Drifting for catfish is our go-to pastime whenever we can sneak away for some angling adventures. It's like a dance with the water and wind, letting them lead the way. But here's the kicker - in the windy state of Oklahoma, you've got to keep it slow and steady. Most folks will tell you not to go faster than 0.5mph, but hey, everyone's got their own speed preferences.

Living in Oklahoma means dealing with some seriously unpredictable winds. One minute it's a gentle breeze at 5mph, then suddenly it's a wild ride at 15mph with gusts up to 30. So how do you keep your boat from zooming off when you're out there drifting for catfish? Well, there are a couple of tricks up our sleeves, and I'm here to spill the beans on two of them. Let's reel in those catfish with style, shall we?

Trolling motors vs drift socks

Trolling motors can be a great addition to your boat, but let's face it - they can be a bit on the pricey side! These motors are like the GPS of the water, helping you steer your boat in the right direction at just the right speed. However, like any piece of technology, they can come with their fair share of issues. I mean, who wants their trolling motor to stop working after a software update? Not me, that's for sure!

Now, when it comes to my preferred method, I'm all about drift socks. Sure, they may still cost a pretty penny, but they are so easy to use. Picture this: you're out on your 24ft pontoon boat, just casually drifting along with the help of 3 or 4 drift socks. It's like a slow dance with the water, adjusting the number of socks based on the wind and current. Just toss them overboard, watch them fill with water, and voila - you're drifting like a pro.But let's not forget the downside - pulling those bad boys back in can be a bit of a workout. Unless you're looking to beef up those arm muscles, of course. 

Some anglers swear by using both trolling motors and drift socks, and hey, if it works for them, more power to 'em. As for me, I'll stick with my trusty drift socks for now. Who knows, maybe one day I'll join the trolling motor club. But for now, I'm happy just drifting along.

Which do you prefer? What are your pros and cons of each?