The Pedal Is Where It's At: Pedaling Often Wins Out Over Paddling
Posted on: 12 January 2018
Fishing kayaks offer users two main forms of propulsion: traditional paddling, and a pedaling version. Each form has its supporters, but when you weigh the two types, pedaling really wins over paddling. As awkward as it might seem at first, if you're used to paddling, pedaling allows for greater freedom of movement and more control as you fish.
Less Gear
If you pedal, you don't need a paddle, and that lightens your load immediately. The total weight of you and the kayak might not go down, but you won't have to have a bulky paddle stored along with all of your fishing gear. (You steer the kayak with a rudder; the pedals simply move you forward.) Nor will you have to worry about dropping the paddle into the water; the pedals are attached to the kayak.
Steadier Motion
Paddling is certainly an efficient and fast method of propulsion, but pedaling allows for steadier movement, especially when you're tired. After a day of fishing, you don't have to worry about paddling correctly or holding the paddle so that you move along swiftly. You simply pedal the kayak back to the shoreline. Plus, after fishing, your arms will be tired, especially if you had to battle a few big fish who did not want to be reeled in. You may find that pedaling back in gives your arms the rest they desperately needed.
Narrower Field
If you have to travel through a narrow lane, either because there are plants or other kayakers alongside your jackson fishing kayak, pedals allow you to move relatively unhindered through space. It's harder to paddle when you have little room, and you risk hitting other kayakers with your paddle. In fact, you could be delayed from traveling farther along your route until other people clear out of the area, and that can be frustrating when you've been looking forward to fishing all week.
Easier Adjustment
If you use a pedal kayak, and you start to drift or want to turn around a bit, all you have to do is pedal or use the rudder. You don't have to grab the paddle and start maneuvering around with the long stick with fins.
It's possible that you'll try pedaling and decide you prefer paddling, but definitely, give pedaling a try. You may find that for when you're kayaking specifically to a fishing spot, you prefer to let your legs do the main work.
Share