Driftsock - what do I need?

[montanagriz]

After consistently getting blown off spots on lakes like Mille Lacs and Ottertail year after year in a big wind, I've been told by several people I need to purchase a driftsock. I've heard using one greatly improves your boat control and speed of your drift. Any suggestions on what brand I should buy? What size do I need? Any tips I need to know on using one? Do I need more than 1 sock? I have an 18' Lund Explorer to give you an idea on the size of the boat. Heading up to Ottertail for opener and would like to purchase one at Cabela's or Gander before heading up on Friday. Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

[DuluthGuy]

Get one rated for 18-22' boats and one rated for 16'.

This will allow you to run both in rough weather or when you have a group of people. (One on the bow and stern)

Or, you can sometimes run one in the middle of the boat, if fishing two people, to try and keep you sideways to the wind.

They can be used as power reducers when trolling forward or reverse. i.e.(You are trolling cranks with you main motor (for control and power) but you troll too fast without a sock over the side)

Trolling in reverse with livebait the smaller one can keep your bow from getting wind slapped around by dragging one.

Many more things you can do with these - besides slowing you from running up on the rocks when you battery dies...

B2

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I use a drift sock a lot when drifting with 3 to 4 of us fishing in my 1775 Pro-V.

I use a Drift Control sock and I heve been very happy with it.

Get a sock that is one size bigger then the one rated for your boat size!

I attach my drift sock at about mid-boat and drift sideways witheveryone fishing off of the same side of the boat.

Be sure to turn your main motor INTO the wind when you are drifting. This will keep your boat drifting sideways better!

Cliff

[dfv87]

Reminder: some socks do not come with the harnesses so either be prepared to make your own out of rope or buy one with the harness in it. (I recommend to buy one with the float harness)

[Fish Head]

I agree with duluthguy. I have an 18 1/2ft boat and I have an extra large one and one for a 16ft boat. It's really nice to have 2, It gives you many options.

I use drift control socks. One with a purchased harness and float and one with a harness I made with rope. Both serve their purpose. Good Luck

[Ole #1]

I also use drift control socks. For my 18ft boat, I would use the socks rated for 20-22ft boats. I usually just use one, but sometimes you need two if you want to keep it slow.

Using a drift sock will also allow you to drift in a straight line.

[DuluthGuy]

One more thing.

I would try out the drift sock in advance (if possible).

You will find out how much lead you need. How it pulls the boat around whether drifting or trolling.

Oh, another thing just came to mind

I have, in strong winds, just kept my kicker in gear to balance out the drift compensation for the wind, when only running one sock off the front.

Have fun - be safe!

B2

[Northlander]

Everything said is great info. Always go at least 1 size bigger than what is recomended for your boat.

[LMITOUT]

Last year I bought a 52" sock for my 16.5' Alumacraft Magnum CS and it is too big for drifting unless it is super windy. I experimented trolling cranks with it hanging off the bow but it still slowed down the boat too much with my main motor running (60HP). I picked up a 36" last weekend and I think that should do a better job all around. The 52" may work better for your larger boat though.