rudder position when anchoring/getting towed

I'm assuming i would want to flip my rudder up when anchoring, expecting to catch a big fish that will tow me?

The Yak never goes straight when just pedaling, i can imagine the trouble with fish propulsion power and trying to steer and reel at the same time. 

What do you say?

The rudder might help you keep straight in the current while anchored, I don't know.  I don't use a rudder myself. As for going straight when just pedaling, you just need practice.

As for steering while on your "sleigh ride"..unless you're being towed towards imminent danger it's not something you worry about.  Just go with it and hang on.

Brian

If you're stern anchored, I'm certain you'll want your rudder up.

I wouldn't worry about having to steer with the rudder, during a hookup. In fact at Moutcha, last year, we had fun playing bumper boats while being towed! After a while you'll figure out how to use the rod to lever the boat around.

Thanks for the input,

I know i wouldn't even think about steering much if i had a big fish on,at least the first few times.

I'll just try it different ways and see what works best.

That sounds fun pisco, I can't wait to actually catch a big fish on the Yak.

Be aware of yak positioning.  Getting sideways to the current can be bad.  Getting sideways to the fish can be bad.  Point your rod to the front of the yak and you will naturally get pulled inline.  However, this may come at the expense of getting sideways to the current.  But staying pointed into or with the current may get you sideways to the fish.  Find a balance and get comfortable.  Worry about your yak position more at first until you get comfortable and can worry more about the fish.   You'll get the hang of it.  Have fun and hang on!

-Allen

ok, guys, point me in the right direction. i have most everything i need to rig my anchor trolley, 1.5 lb folding anchor with 50 ft. line [ thank you backpackers supply in tacoma],
1 snap link,
2 carabiners,
1 small pulley
 100ft 3/16 or 1/4 in poly line to add to the line from the anchor kit, forget which but probably the 1/4,,,,,,,

and i think there's a partridge in a pear tree someplace around here too but i can't find it....

what i'm lacking, is an illustrated instruction set, and maybe some hardware i didn't think of?

do us a favor, instead of cluttering up the board here, email it to me via my msn / hotmail account. you'll find it listed on my profile.
Rich

ok, guys, point me in the right direction. i have most everything i need to rig my anchor trolley, 1.5 lb folding anchor with 50 ft. line [ thank you backpackers supply in tacoma],
1 snap link,
2 carabiners,
1 small pulley
 100ft 3/16 or 1/4 in poly line to add to the line from the anchor kit, forget which but probably the 1/4,,,,,,,

and i think there's a partridge in a pear tree someplace around here too but i can't find it....

what i'm lacking, is an illustrated instruction set, and maybe some hardware i didn't think of?

do us a favor, instead of cluttering up the board here, email it to me via my msn / hotmail account. you'll find it listed on my profile.
Rich

Clutter away ... that's what the board is for.

First things first, you might want a slightly larger anchor, especially if you intend to anchor in any amount of current.  I usually just get a 5 pounder and be done with it.  I never worry about the anchor pulling free and if it does, I'm in too much current.  I've seen people have trouble with 3# anchors.  They even add a couple 1 pound ball sinkers to it making it 5#.

-Allen

DOH!

Alternatively, I use a three pound anchor with a couple pounds of chain and it holds well.

bsteves has the idea. I've got a 1.5lbr also but threw a good 5' of chain at the end of the rope and works like a charm.

Z

What size chain you guys using and how many pounds per foot?

-Allen

I wasn't really paying attention to details at the time, I simply went in to Lowes and bought chain that looked like it would fit the shackle on the end of my anchor well while adding a couple pounds.

I'm using ~2 1/2 ft of 1/4" galvanized chain and I'd say it weighs pretty close to 1.5-2 lbs. 

Mine may be a little thicker than B's. I got around 5' and I guess it weighs about 3-4 Lbs.

Z

Are you guys attaching your chain/rode to the bottom of the anchor? then use a weak link (light lashing) to hold the chain to the top of the anchor. That way, if your anchor snags, a hard pull will break the weak link and let the chain pull from the bottom, hopefully breaking the anchor free.