Sea Anchors for trolling

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
Like2Fish
Avid Angler
  • Total Posts : 121
  • Reward points: 0
  • Joined: 2006/06/19 21:05:09
  • Location: Carnegie, PA
  • Status: offline
2011/05/17 17:25:59 (permalink)

Sea Anchors for trolling

OK,what can I expect using sea anchors (drift socks)to slow down my trolling speed? I don't have a small gas powered trolling motor and will need to use the big engine on my 22 ft. Wellcraft. What is the best way to rig them? Front, back etc. I assume two will be better than one. Any hints, ideas etc. would be appriciated. In addition, has anyone ever used them with an auto pilot? Thanks in advance.

REMEMBER "The toes you step on today may be connected to the AZZ you have to kiss tomorrow"
#1

7 Replies Related Threads
    blaze16412
    Avid Angler
    • Total Posts : 245
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2009/07/11 15:28:08
    • Status: offline
    RE: Sea Anchors for trolling 2011/05/17 19:12:59 (permalink)
    we just used 5 gallon buckets but then got a trolling plate. A trolling plate is the way to go. but the cheap way is the buckets both work great.

    I haven't failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
    #2
    Split Shot
    Expert Angler
    • Total Posts : 891
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2002/03/11 23:58:11
    • Status: offline
    RE: Sea Anchors for trolling 2011/05/17 20:29:38 (permalink)
    I use them! I tie them off at the cleats, I have right near the drivers seat and passenger side. Work good. I have a 21ft. Searay. 350 V8. Too fast without the bags.My boat before this one was 24ft. with a 351 V8 and It would troll down enough without bags. I am considering putting my 20hp. Yamaha on to troll with.

    My Wife said, if I go fish'n one more time, she'll leave me! God, I'm going to miss her!
    #3
    Bogeyjoker
    Pro Angler
    • Total Posts : 1704
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2000/12/22 14:02:54
    • Location: NW PA
    • Status: offline
    RE: Sea Anchors for trolling 2011/05/17 20:30:56 (permalink)
    I used trolling bags on my old boat before getting my kicker...they worked fine with my autopilot. Attach them to the midshipcleat on the front of the bag and your rear cleat on the back. My boat tracked best with the bag itself about 3/4 of the way toward the stern. Make sure you get them large enough. I have Amish Outfitters bags, and have had good luck with them.
    #4
    heyiknowyou
    Pro Angler
    • Total Posts : 1279
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2009/09/17 12:41:25
    • Location: erie
    • Status: offline
    RE: Sea Anchors for trolling 2011/05/18 11:20:50 (permalink)
    good info here about this stuff...
    http://forums.fishusa.com/m_339914/mpage_1/key_drift%252Csocks/tm.htm#340022

    go back to spain
    11-12-11: the last time i got punched in the face
    #5
    Blowchowski
    Expert Angler
    • Total Posts : 577
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2003/02/08 17:44:05
    • Status: offline
    RE: Sea Anchors for trolling 2011/05/18 12:52:58 (permalink)
    Good info in that thread.!

    Only thing I'll add is to watch when you're sizing the bags. The drift sock standard is using a measurement across the opening with the bag lying flat on the ground. For example, a 30" drift sock will open to a diameter of just over 19". Most products designated as trolling bags will give you the measurement in the open diameter, meaning a 30" bag opens to a 30" opening (diameter).

    Drift socks will work for a while when used as trolling bags, but will not hold up over time. Wave surge and the constant loads are more work than they're typically meant to do.


    I love cats. I just can't eat a whole one..
    #6
    heyiknowyou
    Pro Angler
    • Total Posts : 1279
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2009/09/17 12:41:25
    • Location: erie
    • Status: offline
    RE: Sea Anchors for trolling 2011/05/18 15:10:53 (permalink)
    with anywhere from 1 to 4 socks out, we get the boat down to an average of 1.5-2 for trolling depending on the weather and which direction you are going with regard to the waves. 

    go back to spain
    11-12-11: the last time i got punched in the face
    #7
    dewey123
    Avid Angler
    • Total Posts : 210
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2008/10/16 22:55:10
    • Status: offline
    RE: Sea Anchors for trolling 2011/05/25 11:48:23 (permalink)
    i use 2 22" drift socks from cabelas theyre cheap and durable. I tie both off to my cleats up in front of the boat. If you only use 1 bag it will pull to that side making it a big pain in the butt to deal with all day. You cant leave the wheel for more than 2 seconds or youll be doing circles
    #8
    Jump to: