What size drift sock or should I get a trolling plate?

[countryboy9799]

I have a 16 1/2' aluminium boat with a 70 horse on it. I also have a 36 lb. thrust electric that is to small when the wind picks up. I dont know if I should be looking at a trolling plate or a drift sock and am open to opinions.

I am looking for something that will I can troll at about 1 to 1 1/2 mph for my spinner rigs but when the wind comes up to say 15 mph or more when my elec. doesnt cut it. The figures I have found suggest a 38" to 48", maybe you guys can help suggest a size for my need's.

Thanks in advance

Scott

[countryboy9799]

BTTT

[walleyewild]

I have not used a trolling plate, my 40 merc trolls down to about 1.5 mph, and I have a 55 lb thrust transom mount that will pull me backtrollong at .1 mph if I want to go that slow. I do have a 36" drift sock that I have used when forward trolling with my 40 and also with a buddy's 115 works great.

Most guy's have a couple of sizes of drift socks, I have been thinking about picking up one of the 48" with the dump line on the small end. I think that there is more versatility with a sock then trolling plate.

[paceman]

I agree with Walleyewild. I would get a drift sock. That way you can use it for trolling or drifting in high winds. I hardly ever fish without mine in the water. My 50 pound thrust is a bit fast for my old alumacraft so I toss out the sock and it works awesome. It also helps keep the boat straight when going with or across the wind. Not much money either....

[countryboy9799]

Any other suggestions on sizes?

Thanks for the replies

[Hookmaster]

Most people recommend using at least the next size larger than your boat calls for. Most manufacturers have charts of drift sock diameter based on boat length.

[18 inch Crappie]

Cabelas large the black one with a blue strap, that is what I use to troll with my 17' with a 115 to get down to 1 mph

[countryboy9799]

I take it thats trolling in reverse? On a calm day? How does it perform in the wind when trolling?

[countryboy9799]

Did you get the cabelas drift sock harness too?

That is actually the drift sock I was thinking about getting.

[18 inch Crappie]

Nope, going foword with the sock off the starboard front cleat. I just tied a 8' 3/8 blue rope from Gander on with a 1/4" rope on the end to bring it in with. works great. I use it trolling at night. Just have to watch it when you stop just know it is there.