Fish finder or rudder kit ? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

mclanea · 12-31-2014, 10:49 AM

I have the Trident 13 with the rudder kit. Compared to my Prowler 13 without the rudder) The rudder helps quite a bit when fishing. Specifically, and it might be related to the hull too I suppose, but I both drift less and can control the way my yak drifts hands free with the rudder. So I end up paddling a lot less having a rudder and casting more.

For general kayaking, which we do a lot, I prefer the rudder because I'm used to it. But I don't think it makes a huge difference.

Having just gotten a FF for Christmas though, I'm thinking the FF is probably a "first" on your list. Even just knowing the water depth is great.

Aznronin · 12-31-2014, 03:41 PM

I've been Kayakfishing out here for a long time and I have been through many kayaks and the one thing I know for sure is that a rudder is not necessary in SoCal. It adds weight. It's just another thing that can break. Depending on how you have your rudder pedals adjusted it will mean your probably the only one that will feel comfortable in your kayak and when you want to sell it, it's hard to sell it to someone who is shorter or taller than you. After a decade of modding my kayaks I would just keep the kayak simple and light as possible and invest in a good fishfinder.

12-31-2014, 10:49 AM	#1
mclanea Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Rolando Posts: 85	I have the Trident 13 with the rudder kit. Compared to my Prowler 13 without the rudder) The rudder helps quite a bit when fishing. Specifically, and it might be related to the hull too I suppose, but I both drift less and can control the way my yak drifts hands free with the rudder. So I end up paddling a lot less having a rudder and casting more. For general kayaking, which we do a lot, I prefer the rudder because I'm used to it. But I don't think it makes a huge difference. Having just gotten a FF for Christmas though, I'm thinking the FF is probably a "first" on your list. Even just knowing the water depth is great.

12-31-2014, 03:41 PM	#2
Aznronin Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Sfv Posts: 147	I've been Kayakfishing out here for a long time and I have been through many kayaks and the one thing I know for sure is that a rudder is not necessary in SoCal. It adds weight. It's just another thing that can break. Depending on how you have your rudder pedals adjusted it will mean your probably the only one that will feel comfortable in your kayak and when you want to sell it, it's hard to sell it to someone who is shorter or taller than you. After a decade of modding my kayaks I would just keep the kayak simple and light as possible and invest in a good fishfinder.