Welcome, from what I've read, a drift anchor is a rare kayak tool.  Kayak community, please confirm or correct me if i'm wrong.

I got a cheap one on Amazon to try out. It seems to work really well for slowing down my drift when the wind kicks up. I deploy it on a bow line that is clipped near my seat a little like a QRAS. Its pretty easy to get it in and out of the water. I do agree that you can end up with a lot of extra lines on deck, so you have to be careful.

Matt


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HSWEEQS/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The more accepted rule of thumb nowadays is that if you need a drift anchor it's probably a better day spent off the water.

Also, I had better luck running the drift sock off my bow. That way the wind waves were hitting my bow instead of crashing over the stern. If the wind waves are small, either way will work.


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   Search this site for "Ikea" or "Swedish Drift Chute"  and "Fuzzy Tom" to see how you can repurpose that big blue bag you have in the closet. 
    I use it with a trolley - which doubles as my bow line- a continuous loop to the bow, midships, bow, with a clip for bow, clip for the side, and clip tied into the line to clip the chute line to - tie the chute line to the side handle, clip it, send it forward.  If you need to, just untie the slip knot on the chute line at the side handle and let it run out the in-line clip, and retrieve later because you've added a float.  A piece of bungee in the chute line helps with smooth the tug.
    I used it often when trying to stay in place with multiple poles WSB fishing.  I don't take it for most anything else, and I wouldn't use it in nasty wave/wind conditions, just moderate ones.
   

Thanks. I just bought an 18". Can't wait to try it. The links and vid was a big help.