Sleigh ride in a Hobie?

Anyone ever had one?  I imagine if i hooked a WSB I would kick-up the Mirage drive.  But what about the rudder, use it?  Would a sea monster pulling me one way and my rudder going the other cause a capsize? 

Your thoughts please.   

Yep, WSB, YT, Big Stripers, assorted sharks.

So the answer is yes,  pull up your rudder...thanks.

First rule never pull your drive on the water! If you do make sure it's leashed! They sink faster than you can grab 'em. Anything big enough to give me a sleigh ride I'm not thinking pull rudder, pull drive, I do the opposite and use the drive and rudder to ware the fish out or to keep em out in the open. Turn the oppose direction as fish and slowly peddle.

I have caught a 7'9" and an 8' sturgeon (plus many in the 4 to 6 foot range) from my Hobie Outback. Both "trips" with the big fish were well over a mile of travel. I use my drive and rudder a lot during the fights. I let the fish pull me along, as soon as it slows down or stops I use the drive and rudder to position myself directly over the fish so I can pull straight up. I keep the fins flat against the hull when I am not actively using it during the fight.

I think it depends on the species and size of the fish and where you are fishing. If I am fishing in a fleet or near structure or cover, I leave the rudder and drive in and pull the fish to a safe location before beginning the fight. The risk in leaving the drive and rudder in is having the line tangle if the fish runs under the boat. Running under the boat is more common with YT, salmon and tuna. Having the fins against the reduces the risk of tangling. You can also brace the the foregrip of the rod against the hull with the rod tip pointing straight down in the water. Lean forward and brace the rod as far forward as possible and the fish will turn the bow and your line will be free. If you get a really huge fish like a big thresher or mako, you want to create as much drag as possible so you would leave the drive and rudder in and peddle against them or turn the kayak sideways.

First rule never pull your drive on the water! If you do make sure it's leashed! They sink faster than you can grab 'em. Anything big enough to give me a sleigh ride I'm not thinking pull rudder, pull drive, I do the opposite and use the drive and rudder to ware the fish out or to keep em out in the open. Turn the oppose direction as fish and slowly peddle.

Yeah my Mirage is always leashed even in 4 FOW cause I am a spaz ...like I said kick the drive up meaning I flatten the fins.

Thanks for all the intel..now all I have to do is hook into something that big, which hasn't happened for me,yet

I have caught a 7'9" and an 8' sturgeon (plus many in the 4 to 6 foot range) from my Hobie Outback. Both "trips" with the big fish were well over a mile of travel. I use my drive and rudder a lot during the fights. I let the fish pull me along, as soon as it slows down or stops I use the drive and rudder to position myself directly over the fish so I can pull straight up. I keep the fins flat against the hull when I am not actively using it during the fight.

hehe I love hearing about sleigh rides. I want to go on one that would be soo fun!

all I have to do is hook into something that big, which hasn't happened for me,yet

If you hook up with a very big fish, just make sure your rod is ALWAYS pointed towards the bow. With a proper rod and a smooth drag, you'll be good to go.  The fish will spin you around but always point that rod forward. You can also straddle the kayak  for more stability and create drag for Mr Big Fish. You can also stick a leg in either side and use it as a rudder.

Go bat ray fishing....if you want to experience "free towing"  Good luck!

Just my 2 cents....