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MFF US Northeast => New York => Topic started by: JerryofWNY on Mar 19, 2019, 03:41 PM

Title: Drift Socks
Post by: JerryofWNY on Mar 19, 2019, 03:41 PM
OK, so I'm seriously thinking of using a drift sock(s) to slow down my drift while walleye fishing. My boat is a 17' aluminum Sylvan.

1) Am I better off using one sock at the middle of the boat or two socks, one at the bow and the other at the stern?

2) What size sock(s) for each application?

I would appreciate any and all advice you might be able to give me.
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: SeanP on Mar 19, 2019, 03:47 PM
Most socks come with a recommendation of size for a given boat length and weight.  You can have multiple socks deployed if you want to position the boat a certain way, I typically run one sock on a midship cleat.  that keeps the boat beam to the wind/waves.  If is really windy/rocking i will run off a bow cleat to make it more comfortable.

SeanP
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: gotagetm on Mar 19, 2019, 05:02 PM
i agree with sean , i runn one in middle of boat ,got mine at cabelas and i go with next size bigger than they suggest
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: JerryofWNY on Mar 19, 2019, 05:46 PM
So..........

One in middle --- 2

Two (fore and aft)  --  0

Thanks fellas, anyone else?
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: Mac Attack on Mar 19, 2019, 05:47 PM
https://1source.basspro.com/index.php/component/k2/127-boating-info/2270-boat-control-guide-to-buying-and-using-drift-socks (https://1source.basspro.com/index.php/component/k2/127-boating-info/2270-boat-control-guide-to-buying-and-using-drift-socks)
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: Mac Attack on Mar 19, 2019, 05:49 PM
Jerry - I have heard a lot of good about Amish Outfitters.

https://www.fishusa.com/Drift-Socks-Anchors (https://www.fishusa.com/Drift-Socks-Anchors)


Also, you might want to check with Pete.
I'm sure he will have some good info for you on this.
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: zwiggles on Mar 19, 2019, 07:27 PM
X2 on Amish Outfitters.

I use them for trolling, but I second a nod for Amish outfitters. I’ve had great luck with a few of their products.
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: JerryofWNY on Mar 19, 2019, 11:21 PM
Thanks for the links, Mac.

I've got the Amish Outfitters worm harness boxes and I really like them.

I am hoping to hear from someone who has used two to see if that setup has advantages.
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: SizeMatters on Mar 20, 2019, 12:53 AM
I have one you'd be welcome to try anytime, Jerry.  At least give you an idea how your boat handles with it before you spend money.
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: JerryofWNY on Mar 20, 2019, 08:53 AM
I have one you'd be welcome to try anytime, Jerry.  At least give you an idea how your boat handles with it before you spend money.

Thanks Greg. This is Paul's idea for dropping a few bucks in to that bottomless hole. If he's not in a huge hurry and we can connect I just might take you up on that offer.
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: Mac Attack on Mar 20, 2019, 08:58 AM
Thanks for the links, Mac.

I've got the Amish Outfitters worm harness boxes and I really like them.

I am hoping to hear from someone who has used two to see if that setup has advantages.


Here's my take Jerry.

One on the side of the boat will cause the boat to pull toward that side constantly.
One out the back interferes with fish you are bringing in.
Tangles and lost fish - not good.

So two smaller socks, one on each side of the boat is the way to go.

And BTW, socks don't scratch your boat's paint like a 5 gallon bucket will.
Don't ask.
 ::)
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: SeanP on Mar 20, 2019, 12:36 PM

Here's my take Jerry.

One on the side of the boat will cause the boat to pull toward that side constantly.
One out the back interferes with fish you are bringing in.
Tangles and lost fish - not good.

So two smaller socks, one on each side of the boat is the way to go.

And BTW, socks don't scratch your boat's paint like a 5 gallon bucket will.
Don't ask.
 ::)

Not that I can personally attest to that but......yeah a bucket could cause a scratch!!!  :whistling: :whistling:
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: Hookmesum on Mar 20, 2019, 02:45 PM
My previous boat I used 2 smaller amish drift socks and it worked great. If you are by yourself and setting up be prepared when one fills before the other boat will turn quick. I would hook one  to front cleat on each side of bow with pre measured same length of rope for each sock which would put them right about even with counsel. Out of way landing fish and wave action not an issue pulling. 
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: lowjack12 on Mar 21, 2019, 04:09 PM
I use reusable grocery bags off the front cleats. Work great l steal them from my wife there's big ones medium small. Some are sewn better than others.
For a 17 footer works awesome
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: gotagetm on Mar 21, 2019, 05:40 PM
lowjack thats funny!
if it works it works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: SizeMatters on Mar 22, 2019, 02:52 AM
Thanks Greg. This is Paul's idea for dropping a few bucks in to that bottomless hole. If he's not in a huge hurry and we can connect I just might take you up on that offer.
I'll see we make a connection.  When I used it, I'd play the wind and let conditions dictate where I tied it off to.  Generally one stern corner or the other worked best but I'd use the bow mounted trolling motor to control the drift.  I didn't care much for it off the side.  Too much rock and roll and total lack of control when trying to hug a weed line.  Heavier wind and waves, I'd use the bow cleat or one on the front left or right, again playing the wind and waves.  In my opinion, one will do anything you need in a boat that size.  I'll dig it out and plan a road trip.  It's mud month.  Time for a good cup of coffee, a hot loaf of bread and a browse thru a book store.  :)
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: icejohn on Mar 22, 2019, 09:52 AM
i agree with sean , i runn one in middle of boat ,got mine at cabelas and i go with next size bigger than they suggest

X2
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: JerryofWNY on Mar 23, 2019, 02:16 PM
I'll see we make a connection.  When I used it, I'd play the wind and let conditions dictate where I tied it off to.  Generally one stern corner or the other worked best but I'd use the bow mounted trolling motor to control the drift.  I didn't care much for it off the side.  Too much rock and roll and total lack of control when trying to hug a weed line.  Heavier wind and waves, I'd use the bow cleat or one on the front left or right, again playing the wind and waves.  In my opinion, one will do anything you need in a boat that size.  I'll dig it out and plan a road trip.  It's mud month.  Time for a good cup of coffee, a hot loaf of bread and a browse thru a book store.  :)

Pretty certain we'll go with one. We're looking to use it more for fishing walleyes on some bigger waters as opposed to weedline panfish so precise control isn't an issue.  I can usually find time to slip away from the store for a cup of coffee or we always have some for customers and friends. I'll bet there's a place in between us that serves a decent cup of coffee and cheeseburgers where we could meet if you would rather. Of course I can't bring the bookstore with me.
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: JerryofWNY on Mar 23, 2019, 02:16 PM
Thanks for the replies, fellas.
Title: Re: Drift Socks
Post by: SizeMatters on Mar 23, 2019, 05:52 PM
Pretty certain we'll go with one. We're looking to use it more for fishing walleyes on some bigger waters as opposed to weedline panfish so precise control isn't an issue.  I can usually find time to slip away from the store for a cup of coffee or we always have some for customers and friends. I'll bet there's a place in between us that serves a decent cup of coffee and cheeseburgers where we could meet if you would rather. Of course I can't bring the bookstore with me.
I happen to know a place............