DRIFT SOCK QUESTION

I run a 17 foot crestliner with a 75 yami 4-stroke. The problem is that I cant troll any slower than 2.9 gps. I have tried using my drift sock to slow things down, but no matter where I put it I have to fight to keep control. It always pulls me one way or the other. I havent tried it out the back since it would seem to get in the way. I have tried it on the sides and from the bow eye (under the boat). I have been looking into the yami t8 but my question is has anyone used the drift sock trolling and still maintain good control. Would 2 work better than one? and how would you rig it. Thanks in advance.

Have you tried a trolling plate yet?

no wade I havent. What speed do you think it would get it down to. Is it an easy install? Do you stock them? If anyone uses one could you let me know what speed you get down to. Thanks

I haven’t used one but I know a lot of guys do find them helpful. I was just thinking that might be a good alternative. You might even want to post that question in a new post (ex. anybody use a trolling plate?) to get you more responses. I personally run a 90HP merc. and I can’t get under 2 mph on the gps, but if I need to I just go to the trolling motor. I can see where a trolling plate might be the ticket…

Another option is to run 2 drift socks.

There are 2 ways of running them.

One way is to hook up one on each side of the boat, via cleats.

However, to do it nicely (they way we did this on Mille Lacs last fall), is to tie up both drift socks on a rope. Basically, you make a “sock harness”. Keep the drift socks tied up about 8 feet apart on the rope. Then run the socks under the boat, by throwing them over the bow. Tie up the rope ends to your gunnel cleats. Tie it up tight. You don’t want the socks running into your motor. This method keeps the socks under the boat. It also keeps them from tangling up with each other. And lastly, since the socks are tucked away under the boat, it keeps you and your fish out of them.

2 socks will slow you down to a crawl! It also keeps yoru boat tracking straight.

Good idea Gary! I may have to try that one myself.

Here is another option from the Walleye Searchers web page.

Quote:

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I wish motor manufactures would make all engines troll super slow; unfortunately they don’t, so we have to either get a kicker or slow down the boat in other ways. Although my motor trolls slow enough for pulling cranks, it is still too fast for the very slow pulling of live bait floaters on 3-ways. I could have put on a kicker but have not yet seen an easy and comfortable way to control a kicker from the driver’s seat. I also like to have the power of the big engine always available whenever it is needed. To slow down enough to pull floaters, I deploy a 2-gallon plastic feed bucket off each side of the boat. The ropes to the buckets are just long enough to keep the buckets from getting hit by the propeller. Now I can slow troll from the comfort of the driver’s seat and not have to stretch or stand to reach a kicker handle. After several years of trial and error I found that holes in the bucket, snaps, or swivels are not necessary; just replace the metal bucket handle with a longer rope.

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Hey Hatchetman.
I have an 18 ft Alumacraft with a 75 Merc and have used the drift sock off the bow eye plenty of times with success. For me, the key to it working right has been to make sure I let out enough line so that it runs down under the middle of the boat. If I don’t let out enough rope and it stays too far forward, it does create boat control problems. If you let out too much line, it will be in your prop. My suggestion for you would be to start short and keep letting out a little rope at a time until you find the right “recipe” and then tie a knot in the line to mark that spot for future reference.
FYI, I normally troll 2.2mph minimum without the sock, and with it have gotten down to 1.0 mph.

Good Luck!
Crossin’

Thanks guys. I think i will try that 2 sock set-up. seems like that should work.