Drift Sock – Size, brand?

I have a deep V 17′ Lund Fisherman that grabs a fair amount of wind. Looking to make a trip in a few weeks to Lake Erie for some drift Jigging, and then have the same option in the future for other applications.

Looking at the 48″ Lindy Magnum Series Drift Sock.

I’ve never used one of these, so open to all advice on size choice, or another brand.

If someone has a used one to sell – I’m open to that as well. Guessing a couple years down the road, I may be in that same situation.

5 gallon bucket–no holes in the bottom. Don’t laugh!

48″ might be a little small, I have a 17′ Trophy and had a 40″ and had to go to a 60″

I would recommend two 48″ ones. One in the front and one in the back. Gives you better overall control.
I use “no name” products.

Add a Gpas Jr. on the line instead of the float harness. Your speed will be more constant and slower with the smaller bag. Order online from hickory glen creations.

I’d go with the 60″. I have a 48″ and a 60″. The 60″ is the one I always use unless I need one on front and back, then the 48″ goes on the back. I have never gone too slow with the 60″, but have gone too fast with the 48″ alone. I bought the 48″ first and had to upgrade to the 60″, don’t make that mistake unless you need a reason to buy 2 of them.

steve-fellegy wrote:

5 gallon bucket–no holes in the bottom. Don’t laugh!

Not laughing…that’s the same setup I use. Work great…cost much less. I do have a hole in the bottom of the buckets to make lifting them out of the water easier, but they still do the job on my small boat.

Trent W wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>steve-fellegy wrote:</div>
5 gallon bucket–no holes in the bottom. Don’t laugh!

Not laughing…that’s the same setup I use. Work great…cost much less. I do have a hole in the bottom of the buckets to make lifting them out of the water easier, but they still do the job on my small boat.

What’s funny is that after doing side by side tests, all things relative, the factory drift socks are no more effective than the bucket. I NEVER make a decision like this without testing to the extreme. And I say that after getting numerous socks given to me by the factory reps…the bucket all the way in my boat! IMO–but I only have about 50K hours doin’ this stuff–with a gun at my head to get it right??

Do you run the buckets off the back cleats of the boat or off the front cleats. I run my off the back, sometimes the buckets get in the way. I just don’t want the buckets rubbing the bottom of the boat if i run them off the front. What are your thoughts?

Hilltopper wrote:

Do you run the buckets off the back cleats of the boat or off the front cleats. I run my off the back, sometimes the buckets get in the way. I just don’t want the buckets rubbing the bottom of the boat if i run them off the front. What are your thoughts?

If I have one out, while trolling, I use the front cleat only. Yes….it is under the boat and never have had any issues with that. If it is windy and trolling down wind, I will hang one off each side/front cleat ( or use my transom mount electric in reverse to get the PERFECT speed) I rarely use anything to “control/slow” my drift etc. because my motor/either gas or electric/bow or transom depending on the scenario, usually does a better/more consistent job ( tricks/practice to the trade to get it right all the time–no matter the wind etc.–even if it is blowing 25 or more mph.)–if on distinct structure. Back trolling, sometimes the bucket is out, off the bow again, if I have to turn DOWN wind at times–it makes the boat react faster.

Buckets work but I can’t fit them in my compartments so not practical.

I have a couple of the Cabela’s 48″ ones, I have one that I have never used I would part with $40 plus shipping. I’ve had it for few years in the package. Otherwise if you watch Cabela’s they seem to always go on sale for a great price in April.
They have a lead weight in the bottom and a float on top so they open up really nice.

I run it on 1775 pro v

From reading, some drift socks in the same lineup (example Lindy) have more effect at slowing that others…. leading to my guess on the 48 Magnum. From experience, are the lighter, and less expensive ones just as effective?

I’m almost always alone… so be it a drift sock, or buckets, I need to be able to make adjustments quickly on my own.

Do you ever just run these off the front of the boat, cutting some of the side wind pull?

How long of a rope to the bag, or bucket?

I get the idea of two for two guys jigging over the side. With one guy, would that change your thoughts?

Thanks

Chuck… my # is in my postings. Feel free….as my weather-beaten fingers on a keyboard don’t do as well as runnin’ my mouth to ‘splain. Over and out on this one.

I run a cabelas 60″ I also use their harness and buoy that was a package deal sale. It works well for me. When I still had my 21′ ranger that is what I used and worked well with just one. The cabelas drift socks are very good quality and very cost effective. I have never tried a bucket, so I can’t say anything one way or the other, but if you are leaning to drift sock cabelas you can’t go wrong.

X2 on the 5 gallon bucket

I have been using the Cabela’s brand for several years with no complaint. Easy to store and deploy and mine have been very durable and are like new after lots of use. Get multiple sizes and you can deploy the size you need to get the drift speeds you want.