Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2014 - 43

troll hands-free in a given direction on big open water
or follow a weed line on a small lake. Features like "spot
lock" allow an angler to hold the boat in one spot without
throwing an anchor. Not having to throw an anchor
makes it much easier on our back and makes most of us
less lazy due to much faster location moves.

Drift sock

Often constructed of nylon or fabric into a bag shape,
drift socks are connected to a boat cleat or other tie
off point with a section of dock rope. This inexpensive
and easy-to-store tool can be used for both trolling and
drifting. Carry an assortment of sizes, go bigger when
you need to slow down and smaller when you want to
drift or troll faster.
When deployed directly out the back of the boat and
used in conjunction with a bow-mount trolling motor,
you can easily utilize steering from the electric motor and
use the drag of the bag to keep your speed as fast or slow
as you desire. They can also be deployed from the side
of the boat to help slow your drift when the boat is going
with the wind sideways. A bow-mount motor can be
used to help make subtle "corrections." A short burst with
the trolling motor can move you out past an obstruction
or slightly shallower or deeper on a break.

Kicker

A kicker is simply a small gas engine mounted to the
transom of a boat with the purpose to be used for trolling, both
forward and backwards. In most cases, these engines do not
exceed 15 horsepower. Kickers excel when trolling consistently
at 1.5 mph or faster. Yes, electric engines can also achieve this
feat, but even the best batteries will take a beating and not likely
make it through an entire day.
Kicker engines are frequently used alone on larger boats,
but anglers in the know often use drift bags in conjunction
with kicker engines to reduce speed on larger boats or surge
in rough water.
In smaller boats, they excel when used in conjunction with
a bow-mount electric. This allows push from the rear and
steering from the front. When toughing waves or attempting
to stay on a break in current, this two-engine approach lets
you spend less time worrying about keeping the boat where
you want it and more time fishing. The front electric allows for
more incremental speed adjustments. I routinely lock the kicker
in place and use it for thrust. Then, the electric is used for
steering and to make minor speed adjustments.
Be aware of the importance of boat control and how your
boat responds to different speeds and weather conditions.
Frequently, the best method is to use more than one method
and have the confidence in making these moves.

Having a dedicated rope with a carabiner
clip on one end and a closed loop on the
other end makes it easy to remove the bag
or switch to a different size.

PFBC website: www.fishandboat.com

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * March/April 2014

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2014

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