Driftsocks, Trolling plate or kicker

[Czar]

What are the pro`s and cons of each and which is prefered for slow trolling. Thanks for your replies.

[Phil T.]

If you should have a problem with your main engine, only one of those choices will get you home.

[Czar]

Good point Phil.

[Greg W]

I use a trolling plate on my 19' boat w/a 120hp i/o, and I have a pair of small trolling bags. With the plate down and bags out, I can get my speed down to 1.1mph. But my biggest disadvantage with the trolling plate down is the loss of control while trolling into or towards the wind when up on Lake Erie(the only place I really troll).
I also posted here a few weeks back about the concerns I have about drilling holes in the fins of my lower unit and the cost of repairing/replacing that. Use the search for this topic in the history/archives and you'll find lot's of good posts.
I don't have a kicker nor have I been on a boat that used one so I can't give an opinion there.

[Fishstalker]

I just use a couple of 5 gallon buckets tied to the sides, slows me down to 1-2 mph on my 18' 140hp....cheap and easy. Good luck

[Czar]

Hey Fishstalker, how long are the ropes you use for the buckets and do you attach them to the rear cleats?

[Gizmo]

Phil also pulls a spare car around just in case.

[Woody]

>What are the pro`s and cons
>of each and which is
>prefered for slow trolling. Thanks
>for your replies.

Have a 25 foot Regal, troll with two drift socks, both 36 inches Dia. Slows to 1.2 MPH. But have problems steering, bad if their is a stong wind . One off each back cleat, same lenght from stern. Any body got some ideas?

[Dave G]

I went with a 76lb thrust, 24 volt trolling motor this year and can troll all day with two big batteries. I troll at slower speeds with mostly live bait or plugs on 3-ways. If you have a big boat try a 100 lb thrust. Very nice and does not spook fish as bad.

[Dan]

Hey Woody, buy a fishing boat!!!!!!!!!

[Dunn]

Hello,

I currently fish recreationally, when not pre fishing or fishing a Tournament, out of a 1978 23' Chris-Craft Lancer with an I/O Engine setup.

With this large of a boat we use a Trolling Plate and two large Sea Bags hung over the sides of the boat. This allows the engine to be at higher RPM's while being at a slower speed.

We can get down to a stop if we tinker with it, but run very comfortably at .2 to .5 MPH.

If we are looking for faster speed we usually pop up the trolling plate and use the bags to keep the speed.

One major advantage to a trolling plate is the cavitation it causes, that slows down the boat with much success. Sea Bags (Drift Socks, Trolling Bags, etc.) do not perhaps slow you down as much as a good trolling plate, but it allows for much more boat control when at these slow speeds due to the grab it has on the water.

Well, I hope I was some help.
Good luck, and Good fishing.
---------------------------
Marshall J. Dunn
Bluewater Research, Inc.
"Inventors, Manufacturers, and Patent Holders of the offShore Release."
Factory Pro Staff
Factory Representative

[JOHN]

USE BAGS FOR TROLLING PUT THEM ON EACH SIDE ON THE BOW CLEATS HALF WAY DOWN THE BOAT PUT A TAG LINE ON THE BACK OF THE BAG PUT THE TAG LINE ON THE BACK CLEAT TO KEEP THEM CLOSE TO THE BOAT TROLLING PLATES SUCK IF YOUR BOAT IS 20' OR UNDER 24" BAGS WORK GOOD IF THE BOAT IS BIGGER GET BIGGER BAGS CABELAS BAGS WORK GOOD

[JOHN]

PUT THEM ON EACH SIDE OF THE BOAT NOT THE BACK
USE THE FRONT CLEAT RUN THEM HALF WAY DOWN THE BOAT PUT A TAG LINE ON THE BACK OF THE BAG TIE THE TAG LINE TO THE BACK CLEAT. NO MORE STEERING
PROBLEM

[Stormsearch]

Probably not, he can walk if something happens on tbe road.