Using chain to slow-trolling

[crappiefarmer]

Wher I'm at there ain't nothing but mud and sandy bottoms with millfoil in the summer time. They won't hurt in some areas. Just be aware of what your bottom consists of. CF

[TapOut64]

I couldn't imagine using a chain on the lakes I fish. So many fallen trees that I'm sure it would get hung up.

[IwishIdid]

Chains are super popular at Reelfoot, I don't use them because of the dragging through cover, but alot of others do. The thing I've noticed is that if you get behind a boat pulling a chain, your fishing is done. The chain spooks everything it goes over. I use the socks and yes have to get them unhung occasionally, but at the ramp I have normally caught more than the ones with chains.

[ceb]

I grew up seeing chains used on the old oxbows of eastern AR. The chain really shines in these situations...Fairly clean bottom; stump fields; no major change in the depth for the drift that you want to make.

A drift sock is a good tool to have, but just like anything else, there's a time and a place for it. For example, Lake Conway in AR, there are loads upon loads of stumps. That place would be a drift sock's worst nightmare, but a chain will snake right through those stumps.

The chains have been used for years on the tailwaters of major lakes in AR. I have seen chains used on the White, Norfork, and Little Red. I agree that using a chain in these rivers is not a good idea, simply because of the extremely sensitive microenvironment of these rivers. This is a completely different scenario than using it at your local lake...