Pedal kayakers, a moment of your time

For those of you that have a pedal kayak, what has your experience been while trying to hold your spot (like right over a brush pile) with a bit of wind? Here in Kansas we have no shortage of wind...10-15 mph on an average day (probably wouldn't try on really windy days).

I'm planning to replace my older Trident with a modern kayak, and I've been pretty set on putting a trolling motor with a spot lock feature on it. Before I commit down that road, I thought I would see how you all manage holding your spot with wind in a pedal kayak. Frustrating? Doable? I get so annoyed trying to hold a spot by anchoring upwind...what a joke.

I got a quote for a MinnKota install on our boat, and it would be as much or more than buying a new kayak and trolling motor (Xi3 w/pinpoint).

Well that's tough to answer. Some days if you can get positioned just right its not to bad slow easy pedal into the wind, other days you fight it all day long. It's 10x easier then the paddle kayak since your hands are free but can still be frustrating. Remember if the wind is blowing your having to adjust your rudder constantly unless you can find that perfect placement. Here is where the new Hobie 360 would rule. If an affordable option for you I would look at those. Also, the pedal kayaks do not turn as sharp as you can with the paddle. Several times I've found myself doing the scene from Austin Powers in the cart turning around in the hallway....lol.

https://youtu.be/IGiQOCX9UbM

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Originally Posted by SuperDave336

Well that's tough to answer. Some days if you can get positioned just right its not to bad slow easy pedal into the wind, other days you fight it all day long. It's 10x easier then the paddle kayak since your hands are free but can still be frustrating. Remember if the wind is blowing your having to adjust your rudder constantly unless you can find that perfect placement. Here is where the new Hobie 360 would rule. If an affordable option for you I would look at those. Also, the pedal kayaks do not turn as sharp as you can with the paddle. Several times I've found myself doing the scene from Austin Powers in the cart turning around in the hallway....lol.

https://youtu.be/IGiQOCX9UbM

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Lol, I can imagine what you mean from that clip! rotfl

Thanks for the reply, SuperDave. That's kinda what I was expecting to hear. I think I'll probably stay the course with my new plan for now. I need to check out the Hobie 360. Heard about it, but don't know anything about it!

Wow...that Hobie PA 360 is awesome!! But $5000, omg lol.

lol. yup, not "affordable option" for me :Rofl

I’ve recently got the Jackson bite fd. Pedal.
I have to 100% agree with Dave.
As far as shear energy and motion, the pedal drive is hands down better. Holding on a spot, I think I’d still rather have a paddle. As a matter of fact that’s what I have been doing. Pedal to area I want to fish then pick up the paddle for fishing.


Sent from my iPad using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

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Originally Posted by Blackjeepjk

I’ve recently got the Jackson bite fd. Pedal.
I have to 100% agree with Dave.
As far as shear energy and motion, the pedal drive is hands down better. Holding on a spot, I think I’d still rather have a paddle. As a matter of fact that’s what I have been doing. Pedal to area I want to fish then pick up the paddle for fishing.


Sent from my iPad using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

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Thanks for the reply! Yeah, I think a GPS trolling motor is what I'll do. Sucks that everyone is sold out of kayaks AND motors (mostly) these days.

I know this post is a bit old but it's an opportunity to help a fellow Kansan so I'll give it a bump. I understand how frustrating fishing in 20 mph wind can be.

My Outback is equipped with two anchor trolleys, one for an anchor and the other for a drift sock. The anchor keeps me on one spot and the drift sock keeps me straight. My anchor is kinda heavy, I think 15 or 20 pounds maybe. Running this setup can be a bit dodgy if you don't have a means of quickly disconnecting the lines for the sock and your anchor, so some sort of lever lock or zig zag cleat is a must for both. I hope this helps.

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Originally Posted by warnerwalter

I know this post is a bit old but it's an opportunity to help a fellow Kansan so I'll give it a bump. I understand how frustrating fishing in 20 mph wind can be.

My Outback is equipped with two anchor trolleys, one for an anchor and the other for a drift sock. The anchor keeps me on one spot and the drift sock keeps me straight. My anchor is kinda heavy, I think 15 or 20 pounds maybe. Running this setup can be a bit dodgy if you don't have a means of quickly disconnecting the lines for the sock and your anchor, so some sort of lever lock or zig zag cleat is a must for both. I hope this helps.

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Good info! Your setup sounds really smart; thanks for posting!

I ended up buying a Bonafide SS127 and put a Motorguide Xi3 w/Pinpoint GPS on it. Haven't fished much with the GPS anchor yet, but really enjoying the couple times I did. Mainly we've been tying up on trees lately, but once I start hitting brush piles and other structure it's gonna be great having it!