PEDAL KAYAK FISHING by John Allen photos by the author A sk any kayak angler, " What is the most frustrating part of kayak fishing? " The answer is almost always related to paddling. Having to negotiate a paddle and fishing rod in sync is a challenge. Remove the paddle for a better experience. Fish hands-free for more fishing time. Pedal kayaks allow anglers to focus on what they want to do-fish. The kayak industry has evolved in the last 20 years, from a handful of basic models to kayaks made specifically for anglers. Early pedal kayaks needed some work. With so many different kayak companies developing their own pedal systems, it was only a matter of time until a better product was available. Now, there are professional kayak fishing tours where every angler is fishing in either a pedal or motorized kayak. Most of these kayaks have a rudder system in the back with a hand-controlled mechanism near the seat. Many pedal systems look and function like an 8 Pennsylvania Angler & Boater electric motor, with you as the power source. Other systems look and function like snorkel flippers. Practice will make perfect as you learn how to move the rudder to get where you want to go. The learning curves vary based on the model. Some turn on a dime while others handle like you are turning a semitruck. The average kayak is somewhere in between. Getting down the timing of your turns may be tricky. Leaning into the turns as you pedal helps, but giving yourself enough space and time to complete the turn is most important. Many pedal systems look and function like an electric motor, except you are the power source. fishandboat.comhttp://www.fishandboat.com