I know there is a big thing about whether or not to have a rudder, I'm not sure if I'll need one, but thinking about it, wouldn't a small trolling motor have a rudder on it?

Can anyone weigh in on this? I'm all about not having to deal with mechanical failure but dealing with wind over tide and tracking does sit in my mind and the what if scenario of being unable to paddle if something happens...

Looking around I don't really see much for both, I'd rather go with the rudder, any suggestions?
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

If you don't have pedal power a rudder is a great help when fighting a fish. If you have to put the rod down to pick up your paddles to prevent yourself from being towed into a troubling situation you risk the loss of a good fish. Pedal actuated rudders being the best.

I have a OK trident 15 and when the wind is blowing and
you are trying to get back to shore the only way to beat
the wind cocking is with that rudder or you will be paddling the
whole time on 1 side :wall: :wall:

Ended up installing the ocean kayak rudder, I think I did the installation a little off (one side is much smoother and has a bigger range of motion than the other) but when you fight a fish that is towing you like that do you just use the rudder to face the fish?
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device