Trolling Rudder?

Anyone use a trolling rudder? I assume this goes in front of a dodger? Looks handy to keep spinning bait/lure from twisting your line by forcing the swivel to spin.

https://www.sportsmans.com/fishing-gear-supplies/hard-baits/luhr-jensen-trolling-rudder/p/p134395

It's used for lake trolling for trout.

I've carried one in my trout trolling gear for a long time now, but never seem to use it.  I've just found other ways to deal with line twist basically, especially nice chain-bead swivels, using sliding sinkers or 3-ways, using dodgers.  I don't use flashers much anymore, but mainly would think a rudder is good for that.  I do use a very small keel weight if I want to troll a bare grub or worm.

Als said it best. I agree with his reasoning. I have a bunch but don’t really use them either, but they have a very niche place in my tackle for top lining faster (2.5-3+mph) baits. I switch out a bead chain for the rear swivel, but the weight is perfect so my lines aren’t twisting. Mostly just use in super shallow weedy areas as an attractant. I tape flasher tape to the sides. It helps keep some weeds off and doesn’t plane like a dodger at high speeds. I treat it as it’s own 3-way spreader if I need to, with a hole on the bottom to clip in some lead if needed.

Right on, thanks for the info!

Just thought of one more niche application i do from time to time: i have a hybrid leadcore (1-2 colors on top of mono) rig which features ~15yards of floating highvis fly line topshot for topline trout trolling (i still use a fluoro leader). When using floating line/hybrid leadcore rig, the bait will follow the trajectory of the boat nearly exactly. Turns with the rudder+this rig make it so it's basically an exact trajectory. Think a snake's tail following the trajectory of the head as it slithers along, as opposed to a constantly changing vector modifying its movement. I like this presentation for tightly following a bank or structure or weedbed contour and can go real close up to it. Shines best to troll the perimeter of a shallow cove to get to the back without tangling 2nd line or fouling it up on too tight of a turn. 

last note: i try to avoid buying the ones with metal loop clips, they bend out easily. also don't buy new if you can find some fishing stuff from old guys' garage sales. They were massively popular back in the day, and every yard sale up here seems to have a plethora of cheap old rudders and gangtroll flashers+rudders. I have a massive stock that rarely gets touched.

Interesting. I can see that being very useful. The two closest local lakes are both small with lots of little coves and places to troll tight to the shoreline. Gonna have to try one of these out!

Good call on garage sales - most of the garage sales down here have mostly either striper or salmon stuff. Will keep an eye out though.