I have always used a basketball net, tied closed at the bottom and full of rocks, as an anchor. Cheap, lightweight and packs down to nothing.
A drift sock really helps slow you down on those windy days. And there always seems to be at least one of those.

Pat

Interesting suggestion on the basketball nets.

When looking for drift socks for a canoe, are there certain things to look for or stay away from?

jolo72 wrote on May 1^st, 2012 at 11:38pm:


I have never used one in my solo but we did use one to great effect on a Bell Northwoods which is an 18' tandem. A nice stable boat even in big weather.

You must be able to retrieve it after it is deployed (DUH!). I tied mine off to the seat struts. allow enough scope (extra line) to position the bag so it reaches beyond the stern. We had a midsized bag (suggested for a 16' aluminum type fishing boat outboard etc) and it stopped us from blowing by a wall which seemed to have quite a few fish on it.

Be careful retrieving it. Easy does it. Most bags will have a small line from front to back which will allow you to pull the bag from the rear which in essence empties it. They are very handy but you must have a good idea of where the fish are to begin with.

Deploying it from your stern seat will line your stern into the waves. That is a good thing for the most part. If your partner is light in the bow you might consider reversing it. Either way is OK......just don't tie off amidship (middle) lest you position your drift sideways to the waves and you broach.

Quote:


While your at it, get a few extra ones for cooling your fillet fish during hot weather or when you catch dinner early and have a few miles to paddle/portage before setting camp.

Fillet your catch, seal in zip lock and put in canvas bag secured with Bungee cord.
Soak canvas and store under seat out of direct sun. Wet as needed. Will keep fillet cool/fresh for hours even on the hottest day.

Heading out in 3 days -- any last minute advice?

Thanks!