Drift bag question

[gmetime24]

This year I have been fishing big water more often like, Lake Huron, St Clair and the Saginaw Bay. How many of you guys prefer having drift bags?? Are they necessary to have to be fully effective? Also what brands or things should I be looking for if I purchase one??

[Dan]

Very helpful and I have had one for years and use it surprisingly often.

[Slipkey]

I keep two in the boat - one oversized and one the correct size for my boat.  I use them all of the time on big water. The smaller one is a Drift Control brand and is made of a lightweight parachute material.  It's easy to store when it's dry and dries out quickly when I hang it up after a day on the water.  The oversized one is an older Cabela's model and has a coating on it so the fabric doesn't get wet. 

Even though the tray I keep my socks in drains to the bilge, I've got a few mildew spots on the former from a time or two I put it away when still wet.  The Cabela's model has stayed like new for over 13 years.  I do recommend a sock harness with webbing strap and a swivel, like the one Cabela's sells.  It sucks, on a blustery day, to have to fiddle around with twisted sock lines.  The webbing strap doesn't allow that to happen like the polypropylene rope harnesses do.

[skeeterman190]

they are a must on big bodys of water and a great tool ive set up so many drifts that have put numbers of smallies in the boat dont b afraid to use them on smaller lakes also on windy days to slow u down. i also use the cabelas ones think i have a few minn kota ones in there also.. i think i have 4 or 5

[Got Fish??]

Make sure you match the drift sock or bag . With the size and weight of your boat. Or it may have a negative effect and put you in real danger

[Mojo]

Go 1 size bigger than you think. To use your trolling motor just creates an un natural drift. I fish with a lot of guys who get this wrong. The rate of bounce on the bottom is a nice constant tic- tic - tic.  Too fast and you'll miss bites. A lot of em. 

[Manxfishing]

The best bags are Amish outfitters
Cost the same as the bags you'll find in the stores
But there twice as strong

http://amishoutfitters.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1

[Schoolycustom]

http://www.motorguide.com/introducing-pinpoint

A much more expensive option, but if you can make the upgrade, the anchor feature is absolutely awesome. On the great lakes it will put you on a spot and keep you there even in rough weather. Instead of drifting over them 100 times and motoring back over them, you just sit on them and drag the bait yourself. It really is a awesome tool.

[Dan]

What trolling motors does Pin Point have. Will it work with a standard bass boat type trolling motor with foot control. I have heard that the fob type control on the trolling motors is way too slow for working docks etc. I would love to be able to use this though, and would seriously consider the upgrade if it worked in conjunction with a foot controlled trolling motor.

[Grinny]

No this is Motorguides version of Minn kota's Autopilot, which only works with NON-Cable style trolling motors

[Schoolycustom]

Yeah Grinny is right,

You can't just throw it on any ole motor. You have to have a compatible motor. If you are looking to upgrade your motor though, it is a option to look at.

[Waterfoul]

But, most bass guys don't care for the electric steer trolling motors (I said most, not all).  Give me cable steer any day.

That said I have the 32" version of this one in my boat:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=11151&catalogId=10001&partNumber=381071

It's vinyl coated and has stong nylon straps.  It's never let me down.

[Manxfishing]

I have a minn kota Terrova
For trolling motors it's the cats ass
Has Auto Pilot, Spot lock, etc.
And you can use the fob or the foot control
Plus it turns as fast as you need.
Never thought I'd like a elec steer over a cable
But it's helped me spend more time fishing then steering the boat
I set a course dial in the speed and then fish
If there's no wind it's the perfect way to help get a drift bite going

Can't say it would replace a drift bag
Just gives you more options

[gmetime24]

Appreciate all your input fellas

[bob620]

I just installed the new terrova I-pilot,I-link to complete the link between the humminbird 1198s I put on my 620.Just have to figure how to run the transducer cable up the shaft,through the head.Then I will have down scan and side scan.Over the winter I have a lot of studying to do.I have only had Lowrance units.I hope it turns out to be worth it,how I got the wife to go for this[the money thing] I must be hell of a salesman,or I'm out of my mind.Man,I'm hooked on this shoot.   

                                                                      bob620