Drift chutes, any body using them?

 I was looking at the drift chute for sale on Hook1. Any body using or used one of these? I might want to give it a try. Looks like it would be good for drifting bait and lures and help keep the kayak from twisting in the current/wind.

 Miguel

I'm by no means an "old hand " at this but I have used a drift chute twice and was instantly amazed at how much less frustrating the fishing was once I deployed the chute. Both times I used it were on the Islander trip. I was yo-yo jigging but the wind was pushing me so fast that I couldn't get a good vertical jig going. I was getting frustrated and I lost a couple jigs because the drift was fast enough that when my jigs hit the bottom they would drag for a second before I could lift the jig.

Anyhow, I had a drift chute with me and decided to try it out. As soon as I deployed it and it filled out, my drift slowed, my yak was properly aligned, and I was getting better jig action. I even caught a bonito almost right away. This was great!

I paddled in for lunch then went back out to try the drift chute again. Now there was a ton of chop along with the wind. I deployed the chute and after a couple minutes I noticed the chute wasn't working very well. I paddled forward to get a look at the chute to see what was wrong and it was gone!  I didn't have a bungee in the rope and in the chop the jerking motion snapped the rope clean and I lost the drift chute. 

Lesson learned: The drift chute is an awesome tool for helping get the proper drift, but install a bungee inline with your rope to keep from snapping it off!

I echo Jay's comments.

I use one all the time for rockfishing.  Keeps me on the water when others are blown off due to too fast of a drift.  Mine is homemade out of a blue tarp, sewn together with fishing line, reinforced with duct tape, and I do use a bungee cord inline with my bow line to absorb shock.  Got the idea from P-spark many moons ago... it's held up for at least 5 or 6 years and is still going strong.

If you are going to choose one, err on the large side.  Mine is huge and I love it... despite it being ugly.

EK

I'm with Erik and FJ don't get one smaller than 24" or you will be dissapointed. When I was fishing with Mahi on a windy day I hooked up my drift chute(18") and we drifted together. Although he wasn't using a chute  . Now I have a 30", much better.
 It can make the difference between fishing and catching.

they work well but are somewhat of a pain unless you have a reasonable drift to make.  So over a large reef area or sand drag, they are great in the wind.  If you are trying to stay on a smaller area, not so good.

I bought an 18" chute off of ebay and was somewhat disappointed cuz it wasn't big enough.  They're so cheap on ebay (about 12 bucks) that I bought another 18' chute.  Now, when its not that windy I deploy one chute, and if it's really windy I deploy 2 inline.

They work well for long drifts.  The ones they sell on ebay for kayaks are made ripstop nylon and are really packable.  I just stick mine in a small stuff sack.  They come with webbing as the rope, so I don't think you need a bungie on them.  I've never used one.  For 12 bucks each they're a bargain.

I've had one for years but never used it.  I s'pose I should since I hang out in the wind quite often...  I always have it in the hull of my X-Factor because Hawk identified the drift chute, or "drogue", as a safety item.  If you become disabled on the water it can help you maintain close to your position so you can be more easily aided or rescued.

I bought another 18' chute.

I wanna see that 18 footer, Dave!   

I bought another 18' chute.

I wanna see that 18 footer, Dave!   

It's a real man's drift chute. 

I have a little one that doesn't really do much. i definately need a bigger one. my question is how long of a rope/bungie line do you use ?

They are indeed very helpful.  Along with getting one big enough, try and get one with foam on one side and weights on the other to help it deploy more easily.

    I think I use mine more for covering fish in the crate than being properly deployed, but I agree, bigger is better.  I salvaged a long section of  3/8" bungie from a boat cover and so I have no solid line at all - it helps a lot - I think it keeps the boat action quieter,  and the chute doesn't get pulled to the surface so much -it only pulls when the piece of chop rolls by.   I have a piece of noodle tied into the line so if I need to let it go in a hurry, I can find it again.  I tie a slip knot to the yak carry handle at my side, then clip a caribiner over the line, then trolley the caribiner forward, so it pulls from the bow.  The float is out a couple of feet beyond the bow.   When I need to get back upwind, I trolley back, leave it all hooked up and pull the chute in and put in my lap or in the crate and can get it back out in a few seconcs.   I think the line is about 2 yak lengths long, about 8' of that just goes from the handle to the caribiner at the bow.  You could make one pretty easily.  They don't really have a lot of force on them, so materials can be light.

Chutes are SUCH a hassle.
I'm suprized that you-guys like'em.

On a windy drift I point into the wind and watch water drops dripping off my paddle blade.  You can see how much backward "way" you're making and just put in an occasional paddle-stroke.

Judd

Chutes are SUCH a hassle.
I'm suprized that you-guys like'em.

On a windy drift I point into the wind and watch water drops dripping off my paddle blade.  You can see how much backward "way" you're making and just put in an occasional paddle-stroke.

Judd

I didn't say I liked using the chute, they are a hassle. But using one can save an outing when you are drifting 3mph+.

Its hard to use your paddle and fish the bottom effectively without getting a death snag, which is another big hassle in the wind. My beamy tuna boat weather cocks fast. I consider the chute one of my "tackle management" tools.

I try and plan trips around windy conditions but you know how dependable the weather is.

 I don't think I would like to use a chute, but would have to in some situations. I to like to drift jiggs, bait and to fast a drift wouldn't let me get to the bottom very good. I bought a 24" chute, before I read to get the largest chute I could. I hope it works for me! Looks like most of you are setting the chute off the bow. I might have to rigg a chute trolly system for the bow.
 Miguel

I might have to rigg a chute trolly system for the bow.

I just tied off an old piece of surfboard leash from the bow to a fastener near my feet.  When I need the chute, I clip the tag end of the chute-line to the leash.  The wind makes it pull up to the bow.  To retrieve, simply paddle forward and the clip will slide down back to your feet.

There is a learning curve for these things, but its made the difference between fishing or not fishing for me... a lot.

The ultimate answer for this problem is do what Amphibian did:  buy a Hobie with a mirage drive.  The last time we went out in a near gale, I'm messing around with the drift chute while he's calmly peddling against the wind.  I've changed my mind on the mirage drive.