Drift socks, trolling plates or kicker?

[JT Gas]

What is the best way to slow down while longline trolling cranks? I have a 1800 SuperHawk with a 140 Johnson and I would like to slow down. I tried a drift sock and had problems turning once it swings one way. I was forward trolling with the sock off the bow or a rear cleat. The trolling plate would require drilling and I would prefer not to unless I was confident that is the way to go. A kicker is a nice fix but at $3200 is pricey. What is a good solution?

[ETT]

We have good luck with smaller trolling bags (18 - 24")with one on each side. Rig the bag so the rear of the bag is even with the transum, and can't get into yhe prop. Good luck.

[Jim Carroll]

Your answer is here: http://www.driftbag.com/articles/tro...ift_bags.shtml

Jim Carroll NPAA #333

[Gilligan]

$3200 for a kicker, where are you buying? My brand new 9.9 4 stroke with factory power trim, electric start and panther steer was $2500.
There are 3 4 stroke kickers on the classifieds right now from $!800 down. With the price of gas a kicker will pay for its self pretty quick.

I agree with Gilligan.

I was in the same boat (no pun intended) three seasons ago. I tried everything, drift bags, trolling plate, and five gallon buckets to slow me down. I have an IO 165, and paying for the gas to troll for eight hours wasn't fun, either. Two seasons ago I bought a 9.9 kicker. It solved all of the problems. I could troll all day on six gallons of gas. Plus the fact if anything ever happened to the main motor while out on the lake, you still have power to get to the dock, just a little slower.

Think about it guys.If the prop is deep in the water than the boat goes faster.Even with my 9.9 I don't slow down enough on calm days to pull spinners.I trim up the kicker,so the prop is a little above the keel.This slows the water flow,and the boat slows.Control is not sacraficed either.I pulled spinners with my 175hp. with no problem.

[JT Gas]

Gilligan,

I was quoted $3200 by two different dealers so I thought the price was in line. I live in the Twin Cities and $2500 sounds much better. Anybody know where I can get in that price range? I am trying to match my main motor so I was considering the 9.9 Johnson.

JT

Why put endless hours on your main motor when trolling? I imagine that 100 plus horse costs big bucks I would rather put the wear and tear on a smaller investment. I posed this kicker question when I bought my new boat a month ago. I t only makes sense to get the kicker. Besides the gas savings you have a kicker to get you to shore in the event of a breakdown. I got the 4 stroke to so I won't have to smell those nasty fumes while trolling. Get it over with and buy the kicker I did and think it was the best choice.
Jimmy