Drift Sock

[Norm1980]

I'm going to be up on winni this summer in early june and I was wondering if investing in a drift sock would be a wise purchase. I've talked to a couple guys who fish the larger lakes up north and most of them use them, or atleast have one with. If so whats the average cost? I think cabelas sells them for around $50.00?

i have a 16' boat with a 50hp yamaha.

ideas or suggestions would be appreciated

[rodmaker]

Yes get one. There is a size/conversion chart in the Cabela's catalog. Make sure you get one with weight in the bottom and the top has built in floatation.

[Esox_Magnum]

We have them in all our boats and a few different sizes, you will use them more than you think once you get one and learn the in and outs of using them. So many applications on what you can do with them. We use them to controll drift break lines and weed lines for muskies or for livebaitng walleye.

[Norm1980]

Thanks for the info, I think im gonna have to pick one up this year. I checked cabelas web site and they have the weighted model for under $50, so my wallet won't take much of a hit. I like the idea of being able to use a smaller jig and still be able to keep the bait near the bottom, so it sounds like a no brainer.

[waterbound]

I think you could make one pretty cheap by drilling some holes in the bottom of a 5 gallon pail and putting a float in it to keep it from sinking. My dad used one a long time back and he said he caught a ton of fish but his brother kept getting his line tangled in it.

[Sherpa]

I have used the 5 gallon pail method a few times. I got some crazy looks from my buddies but it did a decent job. I did not even drill holes in it, I just threw it out there and it slowed our drift way down.

[Sonicrunch]

I have used the 5 gallon pail method a few times. I got some crazy looks from my buddies but it did a decent job. I did not even drill holes in it, I just threw it out there and it slowed our drift way down.

That's the route I'm going.

[delmuts]

We have them in all our boats and a few different sizes, you will use them more than you think once you get one and learn the in and outs of using them. So many applications on what you can do with them. We use them to controll drift break lines and weed lines for muskies or for livebaitng walleye.

So do you need to bring one of those along this spring too?

[JimBuck]

I also use one quite often. I've got an aluminum boat that can be kicked around by some decent wind so this helps combat that. I also use it in current when a crosswind is present to keep the boat's back end from swinging around. Get a float for it as others have said.

[Northlander]

Get 1 size bigger than it says on the chart. I always have 2 in my boat. 1 regular size for the boat and 1 a size bigger. The bigger one gets used more often.

[walleyemaniac]

You won't regret that purchase. I have two, when we're driftin and it's really windy especially on big water I'll clip one to the front and one on the back. Alot better boat control and it drops your speed way down. I went with the recommended size and one bigger. If I'm back trollin with the big motor I hang the smaller one off the front to slow me down just that little bit, helps control the front of the boat from going all over the place in a side wind.

[eyebjim]

+1 on the bigger than they recommend.

I have 3 because the 2 I got at the size the recommend were too small for most situations. Oh well in some cases I use all 3.

[cbrooks]

I got one that was recommended size for my boat and I wish I would have went one size bigger.

[Esox_Magnum]

We have them in all our boats and a few different sizes, you will use them more than you think once you get one and learn the in and outs of using them. So many applications on what you can do with them. We use them to controll drift break lines and weed lines for muskies or for livebaitng walleye.

So do you need to bring one of those along this spring too?

Ok thats 1 body of water that you may never use one. Plus with your boat wind shouldn't be an issue.

[delmuts]

just wondering!

[PiedmontAngler]

Anyone try using these on a river to keep the bow pointed downstream? I drift fish on a small river and often wondered if this would help keep the small boat from spinning all over the place when the wind is blowing. I think I'll try it on a canoe this year too.

[PiedmontAngler]

Anyone try using these on a river to keep the bow pointed downstream? I drift fish on a small river and often wondered if this would help keep the small boat from spinning all over the place when the wind is blowing. I think I'll try it on a canoe this year too.

[cliffman1]

Once you use one you'll wonder why you hadn't done it before. I went 1 size bigger than I needed and it works great.

[tomfromblaine]

Check around alittle and you will save some money, and for sure get 1 size bigger than the chart says, I haven't fished Winne very many times where you Don't need a drift sock, and alot of times 2.

Tom