Thread: wind sock questions

Good questions Grady, I've never had a pontoon until recently. I am in the same boat as you and haven't gotten to this problem yet. I would guess a bigger sock at least 56 inches directly off the back and guide with your ulterra. You would need to get out a ways due to the newer transducers range I would think. Maybe experiment with some buckets first to see where they pick up on the DF. I would hope you would be higher in the water with the sock and not interfere with the transducer. Let me know what you find out. Also on the main forum you might get a answer. PM Bowlerman he drifts for cats in high winds. You may have to go backwards. LOL

I dont have a pontoon, but wouldn't get a small one, I got 3 , one is 56 inches, two are 30 inches, the 2 small ones together are not enough for my 18 foot boat, in 15 to 20 mph winds, I have to use all three, If I get another one, it will be bigger than 60 inches, When I go fishing I dont want to stop fishing just because the wind got up. I would get 2 of the bigger ones for the pontoon, 72 or bigger. I'm on the water long after most people have left because of the wind.

I would mount cleats on the top rail on both sides to hook the rope on, they dont need to be over 5 foot or so behind the boat, put big float on the rope of each one, so if one came loose , the rope would float and you can get it back, I lost one a wateree because I didn't have floats on the rope. They will sink!!!!!!!! Eagle Claw sells 2 in a pack at academy for about 4 dollars, I put 2 on each rope.

I run 2 42's and a 66 on 17.5 Wareagle. My advice is to spend the money and get 1 of the 77-78 in from cabelas and hook it to your bridle then use trolling motor for control. I have a home made bridle I run my 66 on and it works good. You need to attach a retrieve line to bottom of sock longer than your tow line. That way you pull it in dumping water and making it a lot easier to retrieve.

I'll ask before ScooperDude will, but could you use the ski bar on back to tie off your wind socks? I don't have access to the lower back end of my pontoon either. Will this be to high up for the drag of the sock?

Dawgg, have you priced a ski tow bar? They are expensive!

Originally Posted by BigDawgg

I'll ask before ScooperDude will, but could you use the ski bar on back to tie off your wind socks? I don't have access to the lower back end of my pontoon either. Will this be to high up for the drag of the sock?

Yes you could and probably keep you from tangling in the motor as bad. Just remember you may have to run a longer lead out to the sock.

No I haven't. I got some sort of a tow post back there, might be where I can tie off the dingy!

Also: Cray, I plan on a nylon rope of some sort and a drift sock with a float attached. I will look around for options. I got to get it ready for real fishing soon. My wife said I bought another yard ornament, I got to prove her wrong.

Just looked at Bubba Roundtree fishing video's and he trolls backwards it looks like with his big motor with drift sock off the front. Strange for sure. Not what I want to do!
Thanks ScooperDude for getting this question out there.

Originally Posted by ScooperDude

Dawgg, have you priced a ski tow bar? They are expensive!

Originally Posted by BigDawgg

No I haven't. I got some sort of a tow post back there, might be where I can tie off the dingy!

Also: Cray, I plan on a nylon rope of some sort and a drift sock with a float attached. I will look around for options. I got to get it ready for real fishing soon. My wife said I bought another yard ornament, I got to prove her wrong.

Just looked at Bubba Roundtree fishing video's and he trolls backwards it looks like with his big motor with drift sock off the front. Strange for sure. Not what I want to do!
Thanks ScooperDude for getting this question out there.

I installed a piece of pool noodle over the lead rope and slid it down to where it attaches to the harness. Then wrapped both ends real tight with electrical tape to keep it from slipping.