I've found a few that are under $20. I think one of 20" or smaller diameter would work well for fishing those windier days in more unprotected areas.

Anyone used one? Any pros or cons to them?

I think it would work great, and would be very easy to rig up. By the placement on the tube using the different D-rings, it would also be used to better keep you facing the right direction so you don't have to keep turning to maintain position.

Kelly

you might check at academy... I bought one for $10.....

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  Shawn
  www.[censored]

Thanks Shawn...I'll run by soon and check 'em out!

Kelly: Can you just hang a 5 gal bucket off a d ring? Get one with a lid. Keep the lid on and just tow it across the water. Then take the lid off and submerge it for drifting. Although, a $10 drift net is cheap.

I'm thinking I always have a 5 gal bucket with me and a drift net is one more thing to forget.

Steve-O,

Wow man! That's what I call ingenuity! I suppose the 5 gallon bucket would come in handy if you had to carry the tube and your stuff for a short hike to get to the water.

I'm thinking it would be pretty bulky and cumbersome. I like the idea of a fold and stow drift sock. Put it in the top pocket at the back of the tube when not in use. VIOLA! Instant Pillow. LOL

The ideas we come up with!

Kelly

I'm a little slow...why (if one has good
flippers/fins) would a wind sock be necessary? Not to mention the hassle...
can you help a fisherman out and 'splain it
to me'

*&^^ this cabin fever!!!

Canepole,

I've only been tubing a year or so, but I've been out on some days that the wind caused me to move a bit faster than I wanted to, just like fishing in a boat. I realize (and have) that you can fish a windy bank with the wind at your back and use the fins to keep you off the bank. I'm thinking more along the lines of fishing a western or eastern bank with the wind from the north or south. You will drift parallel with the bank in this scenario, but a wind sock will allow you to drift slower and cover the water a little more thoroughly. I envision the drift sock to the side of the tube, slowing me down, but also keeping the tube from turning as it drifts along the bank. The fins allow you to stay a constant distance from shore, and the sock controls drift speed.

Again, I've yet to use one, but think it might work. It's like the 1 or 2 lb. float tube anchors.....you might not use it each time you go out, but the times you do it will pay for itself.

Then again, maybe an anchor is all that's needed. (thinking aloud here)....throw it out and fish, then lift it, move and throw it out again.

Do you have any experience with either of these to add?

Kelly

[This message has been edited by Kelly Denham (edited 01-24-2003).]

ok, that's valid...I use the wind to my
advantage - anytime the wind is too strong
"relative to West Texas winds" I'll improvise - I'll keep an open mind about
the wind sock though; thanks for your response.