Drift Socks

[JerryofWNY]

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.

[SeanP]

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

[gotagetm]

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

[JerryofWNY]

So..........

One in middle --- 2

Two (fore and aft)  --  0

Thanks fellas, anyone else?

[Mac Attack]

https://1source.basspro.com/index.php/component/k2/127-boating-info/2270-boat-control-guide-to-buying-and-using-drift-socks

[Mac Attack]

Jerry - I have heard a lot of good about Amish Outfitters.

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.

[zwiggles]

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.

[JerryofWNY]

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.

[SizeMatters]

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.

[JerryofWNY]

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.

[Mac Attack]

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.
 

[SeanP]

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!!! 

[Hookmesum]

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. 

[lowjack12]

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

[gotagetm]

lowjack thats funny!
if it works it works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!