I bring & use a drift sock every trip. If you don't currently have a 2" hand clamp that you lock on to the gunwale- serious fishermen need one (IMHO). They weigh less than 5 oz. & can handle the rope for an anchor, drift sock, transducer & stringer ( or any combo all at once, it's like a handle for your over the side fishing stuff that you can take off at a squeeze of the hand! For $0.99 bring 2 )
I tie the sock to a 6' foot leader by, 1/2" cord. I can let it out to 6' (for most drag) or have it at the edge of the canoe, this will vary your drag considerably. Attached to the thwart area of the gunwale the stern & bow can fish from the same side safely & effectively in wind & big water. Simply bring in a few feet of line or the whole thing to up the speed your drifting.

Worth a try on a trip any how & very handy in many off boat situations!
WWYW