Speaking of drifting...

[bigcatsc]

I wanted to drift the other day, but did not want to change over all my rods to the slinky weights that we drift with. Consequently, I decided to see what would happen drifting with the flat, 3 ounce no roll sinkers. To my amazement, in three FULL days of drifting with the no rolls, I have not had ONE SINGLE snag, or hangup. I'm not sure how the "action" of the cut bait differs with the no rolls compared to the slinky weights, but we have caught fish each time with no issues. Do any of you folks drift with other type weights than the slinky weights? On the other drifting thread, smaller baits in cold weather was stated. I agree with this 100%. ONE threadfin shad is appropriate, or other cut bait about the size of a threadfin. Another poster stated that a 2 mph drift in the winter would produce bigger fish. That is an interesting theory that I will have to try. I was always taught that .5 mph was the best drift speed, and in the winter, as Michael stated, .3 is better. The slower speed is due to the cold water having the fishes metabolism slowed down. I was quite successful last summer drifting at speeds up to 2 mph, but have only drifted slow in the winter. Again, I'll have to try a 2 mph winter drift before I can refute that claim. Different areas of the country might produce different results. Man, I LOVE drifting! When that gets in your blood, anchor fishin' is on the back burner most times. You just cover so much territory drifting. That said, certainly there are exceptions to the rule where sometime anchoring produces better than drifting.

Bill in SC

[catfishrus]

Bill i have found the slinky weights to be no better to me and where I drift...the yadkin chain and santee..lower lake. I use 2 oz sinkers..same ones I had at the river that day...I dont change weights or rigs most of the time. I do like a smaller size different hooks style for drifting...I use a 5/0 gamo. octopus hook but its not a cirlce. Ive caught plenty of 40-60 lb fish on those hooks...mostly flatheads but I have no fear when it comes to drifting with them.

[Ðe§perado™]

I use walking sinkers when I drift. I did use a bank style sinker, but the walking sinker works best for me. I have not tried the slinky type weights yet.
I rig mine a bit different than pictured. I put the walking sinker on the end of the line and use dropper loops up the line, that is do I can fish different depths.

[Dreadnaught]

I have use regular bank sinkers, flat bank sinkers and, pencil sinkers for drifting and, I haven't seen much difference in the snag ratio. Though the pencil sinkers are a bit better it ain't much.

[JimmyJonny]

Bill, I've pulled anchor and instead of changing over I just slapped a 3" bobber on my Carolina rig. If my leader is to short I peg back my egg sinker with a split-shot.

As far as drifting speed, I really do keep my speed down. I spend a lot of time with the Striper guys and they go a lot faster than us. Many times if we slow down I'll start getting cats. I can only say this for Hartwell, maybe on other lakes faster would be ok.

[TomCat]

I use a big bell 4 oz or bigger at the bottom of my rig with a dropper loop above. I want my weight to stick in the bottom, pull my rod down and jump to stick again. I feel that the thump sound pulls fish (esp. Flatheads) to investigate that would never see (smell) my bait. The water I fish here in Okla. is not clear.
My problem is holding down the drift speed of my 30ft.toon. I havnt tried 5 gal buckets with holes in them yet, but Ive dragged 25lb weights a 100 feet behind the boat. What do you all use.
Tom

Don't tell me my ole lady, she floats like a turd.

[jerry9497]

I have a 4 and 10 foot drift sock, most times if I need the 10 footer I wont drift. That wont work well in a river/current it will pull you as fast as current. on the river we drifted river speed but on the lake I try to slow way down.
I tried the 5 gallon buckets, tossed 2 out the back, it barely made a difference so I bought a sock.

[TomCat]

Originally Posted by jerry9497

I have a 4 and 10 foot drift sock, most times if I need the 10 footer I wont drift. That wont work well in a river/current it will pull you as fast as current. on the river we drifted river speed but on the lake I try to slow way down.
I tried the 5 gallon buckets, tossed 2 out the back, it barely made a difference so I bought a sock.

Thanks Jerry.
Tom

[Vince]

Here on the Potomac where tidal current is at play, I use my trolling motor into the current along a ledge or whatever area I want to cover and control my speed and direction with it. Not really drifting but more a controled slow troll, sort of .