Drift Sock

[yakersaltlife]

When I was fishing the bridge this past weekend, I felt like I was moving really fast. I thought a drift sock would really help and I know they sell them. Does anyone use one of these, and how well do they work for the yak?
Also, do you need to setup a anchor pulley system for it?

[ronaultmtd]

When I was fishing the bridge this past weekend, I felt like I was moving really fast. I thought a drift sock would really help and I know they sell them. Does anyone use one of these, and how well do they work for the yak?
Also, do you need to setup a anchor pulley system for it?

Yes, yes and yes....I use the one I bought From Austin Canoe and Kayak...26 inches- it comes complete- just add a small float- easy to use, works fine- slows down your drift a lot, especially in winds, not as much in heavy tidal currents-

[Memory Maker]

When I was fishing the bridge this past weekend, I felt like I was moving really fast. I thought a drift sock would really help and I know they sell them. Does anyone use one of these, and how well do they work for the yak?
Also, do you need to setup a anchor pulley system for it?

A drift sock will help you slow down if you are being pushed by wind ....... not by tide or current. They work well for boat of Yak. You don't need a anchor trolley ...... you can just tie it to anything. An anchor trolley gives you better control because you can move it front or back to adjust how your yak is positioned on the drift.

[fredneckyaker]

I have thought about using one. Much easier than lowering and raising an anchor.

[Cliff]

I use one on my PA's anchor trolley system and love it. At times the PA can be pushed around in the wind but the drift shoot really helps.

[john from md]

I use one in my boat when drift fishing across the oyster beds or fishing for flounder when the wind is moving me too fast.

In a boat, you can position the drift sock so that the boat is positioned any way you want to fish. It works well and probably would be ok without a trolley in a yak as the drag isn't the same as dragging on the bottom. It isn't going to catch on anything as it floats just below the top of the water.

For a 13-15 foot yak, I would think a 26 inch with about 10 foot of rode will work well. I wouldn't worry about buying one with a dump line as you are right at the water and can grab the tail and pull it in.

Regards,

John

[jsquare]

Anyone have any safety concerns when it comes to using a drift sock at a high traffic place like the bay bridge? Obviously common sense should dictate your actions, but on a busy day the boats can be zipping through the bridge gaps pretty frequently, and I see a definite disadvatage in anything that is going to limit your mobility around those pilings.

I've never used one in a yak. How much room for maneuvering do you have with a drift sock out?

[john from md]

I wouldn't drift through the bridge pilings. It is more productive to anchor and jig the pilings. If you are worrying about getting your anchor hung up, just use a bag of sand or cement with clothes line. If it gets hung up, cut the line and you are only out a couple of bucks.

While I have gotten hung up a couple of times at the pilings, I have never lost an anchor.

Regards,

John

[Redfish12]

I use one on a 3ft bungee cord with a 2ft section of rope and the sock has a foot of lead... 6ft. Clips on my anchor Trolly on windy days and I can position it so I float perpendicular to the wind. Works great and the bungee keeps you from being jerked around. I always take it to PLO or other places where I do long drifts and it seems like it is always windy down there. I can unclip it should I hook into a nice fish (or a ray which is more likely) and I have a float on it so I can go pick it up. Otherwise just pull it in and grab the bottom to drain it quickly.

It will not help you at the bay bridge unless you are just planning on drifting. Learn to sit in the eddies (like white water kayaking) and you'll be better off without another thing dragging in the water.