Hey guys,
I have been putting off getting drift socks for a while now but wanted to get a few.
The past couple years I have mostly been fishing erie and I know there were a few days I could have used a sock or 2.
When it comes to socks is any specific brand better than the other?
Are there any accessories I should get with the socks or any tips?
I have a 19.5 Ranger with a 200merc.
Is there a certain size I should get?
I really have no idea what I'm looking for when it comes to socks and have never used one so any tips or info would really be appreciated.
Thanks
The best bags out there are Anish outfitters
http://www.amishoutfitters.com/
There the same price as big store bags but twice as strong
I'd say buy 2 28" or 36"
And depending on the wind drag one or both
I myself tie them to tie off ropes and drag them from the cleats
I use two 42" bags. According to the bag specs they are a little small for my 20' boat but thats why I use two. They slow it down pretty good. They save some fishing days when the wind is blowing. Which on lsc is every time out:-)
Get as strong and as big as you can, and get the harness with float for each one. I have a 36" for a 16' tin boat fishing inland lakes and sometimes i wish i had 2.
When really windy, I use a 50incher at bow, and a 40 incher at transom
And make sure you tie good knots that you check every so often or your wind sock will sleep with the fishes at the worst possible time (from someone who learned the hard way)!
If this is your first experience with a sock? May I suggest the first windy day. Take your sock and boat, to an inland lake. This way you will be able to see how your boat reacts to the sock and how well, you can handle your boat. Lake Erie can be vary unforgiving.
Personally with one 50 inch sock, I have never felt the need for two of them with my 19'7" boat. I'm on LSC mostly. One thing that makes a difference is get rope that stretches. It takes the jerking out of the equation and gives you a much smoother drift. Tie it off to the front cleat and turn the steering wheel the opposite direction of the sock to help the boat stay more horizontal during the drift. I personally don't actually "tie" it to the cleat. I tie a solid loop first and run it through and around the cleat so I can remove it quickly in a pinch. Floating line really helps too because it helps the sock stay a little more out of the way when fighting fish.
I have two 40 inch socks but have used only one. I have a 19 foot Champion. I fish Erie a lot. I have never felt the need to use two but I am sure one day I will.
BD ;D