I got a 20' Wooldridge Off Shore Super Sport with a 150 Yamaha and a T8 trolling motor. The boat is biatch to control with the trolling motor in the wind. I have never used drift socks, so I am looking for a little advice on whether some properly deployed drift socks will help keep the boat straight when trolling in the wind. What size and where is the best place to deploy them?

Mostly this is for the Columbia River fisheries, where it can get a little tight between boats while trolling.

Thanks.

My experience is that a drift socks designed purpose is to be used when drifting on lake when the wind is bad. The drift sock will slow your boat down over cover you may be working. Other use is when your trolling motor goes to fast and you need extra resistance to get your trolling speed down. I use it when I'm anchored in the river and the wind is hitting me in the stern. I throw the drift sock out the back and the extra resistance keeps me tight to my anchor rope and my lines stay they way I want.

Its sounds from your description that you need more power in your trolling motor. Are you getting blown from side to side and have difficulty turning? If so then you need more power in the trolling motor or maybe a bow and stern mount electric set up for the wind. Hows your trolling speed when its windy? Describe a little better whats happening and what you want fixed and we can get you set up.

Mike, I got mine from Cabelas. I think size "medium". Sink them off the front cleats by the bow and it makes trolling in the wind alot easier!

I've got a larger one that we use to slow our drift offshore for halibut and lings. Works like a charm.

What Snit said and it will help keep your bow from bouncing around so much=easier control.Good luck,
SZ


Use'em on the Big C and @ wind river while trolling when it's windy out.

Thanks Snit, that is what I will do. J7, the wind blows the bow around and I have to really power up the trolling motor to get her straight. Thanks to all for the replys. Mike

With my old sled that had a "can style-animal anchor" on it, I'd even hang the anchor just under the water a couple feet when fishing the Wind on really snotty days. Seemed like that 50+LBS hanging off the very front of the boat helped keep the nose down.

Hang your drift sock off the bow on the side of the boat the wind is hitting you. If this isn't enough then hang a second one half or two thirds back on the same side. It will help keep you straight. It will not be perfect but we use this alot in the columbia. if its still isn't enough then call it a day cause its to damn windy.

back troll?