When it comes to fishing big water with two anglers in the boat, getting your presentation right is only half the battle. The other half is boat control. Without it, you’ll waste casts, fight the wind, and unintentionally favor one angler over the other. Whether you’re dealing with steady breezes or gusty whitecaps, learning how to control your drift, angle of attack, and boat speed makes all the difference.
Wind Direction Always Comes First
Before you even pick up a rod, take a moment to read the wind. Where it’s coming from will affect how the boat drifts and who has the best casting angle. In saltwater fishing, one angler usually owns the bow, but on stillwater or lakes, you can fish two fly anglers at once. However, one of them is always going to be at a disadvantage depending on the wind.
If you cast with your right hand, it’s ideal to have the wind coming over your left shoulder, which helps keep your fly line out of the way. When the boat is drifting downwind, the angler on the bow usually has the better setup. With the right positioning, they get a wide casting lane and more control over how their fly lands and moves.
Understanding the Swing
As the boat drifts, your fly doesn’t come straight back toward you. It swings. For example, if you’re casting off the bow and the boat is drifting downwind, your fly will track across the water and gradually swing to the side as you strip it in. This swing mimics natural movement and often triggers bites, especially from fish like smallmouth.
Now, if you’re in the back of the boat with the same wind, you’re facing the opposite situation. Your fly might get pulled awkwardly or swing too wide. This is why positioning and planning each drift really matters, so both anglers can be set up for success.
When the Wind Picks Up
Wind drift is manageable up to a point, but once you start drifting faster than about three-quarters of a mile per hour, it gets tricky. Your fly swings too fast, your presentations lose their edge, and you spend more time adjusting than fishing. That’s where drift socks come in.
Drift socks work like underwater parachutes. Toss one off the back corner of the boat, and it will slow your drift significantly. They also help keep the boat stable when larger waves roll in, which reduces that jerky, off-balance feeling during a fast drift.
To fine-tune things further, you can pair a drift sock with your electric trolling motor. This gives you more precise control over direction and speed, letting you stay in the strike zone longer and cover structure more effectively.
Using Your Trolling Motor to Stay Dialled In
When fishing on big water, an electric trolling motor becomes one of the most useful tools in a fly angler’s setup. When it’s mounted on the bow, it allows you to move into the wind, hold your position, and work slowly along shorelines, drop-offs, and other structures with control.
You can also set a heading, known as True North, on many motors, and let the boat maintain that course automatically. This is especially helpful when you’re trying to stay hands-free while keeping both anglers fishing.
The key is finding the right speed for the conditions. On a lighter wind day, setting your motor between three and three and a half (out of ten) usually keeps the boat moving at a steady pace, around 0.4 miles per hour. That slower drift gives your fly time to swing naturally and stay in the strike zone longer.
Give Each Angler a Fair Shot
When guiding or fishing with a buddy, try to give each person some time in the sweet spot, usually the bow. Most of the time, the angler up front gets the better wind angle and more water to work with. You can rotate between spots or plan your drifts so that everyone gets a shot at prime casting lanes.
With the right drift setup, a smart use of trolling motor speed, and a little coordination, both anglers can fish effectively and cover water like a team.
Learn More with Jeff Liskey’s Full Boat Control Course
If boat control has ever left you feeling one step behind, you’re not alone. The good news is, it’s a skill you can dial in with a little practice and the right know-how. From managing wind drift to using tools like drift socks and trolling motors, a few small adjustments can make a big difference out there.
To go deeper into these techniques and see them in action, check out Jeff Liskey’s full course at Anchored Outdoors. It covers everything you need to know to stay in control, keep both anglers fishing, and make the most of every drift.
