll attempt to tackle a hotly debated topic while
making the caveat that I've only been paddle fishing (from a kayak) for about a
year.  I thought the rudder was (maybe) "training wheels" for those who didn't
have developed paddling skills, but read enough comments to take the chance
to order one when I bought my boat.  

   Let me address the basic question first, "Do you need a rudder to
successfully fish from a kayak".  Absolutely not!  A rudder is a tool like any other
of our fishing paraphernalia.  I predominantly fly fish and the rudder is a big
help especially when working a shoreline.  I can keep both hands working the
fly rod and line and use my feet on the rudder, especially in a wind, to
position and drift along the shoreline maintaining constant distance and even
maneuvering in and out to follow contours.  This drift can be a real hassle when
trying to paddle with one hand, control line, and cast accurately to shore
targets.  Another big advantage is assisting the kayak track. I am still in the
"bring everything but sink mode".  I have a small cooler behind the seat, my milk
crate with a couple of rods, etc., etc.  End result is a big wind foil that
makes the yak susceptible to wind cocking.  I have found that dropping the
rudder allows me to track straight with less effort than running w/o the rudder.  
We got caught in Mosquito Lagoon in November when a serious wind rose, small
craft advisory, the whole enchilada. Winds were gusting 35-40 mph right down the
open channel we had to cross resulting in a nasty chop and serious
cross-wind.  I had my usual overload of wind catching gear, but dropped the rudder and
was able to maneuver and paddle while several in our group had to drag paddles
just to remain generally going where they wanted to.  This maneuverability was
fortunate since one of our less experienced members capsized and needed help.
The other boats were blown severely and were unable to get to the capsized
yak, but I was able to move in to assist gear recovery as well as towing the
paddler and his yak to an island where he was able to recover.  I felt the rudder
might have added a small degree of stability as well, similar to the keel or
centerboard on sailboat.

   The major disadvantages I have heard expressed are weight of the rudder,
reduced speed, and the cost.  The cost is a decision you must make for
yourself.  I found the $135 (as package when buying the kayak) addition to be worth
the money.  I paddle a Bimini at about 68 pounds (plus all my junk, eer
essential fishing accouterments), so the added pound and half of rudder go unnoticed.
I find very little, if any, speed difference with rudder up or down measured
on a GPS.

   I'm sold.  I can fish enjoyably without the rudder, but feel a rudder
lets me focus more on fishing than on paddling my kayak, and makes me more
efficient when paddling to and from the "fishin hole".  Try it, you'll like it.

   Tight lines.  Ed