Question on wind socks

[feelay]

Where is the best place to get them

Cabelas or Grizzly

[feelay]

When using the socks....does it matter if you are going with the wind or against the wind? I other words can you troll in any direction when useing these?

Pull them in when you turn into the wind.

[feelay]

Does distance behind the boat make a difference and how far out should they be?

Not really. I use the harnesses that are about 5' long. puts the sock around 8' behind the boat.

[FisherMike]

Cabelas or Grizzly

I bought mine off E-bay for MUCH less money and there used year round in th Florida sun. They are still in great shape!!

Just sayin.

[feeshrman]

When using the socks....does it matter if you are going with the wind or against the wind? I other words can you troll in any direction when useing these?

You go with the wind G. On cold days having the wind to your back is a BIG plus

[feeshrman]

Not really. I use the harnesses that are about 5' long. puts the sock around 8' behind the boat.

That's what I do also

[Hanr3]

Great thread. I too have been looking at buying a drift bag. However while reading through this thread and seeing all the comments about getting the biggest bag you can, it got me to wondering. Last summer I installed a new patio with paver blocks. Under the paver blocks is a layer of sand, and a layer of rad grade rock. The sand came in a huge poly bag. The bag holds over 1 ton of material, a yard of material. Its 4' square by about 4' tall. Quick google search came up with the product, under a different name.
One Ton Bag 001 - YouTube

Thoughts on useing these bags? I have two of them.

[bobgill]

I have a 42" sock that I got at BPS. Works well. I have had super bags of feed and fertilizer at the store where I worked. Since you have them, you may as well try them. I am afraid that their size, weight, and configuration will all work against you. Good luck

[Spoonminnow]

When using the socks....does it matter if you are going with the wind or against the wind? I other words can you troll in any direction when useing these?

You can still troll against the wind, but your speed is super slow depending on tm #thrust.
The nicest thing about using two wind socks (fore and aft) in waves or heavy chop is deck stability - the boat doesn't rock & roll! Incredible! Plus the drift slows to a crawl.

I like the socks I've bought from Gander Mountain in nylon or rubber. Rubber holds it's shape and is easier to bring in, but takes more room.

[TDHcrappiemaster]

I have always used two socks. Get the biggest ones you can afford.
I fish a lot of tournaments and they have helped us win more then once because we were able to control the boat at all times.

You asked about distance behind the boat. It all depends on the water depth. We had to use them last year in 4' of water so we kept them close to the boat so they didn't drag or hang up on debris in the water.

In a cross wind I always put one on the upwind side of the boat and the other on the back corner same side. This really helps keep you on track when your trolling a ledge.

Keep in mind you will work your butt off pulling them in and putting them back out but if you want to catch fish the extra work is worth it.

I'm so into boat control I added a second I pilot trolling motor to the back of my boat and now I don't need the drift socks...
Drift socks are much cheaper though...Lol!