I used a trolling plate for about 30+ yrs. I tried drift socks once and didn't like using them at all. so I kept using the plate. we were up at Geneva oh and found a set of trolling bags in the middle of the road. I tried to find the owner but had no luck. then my oldest son talked me into trying them. haven't used the plate since I started using trolling bags.

I tie them off on my front cleats and let them back far enough to tie the back of the bags off on the bottom of my rod holders. you want to be sure and tie the back of the bags off for the best boat control. you can tie them off to the back cleats also. then if we move we just pull the back rope to pull them in and just lay them over the side of the boat. no need to take them off the front cleats every time you move. good luck out there, and enjoy your bags.