Drift Sock.. Who uses Them..

[JusFshn]

tightlining with a bowmounted trolling motor? Wondering what size and how many to slow a 17' allumininm Bass Tracker to crawl (1mph). I have a 5 speed trolling motor (46lb. thrust) and first gear is much too fast.. Looking for something good in moderate to high winds as well.. Any sugestions.. Your opinions are greatly valued..... Thanks JusFishn

[deathb4disco]

Unless I'm mistaken, there's an article about this in the latest Crappie World mag showing Jim Duckworth using one.

[prchjerker]

We use them all the time up north here for controlled drift fishing.I prefer a large bag with an adjustable opening on the bottom.This give you the ability to adjust the resistance of the sock.A larger opening the water passes through faster and you drift quicker.Close the opening and it slows you down.Driftmaster makes a great bag and has several sizes.Another method used heavily down south is dragging a chain.Less likely to get caught up on a stump.PJ

[crappiecrazy]

I have used drift socks on several lakes. They are wonderful for drift fishing. The best fishing situations that I have found are drifting across "flats" with spider rigs. Set your poles out and just relax and jerk em in. Works up to 15mph winds. I would get the biggest sock that I could find. You can make a harness and save some money on the store bought rigs. I got mine at Bass Pro or Cabelas. One piece of advise " don't foget to bring the sock in and take off to another spot". No fun! One more thing, drift socks can save the day when our "Maker" decides to turn the big fan on in the sky. (heavy winds).

[OsoFishy]

I use the chain it is so easy to adjust your resistance. Perchjerker hit it when he said they dont get hung up they just ride over or around any obstacles!

[badbrad]

I wouldn't be caught fishing in the spring without mine. I have two....bought at bass pro and are rated by the size/length boat you have. One sock works good for the most part....I'll use two when the winds really get going. Really helps slow my bait presentation down a lot.

With a 17ft boat I'd say one sock would do you, unless your boat is real light like a jon boat and more susceptible to the wind. I'd buy one and try it out then decide whether you need to have another one on board handy to you.

[gone fission]

I borrowed a 24" dia sock, not big enough for a 19' jon. Ordered a 44" one that outta snag every stump in the lake.

[Quicksilver1958]

I'vew ben running chains for years.. Works like a charm!:D

[charlie H]

chains are a whole lot easier to use. Thanks Quicksilver

[Slabo]

I have a 20' x 70" xpress and I use a 52" drift sock and it works great in deeper water but with our lake conditions around here we don't have deep lakes much any more. I would like to hear more about the chains. How long of a chain do you use and what size chain? How far do you let it out behind the boat?

Thanks