Hi,

looking for advice on how to set up a drogue such that I do not need to pull it in after each drift, just start up the engine and go. I have seen anglers use two G-clamps but not sure how to set this up? Whats the best length of rope etc.

Thanks

Jim

To fish is to live...

Try a light line attached to the centre of the drogue,pull it in a wee bit and lock it off away you go.

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To resurrect an old thread from here:

Drouge tips

This describes the set up with 2 g clamps and it works really well. I've not yet been brave enough to leave it in the water between drifts. I'm still quite new to this and once spent some fun time untangling my fly line from the propeller and would'nt want to repeat the experience with the drogue rope.

Though I'm sure its possible

Hiya,

If you want to use a Double clamped drogue heres the best way.

Firstly buy a Wichwood Para Drogue and remove the existing Ropes.

Go to Somewhere like B+Q and buy 2 x 15 feet of good rope expect to
pay a bit for it and dont buy the thin stuff.

Also buy 6 Gated Carabinas fix 2 Carabinas onto the Drogue and fix 1 x carabina
at each end of the Rope use the same knot as you use for tying your fly on.

Now you clip on end of the rope to the Drogue Carabina and repeat and hey presto it done.

Buy 2 x 5 inch G Clamps and away you go.

With the rope at 15 feet its comp legal and at that lenght it stays clear of the motor when on the move.

I use a white rope for visability.

The Carabinas also help set the Drogue fast.

Good Luck let me know how you get on.

Spot on silver fox, I have been using this method for many years and have had no problems. With this set up, you just have to remember that when you start to motor off that you turn into the side of the boat that holds the drogue. If you go the other way, there is a very strong possibility that the drouge will foul the engine. When you set up your next drift, if you again turn into the side of the drogue, you will find that it sets automatically and away you go. This method has however been stopped in many competitions because of 'safety'!

Is that comp legal to use the carabinas and inturn weight the drogue???

I have a feeling it is not legal for comps.

Alan

Thanks for the information guys much appreciated.

One point though, what is the difference between a para drogue and a normal drogue. Will the set up as described by Silver Fox work with a standard drogue or will I need to ditch it?

My drogue is international size.

Thanks again

Jim


To fish is to live....

Hi Guys,
A scary experience to share - so beware!
Using "G" clamps may result in a serious accident if something goes wrong when travelling with a collapsed drouge - I used this method many times - not any more - Dont know exactly what happened but after motoring I turned into the drift as I had done many times before - this time the drouge filled up and the bow clamp sprung loose under the pressure- somehow it got tangled on the rope - anyway it came towards me and caught me fair and square on the side on the head - lucky only a glancing blow but it could have had serious consequences. Since this I have changed the set up - one rope length about 12" long with two snap links - another rope about 36" with two snap links. Most boats have a bolt on "D" clamp at the engine - snap link to "D" clamp - other end of short rope snaplink to drogue rope - long rope looped under bow seat and snap linked to rope - other end snap linked to drouge rope - Set the drougue position by hitching it round a rollock - You now have a safe set up that can safely be collapsed for travelling.
Its up to you guys - but if you use the "g" clamps I would recommend that you pull the drouge in when travelling.

Abbot

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