Offshore Fishing Reports - Boat orientation while drifting? - What controls this exactly? I assume wind and current and how they affect the hull, but do some boats tend to orient themselves differently in drift than other boats? My boat seems like like o

mikerdu · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 9:11 am Post subject: Boat orientation while drifting?

What controls this exactly? I assume wind and current and how they affect the hull, but do some boats tend to orient themselves differently in drift than other boats? My boat seems like like orienting itself to a beam sea while drifting, creating an annoying back and forth yaw in choppy seas. I don't like the idea of throwing an anchor while over a reef as it might get caught on something. What do you guys do?

doghouse1993 · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 9:23 am Post subject:

I have saw people use 5 gal buckets attach to boat to assist in the the direction they want to drift. they trow it over board just under the water it will pull in the direction of the current. they attach it to boaton the side they want to drift. hopes this helps.

imaheelsfan · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 9:25 am Post subject:

Anchor off of the reef/structure, drift over it and tie off. That's the common way.

trigger22 · Deck Hand Joined: Mar 25, 2008 Posts: 6

i agree with the 5 gallon bucket, or you can purchase drift socks. they also slow your drift down and will allow you to spend more time on the fish

coastie743 · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 1:16 pm Post subject:

As far as boats doing differently, yes they do especaially when wind is a factor. Some boats have more sail area than others so they are more affected by wind over current etc...
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mikerdu · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 1:37 pm Post subject:

I don't have a fish finder so it's hard to tell where exactly the reef structures are except for the shaded obstruction area displayed on the gps plotter (I wonder how accurate that is?).

I was looking at the sea anchors but they looked expensive. Drift sock looks promissing...

TDB · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 6:33 am Post subject:

If you're able, I would strongly recommend getting a fish finder. You don't have to get anything too expensive, many basic units can be had for $200-250. If you plan on bottom-fishing, it is an essential piece of equipment that in many cases will mean the difference between putting fish in the box or having a frustrating day on the water. My experience has been that the shaded areas on the GPS maps don't always directly overlay what is actually on the bottom, especially if you're using the basic map that came pre-installed in the GPS unit. If you're trying to fish over a reef or find drop-offs, you really need the finder.

Best of luck!
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Tim

jimshady · Ol'Salt Joined: Aug 16, 2007 Posts: 321

I bought a small Garmin 300 Color fishfinder, the guy at the store wasn't pushing it to hard because it has a small screen. However I have found that it shows bottom really good I am able to pickup any reef, ledge or wreck I roll over. I can watch my weight or anchor drop to the bottom so I can see where I am fishing at. I am sure there are better out there, however I wanted to throw out my personal experience with this one as its only about 250 dollars out the door. It has caught some relatively big fish for me already in the 2 months I have has it. thumbsup

Heads-or-Tails · 2nd Mate Joined: Jan 18, 2008 Posts: 47

Sometimes putting an engine in reverse at idle will both slow the drift and orient the stearn back toward the wind current or swell. I find this to work well in some conditions.


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