so I am pretty new to kayaking and sometimes struggle with keeping myself parallel to shore for casting the bank. To my amazement just the pull of a crankbait can turn my kayak towards the shore and spend a lot of fishing time readjusting. I am thinking maybe I need to use the wind to my advantage a little more. I will be getting a wind sock as a gift soon so hopefully that will help a bit. I am also thinking of bringing along a small paddle for quick direction change instead of adjusting with large oar. would attaching a rudder help much? suggestions welcome....

Rudder

Rudder would definitely help. Also a drag chain on an anchor trolley might help.

cool....other than that I am really happy with my new obsession and soooooo happy to be off the bank and on the water again...thanks again...I'm sure more questions will be coming..ha

IMO, a wind sock will get hung up in most areas where I bass fish, there are some places it would be useful but few and far between for me. I've not tried a drag chain as anything hanging out of my yak will get hung up on something its just a matter of time. I have a rudder on both of my yaks and can't live without one now, BUT before a rudder is useful your yak needs to be moving thru the water not just with the water movement. I think you will always need to make small adjustments with your paddle. I try to make the adjustment before I really need it, which allows less correction needed. The more wind the more time spent with the paddle, sometimes it's make a cast then make 3 strokes. The more you do it the easier it is but sometimes it is a BIG PITA!!!
I think the small paddle idea might work well if you have the extra room, especially when your fighting a BIG fish and she's dragging you somewhere you don't want to go and only have one hand available.
Good Luck.

A rudder made all the difference in the world for me. Before I got one on my first yak I was wondering wether I like this kayak thing or not. Seemed like I spent more time with a paddle in my hand than a rod unless I anchored or tied off. With the rudder you can control your kayak even with the slightest bit of forward momentum. I have a sock too and I'll use it a bunch to drift the wide open flats this spring. Something else to look at is a stake out pole to hold yourself on a prime area.

I use a telescoping canoe paddle ($14 @ academy).. when closed it is the perfect size to grab with one hand and make quick adjustments, also works great for pushing off the dock or rocks. I use it instead of banging up my good paddle. It would also double as a backup paddle if needed.



However, I have wanted to buy one of these just because it looks cool


Backwater hand paddle

Many times the wind pushes me to fast, and I just have to anchor fan cast, and re-anchor alot.
-rob

I don't use a rudder so my paddle never leaves my lap, its my safety blanket and is always in the ready position. I've never even put a paddle keeper on my kayak. Starting out the wind is a pain, with practice it becomes much less noticible. You'll get to a point where you'll be able to make some powerful correcting strokes with paddle braced against the front or back of your forearm while keeping rod in hand. Learn to use leverage.

+1 Ive gotten awfully good at using my forearms and whatever else I need to make correcting strokes with my paddle. In big wind its a real PITA but then again most anything in super windy conditions is a big PITA lol

I don't

Some people use a pingpong paddle.

I really don't feel the need to stay facing in one position as long as I can cast the where I need to and I can see where I'm casting I just roll with it...

When I installed a rudder on, my kayak position became so much easier.

thanks again....kinda what I thought...part of it is just being a bit of a rookie probably...that has been my one and only complaint so far but really isn't that big of a deal...I just like to do the whole "fancasting" technique when I see structure or a good hole and sometimes it can be a little hard. Probably do the small paddle thing for now and install a rudder soon. That's the one thing I love about kayaking so far is you "have to roll with it" I tend to be a little anxious sometimes and am really enjoying the whole slow pace of everything versus being in a boat and zipping from spot to spot.....

If you don't already have one installed, you need to get an anchor trolley. This will allow you to strategically anchor up and face your target. You can buy one from Academy for under $20 or make one with a couple carabiners and some cord for even cheaper. Well worth the time/money. Good luck.