Gang,

This may be pushing the envelope a bit but have any of ya'll (for you southern folk) or you guys (yankees) ever used a drift sock for slower, methodical fishing near cover.  I've never used a drift sock but I know they are popular with walleye fishermen in open water.  But how about near shore?.  Was just wondering if they could be used in conjuction with a trolling motor to make controlled fishing a little more manageable on windy days when an anchor won't hold.

I have a drift sock that I use occasionally.  It I find a large area that is holding fish in deeper open water and the wind is strong enough, I'll use it to slowly drift over the area and fish it.  Sometimes I'll make multiple passes over the area depending on the bite. 

We live with socks in the south. Yes, they can be used along a shore. If you set the big motor properly you can almost get away without touching the trolling motor for other than fine tuning.

Do you position one on the bow of the boat or to the side?

Depending on the wind - either stern cleat, or mid-point for side drift.

Gang,

This may be pushing the envelope a bit but have any of ya'll (for you southern folk) or you guys (yankees) ever used a drift sock for slower, methodical fishing near cover. I've never used a drift sock but I know they are popular with walleye fishermen in open water. But how about near shore?. Was just wondering if they could be used in conjuction with a trolling motor to make controlled fishing a little more manageable on windy days when an anchor won't hold.

Pretty much us it the same way a big help on windy days

This Yankee has a couple of drift socks.... three actually.

I have two shorty's that I use when trolling.  One on each side amidships helps slow down trolling speed while allowing for a straighter track.  I have a slightly larger version for when I want to drift fish in heavier winds.  I will switch it between all three spots (bow, stern, or side) depending on how I want to move over an area, what I'm fishing, or how many of us are in the boat.

One last idea you may want to dry is a drift anchor.  The river rats up here use a length of chain to help slow or stop movement on the river they're fishing.  This method can also work on a windy day on the lake.  A second type of drift anchor that I enjoy using is one of the old fashioned window weights.  Placed off the stern of the boat, it has enough weight to slow the boat right to a crawl.  If you want to move, you simply stomp on the trolling motor.  The weight's design slips through most vegetation without hanging up.