Drift sock recomendations

[cbrunick57]

Slowly starting to get open water on my mind and have a quick question on what you guys would recommend for a drift sock set up. I have a Lund 1660 Pro-V tiller with a 60 hp merc. Best I can troll the big motor down to is around 2-2.2, depending on the wind. I want to utilize drift socks to slow me down, both while back-trolling and standard. Would you recommend one larger sock to run off the front winch hook? Have heard that is the way to go for back-trolling, but what about standard? Will the sock even open up? Or would I be better off running two smaller socks off of each side cleat? Any suggestions and insight I am open to! Thanks, Cody.

[Boss Hogg]

I only have a 14 boat. So, I followed the recomendation on the box. Wish that I hadn't. If I had it to do over, I would have gotten the next bigger size.

[Crappyfisherman]

For forward trolling I use 2 30" socks one on each side on short ropes.

Back trolling one bigger sock off the bow.

[Kyhl]

To slow down the main motor you may want something a little more sturdy.

I occasionally use a pair of Amish Outfitters Buggy Bags for forward trolling. I think I have the 15" models on an 18' with a 115hp. I am sure that they are not bigger than 18".

They work great and give you amazing handling when rigged on both sides of the boat. They are built a lot heavier than the wind sock type typically found in stores.

[CANOPY SAM]

Do you think that the Amish really designed a drift sock for a boat?

I'm headed to the big C today to check out boat gear. Getting the same bug as you CB57!

[Raider4ever]

However you decide to run it, make sure you buy socks that are at least one size larger than what is "recommended" for your boat size. The people that determine drift sock size are also the ones that determine how many people you can "comfortably" fit in a tent.

[BigFish1]

I had the same issue with the same size boat and motor. I use 2 small drift socks that the big C store makes. Work great and have had no issues. They are black. Good Luck!

[fasternu]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but are drift socks measured by circumference (around) or diameter (across)? thanks in advance.

[Kyhl]

Should be diameter, as in 40" across when open.

The difference between a Lindy Original Drift Control wind sock and Amish trolling bags are significant. I've not tried their Fisherman or Magnum series versions though.

[Fish Head]

However you decide to run it, make sure you buy socks that are at least one size larger than what is "recommended" for your boat size. The people that determine drift sock size are also the ones that determine how many people you can "comfortably" fit in a tent.

Amen! I have 2 driftsocks and the larger one gets 90% of the use.

[cbrunick57]

Thanks for the help everyone! Gonna try the two sock set up. Funny how I never really was much of an open water fisherman until I bought my own boat, now it's game one!