Against All Odds by Tray Collins | Feb 22, 2012 | Cuda, Fishing, Saltwater, Saltwater Fishing | 10 comments The weather has been uncooperative over the last couple weeks making it near impossible to fish. High winds and/or rain has been ruling the forecasts. Most of our saltwater estuaries have been inundated with freshwater causing the water to drop in temperature, and salinity. The freshwater ponds, rivers, and lakes have also been affected by lower temperatures, and water clarity. We received six inches of rain Saturday adding to the rain that had fell over the previous two weeks, but this wasn’t going to stop me from an adventure in the marsh with a few friends. Upon arrival we noticed the water clarity, muddy would be an understatement. The temperature was cold, and it was very fresh. As we paddled away from the launch the water color improved, and we found fish. The wind was blowing 15-20 mph and caused me to wonder how I ever made it without a rudder. I used the wind to my advantage, allowing it to push me as I drifted the shoreline making casts toward it. I was able to spend more time fishing, and less time correcting the kayak’s angle. The redfish were spread out, and most were in the upper slot range. They all were heavy for their length, the above average temperatures have kept the fish feeding heavily preparing for a winter that’s probably not coming. We also caught speckled trout, they were very aggressive, but only in the 14″-16″ range. After 10 – 15 I moved on looking for reds. We continued catching redfish until it was time to go, and we left them biting. 10 Comments Uldric on February 23, 2012 at 6:11 am Hey bro nice catch for some unproductive weather. Got a question for you. how did the Cuda handle without the rudder with the wind. I live down in Corpus Christi, Tx and it’s always windy here. Love the custom color and glad to see you hang a few. Uldric Reply Tray Collins on February 28, 2012 at 8:15 pm Thanks Uldric! The Cuda handled well in the wind without a rudder. It’s a very fast kayak that tracks very well. With the addition of the rudder I was able to increase its efficiency. The rudder is controlled by the foot pegs so you’re able to drift a shoreline while using both hands to fish. In high winds I allow my rear anchor to drag and it helps to make a slower drift, and the rudder still works fine. I fish shallow water most of the time though. Your paddle strokes are much more efficient with the rudder. Using your feet to make minor adjustments, there’s no need to waste a stroke or two trying to correct the kayak, so a faster speed is maintained and you don’t work as hard. I would suggest a rudder in your situation or for anyone paddling in areas with strong current. Reply Eric Jackson on February 24, 2012 at 1:07 pm Awesome Tray, good read and glad to see you out there after it!! I hope we can fish together sometime!! 🙂 EJ Reply Tray Collins on February 28, 2012 at 7:31 pm Thanks EJ! Lets get together sometime soon! Maybe even some whitewater? Reply Tim Parker on February 24, 2012 at 1:34 pm Tray that Cuda is Bad to the BONE….oh and great fish.. Reply Tray Collins on February 28, 2012 at 7:29 pm Thanks Tim! Love my black Cuda! Reply Beccy Garvin on February 24, 2012 at 4:03 pm Tray, enjoyed your story and great pics! Reply Tray Collins on February 28, 2012 at 7:27 pm Thanks Beccy! Like the way your name is spelled also, very unique! Reply gregg on February 28, 2012 at 2:22 am good story Tray. got the info on the kayak rack also,thanx! Reply Tray Collins on February 28, 2012 at 7:26 pm Thanks Greg! I was hoping the rack info helped you out!!! Reply Submit a Comment Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ
Uldric on February 23, 2012 at 6:11 am Hey bro nice catch for some unproductive weather. Got a question for you. how did the Cuda handle without the rudder with the wind. I live down in Corpus Christi, Tx and it’s always windy here. Love the custom color and glad to see you hang a few. Uldric Reply
Tray Collins on February 28, 2012 at 8:15 pm Thanks Uldric! The Cuda handled well in the wind without a rudder. It’s a very fast kayak that tracks very well. With the addition of the rudder I was able to increase its efficiency. The rudder is controlled by the foot pegs so you’re able to drift a shoreline while using both hands to fish. In high winds I allow my rear anchor to drag and it helps to make a slower drift, and the rudder still works fine. I fish shallow water most of the time though. Your paddle strokes are much more efficient with the rudder. Using your feet to make minor adjustments, there’s no need to waste a stroke or two trying to correct the kayak, so a faster speed is maintained and you don’t work as hard. I would suggest a rudder in your situation or for anyone paddling in areas with strong current. Reply
Eric Jackson on February 24, 2012 at 1:07 pm Awesome Tray, good read and glad to see you out there after it!! I hope we can fish together sometime!! 🙂 EJ Reply
Tray Collins on February 28, 2012 at 7:31 pm Thanks EJ! Lets get together sometime soon! Maybe even some whitewater? Reply
Tim Parker on February 24, 2012 at 1:34 pm Tray that Cuda is Bad to the BONE….oh and great fish.. Reply
Tray Collins on February 28, 2012 at 7:27 pm Thanks Beccy! Like the way your name is spelled also, very unique! Reply
gregg on February 28, 2012 at 2:22 am good story Tray. got the info on the kayak rack also,thanx! Reply
Tray Collins on February 28, 2012 at 7:26 pm Thanks Greg! I was hoping the rack info helped you out!!! Reply
