Wind Sock

[Tucson]

I'm wondering how effective a wind sock is in light-moderate winds?  I never see them used here in AZ but wondering if I'm missing out.  My boat is an 18" aluminum so it gets pushed around pretty well in even light winds.  How much control do you have with a sock deployed?  I assume you'd normally hook it to the bow to slow your drift rate although you could probably use it off the side if the wave action isn't too aggressive.

[geo g]

Sea anchor or drift bag is a great tool.   I use mine a couple of times each year.  As long as the wind is pushing you in the direction you want to go, it is great.  It will reduce you drift speed significantly.  Another important thing is it keeps you in stealth mode and off the trolling motor.  In clear water this is an important factor.  I love mine when the conditions are right for it.

[S Hovanec]

I use one almost every time I'm on the water.  On the rare occasion, I use 2.  I used to attach it to the bow eye, but it became difficult to retrieve and sometimes interfered with the trolling motor.  I now attach it to the front cleat, and when I use 2, the other one is on the rear cleat.  The one I use will slow my drift to <1 mph in 1-2' swells and 10mph winds.

[Bluebasser86]

 

[flechero]

23 hours ago, Tucson said:

 How much control do you have with a sock deployed? 

A lot. (but there is a slight learning curve)  It all depends on where you attach it.  You have (usually) 5-6 points to choose from and each will give you a different speed and direction of drift...  and then you have to TM to make directional adjustments while in drift or even to slow you further.  Your options include bow eye, 2 sides of stern and most boats have 2 cleats on each side.  You can actually drift up to about 25-30 degrees cross wind with a side cleat and using the outboard motor as a rudder.  But you can go even further cross if you supplement with the TM.

 

 

 

 

[TOXIC]

We use them on St Clair.  Sometimes 1, sometimes 2, sometimes anchored off the rear, sometimes forward.  We crank the motor all the way one direction or the other (depending on the drift), not running of course, and bump the trolling motor for slight angle or course corrections.  That being said...I hate them.  You get wet pulling them in for another drift and when it's 40 degrees outside you get the idea....Then at the end of the day you have to take them out to dry or you will get mold and mildew in your locker...yes, even if you put them in a bag.  BUT.....they have saved many a day on the big water.  I have never used them shallow though.  

[geo g]

I often use the drift bag on the big flats at Loxahatchee.  The flats are 3 to 4 feet deep and full of thick weeds almost to the surface.   The drift bag goes right over the vegetation and never hangs up.  They work great in shallow water, and always seem to fill without catching weeds.  Mine is also thick coated nylon and does not bring water in the boat.  Maybe its just the brand I bought.  They have saved many a day that mother nature tried to ruin.  Get the right size for your boat.  They come in all sizes.

[Tucson]

Thanks everyone, some great information here.