Yeah you need the rudder, esp if you're using a bow mount tm. I have a Pond Prowler, and usually fish two out of it. So my tm is on the transom, and I have very little trouble with control. That said, the wind blows these light little pontoon boats around like a sail. So a good anchor is a must. I use a shallow water anchor that I made myself out of pvc. Spikes into the bottom of the lake, and attaches to the boat with a carabiner - very simple, very effective.