I just bought a drift sock (drift anchor) for my 17' skiff. Because I have never used one before I would appreciate recommendations about options as to where on the boat the line should be attached, what length line I should use, and any other advice.

Thanks.

The sock needs to be on a line long enough to get a good "bite" in the water--probably 15 feet from the water surface to the sock plus enough to reach from the gunnel top to the water. Extra is better as you can easily tie it off shorter. You'll need to rig a brass swivel somewhere inline for spin prevention. I also recommend a small inline float on the rope incase it comes detached so you can retrieve the sock. Generally, I mount mine midship for a broadside drift with wind, fishing off the windward side. You can bow mount it too if you want to drift parallel to a jetty keeping the side of the boat facing the rocks for fishing off the sides of your boat. If it's real windy, use two--one on bow and one on stern. Glass boats can use a smaller sock due their weight, aluminum boats need much larger socks because wind blows them easier.

Thank you very much for this detailed advice. You covered all of the bases. Much appreciated.

Bob

One more thing to consider; My dad and I used to use ours with a loop at the boat end of the line, then run the loop around the fore and midships cleat. Then you can control/make changes to the angle of drift simply by changing where on the loop you cleat off. Hope this helps.

Tight lines,
Wade

Great idea! Thanks.