Catfishing Guide: Drift Sock Catfish

Catfishing Guide: Drift Sock Catfish
Catfishing Guide: Drift Sock Catfish

Drift Sock Catfish

Those that are searching for the perfect method to catch blue and channel catfish have quickly discovered the art of drift sock catfishing, also known as drift fishing. In this method of catfishing, special things known as drift socks are used to gently steer the boat. This keeps the bait moving to give catfish the idea that it is live bait and is known to produce a wonderful harvest of catfish. Drift fishing is commonly used for all catfish but is known to produce amazing results for blue and channels. When a fisherman is serious about his harvest, he knows about drift fishing.

What is the Point in the Drift Sock?

The drift sock is primarily used to steer the boat and slow down the boat. It works opposite the way that a sail does on a sailboat. The sail is used for steering, but it also helps the boat move faster as the wind pushes against it. The drift sock is in the water and acts like a miniature anchor that is used to slow down the boat. The person that would like to steer the boat positions the drift sock to slow down the movement of the boat, or to angle the boat in a specific direction. This is the preferred method of steering for individuals that do not want the motor on the boat to square away their potential catfish harvest.

Size

Purchasing the appropriately sized drift sock is essential for fishermen that would like to be able to practice the art of drift fishing. If a drift sock is too large, it will slow the boat down more. If it is too small, it will not steer properly, if at all. As a rule of thumb, the larger the boat is the larger the drift sock should be. Another general rule is that heavier winds will also require a larger drift sock. For example, a person going out on a day with heavy gusts of wind might need a drift sock of approximately fifty inches, while a person going out on a lightly windy day could probably get by with a much smaller drift sock. Individuals that like to go out regardless of how windy it is often purchased several different sized drift socks to ensure that they have what they need for the day instead of having to run back to the store to buy another drift sock because the wind picked up a bit while they were out on the boat.

Affordable

One reason that drift socks remain so popular is that they are more affordable for fishermen that enjoy trolling. Those that own a boat cannot always afford the perfect motor to slow down their boat and fight against the wind, but they can usually afford a drift sock. This gives them the same advantage when fishing while they can stay within their budget.

Often, drift socks are used for those that want to be able to fish, troll for fish or simply stay in the same area no matter where the wind tries to take them. They are affordable, and they are one of the most effective methods used by those that enjoy catfishing.

 

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