Drift socks

[Auggie]

I use a drift sock a number of times a year while pitching shorelines. You can secure it a biw corner of the boat and the boat turns 45 degrees, opening the back end of the boat for pitching. 2 people can stand over the livewell and Chuck away. I then just use the trolling motor to pull me away from shore occasionally. So I rarely have to monitor the trolling motor and just fish. I don't have a floating deal. Make sure a rope is connected to the bottom of the bag. That'll make takeing it out of the water easier.

- - - Updated - - -

I have a wave tamer and two Beckman's (blue). Most of the time I'll use one, every now and then I have to put a second out. Have needed a third a few times. Wave tamer is ~40in the Beckman's are a 60in hoop. I use the wave tamer most of the time. Both deploy easily. Sometimes when deploying, I'll throw it out and hit 10 on the trolling motor for a few seconds to open it up.

 

[BDub]

If you fish the flats up on Van Hook they are almost mandatory. Two are a good idea.

 

[Apres]

I have a small boat that's very light, the wind wreaks havoc on it when I'm trying to stay on a break line or drifting the current. I used to use 2 5gal pails it helped a ton. Socks are a great invention.

 

[Norske]

I have two. I don't much like them because of all the wet they bring into the boat when retrieved. Try drilling a 2" hole in the bottom of a strong plastic 5 gallon pail. Drill holes where the handle attaches for carabineers and the rope.If you don't like using a sea anchor (that's what a drift sock really is) you can still use the bucket to store life jackets and underfoot junk.

 

[gonefshn]

I have 2 of three different sizes in my boat. If I don't use them great! But when you need them they're awesome. Use them for slowing a drift, placing on a corner to keep the boat at different angles when moving, and also will use a small one on a front cleat when trolling and there's a side wind. The sock will help you keep the wind from blowing the lighter front of the boat and allow you to troll in a more straight line. Just another tool to help with boat control when it's important. I made my own leads with foam tubes, some good nylon rope, and marine hooks.