Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

Annually, we spend the first week in June fishing NE of Toronto. Some of the largest bluegills we have seen!! While fishing is great, we consistantly fight the wind. On these windy days, our anchors won't hold our 14-15 foot aluminum boats. Lake bottom consists of rocks, mud and weeds. I have read several articles on Digger and Richter anchors. Has anyone used these or can anyone offer advice on a good all-around anchor to use on our boats?

Views: 436

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

With a boat that small and light... wind will win every time. You can get the folding navy style anchor they grab good but are not very heavy... You may find you have to fish with two anchors.

Rob
If your fishing in water that isnt to deep and you have the option of stakeing poles thats the best way to go. You can stake off the front and back of the boat once in position and when tied up tight you will find no movement and a very quite fishing experience. We use these alot here for tight lines and when the wind and water movement is just to much for even 2 anchors.

They can be a hastle sometimes haulling big ole lanky poles in the boat so we actually made a few spots with pallets christmas trees and other items for structure close enough to trees that we could tie up double on. Sometimes with a lil boat you have to be creative to fight the elements but with a lil imagination sitting in a really good fishing spot can be easier than most people think even if you have to make those honey holes yourself. Check with your local office before you go to making those honey holes though to make sure your within the law of adding structure to the waterways.
we use 'river anchors' seem to work pretty well...on a real windy day we throw two out to prevent the boat from spinning.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_1...
I've been pretty happy with an 18lb crabclaw. Been using it for 15 years in a 16' deep V.
I'd look for a Bruce anchor, around 8-10#. They really dig in, but come up fairly easily when pulled vertically.

If you decide on a Danforth or something similar, make SURE you rig it properly: tie the anchor rode to the BOTTOM of the anchor, then use a small plastic cable tie to secure the rode to the "normal" attachment point. That way, if it gets hung and you just can't pull it up, you can maneuver the boat to a position directly over the anchor and pull hard, breaking the cable tie and pulling the anchor out backwards. Just make sure you carry extra ties in the boat or you're done for the day. :-D
I just use two river anchors, but be sure to let out enough rope or they will drag.
I make my own anchors and if there is any kind of structure on the bottom i can stay in one spot all day, 30mph winds i may creep a foot or two every couple of hours. I will upload a photo when its light so i dont trip over all my fishing junk haha.
Something else I do with all my anchors is to add about 8 feet of 3/8 inch chain between anchor and rope. It makes it harder for the rope to jerk the anchor when your bouncing in the waves or someone else's wake.
Heres a couple photos of my home made anchors.
Attachments:
That's one fine anchor, should be easy to retrieve also. Thanks for the pics.
Dickey
This will be of no help, am still in comedic vein of mind here. Rule one of anchors, bigger is better, yup, size matters ! Rule two, don't exceed the weight of the boat being used ! Sorry, steve b
Find an old or buy a new disc blade from a farm implement store or farmer who has old stuff lying around. Weld a 2inch piece of pipe about 12 inches long to it. Add an eye to the pipe and you have an anchor designed to dig into the bottom. The weight of the pipe will tip it on its side and it really digs in on windy days. On calm days you can use your regular anchor. Good Luck!!!

RSS

Latest Activity

John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Colorado Spinner gets 3 species

"Sorry Bruce! A before Coffee reply to your question was addressed to Dick! Giving these Colorado…"
8 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Always Calm Behind Heavy Thunderstorms…..6/17/2025

"Thanks Marvin…..it’s beautiful area very close to the Atlantic Ocean……I…"
23 hours ago
Bruce Tomaselli commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Colorado Spinner gets 3 species

"Good job. Catching fish on your own creations is more exciting."
yesterday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Colorado Spinner gets 3 species

"Generic I guess, Dick. Assembled from one #12 hook two small barrel swivels, a small spinner blade…"
yesterday
dick tabbert commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Colorado Spinner gets 3 species

"got to love them spinners"
yesterday
Marvin Morgan commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Always Calm Behind Heavy Thunderstorms…..6/17/2025

"What a serene place to drop a line!! Looks like a place I sure would like to put my little flat…"
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Always Calm Behind Heavy Thunderstorms…..6/17/2025

"Understand Bruce….live near a cabbage farmer and saw them picking them…"
yesterday
Bruce Tomaselli commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Always Calm Behind Heavy Thunderstorms…..6/17/2025

"We've had nothing but rain here in south-central, PA. The farmers can't plant and…"
Wednesday
Bruce Tomaselli commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Colorado Spinner gets 3 species

"Nice, John. Is that a generic name or the name of the spinner?"
Wednesday
John Sheehan posted a photo

Colorado Spinner gets 3 species

So far this year, this little cost-effective Colorado spinner has gotten many a Bluegill as well as…
Wednesday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Tuesday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a status
"Got a window this morning after all the storms the last four days…water falling on the coastal marsh was a beneficial thing with the crappie"
Tuesday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Wanaque river Trout

"Thanks Guys,a leaper from the fast water always excites!"
Tuesday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Good Shoulders. On this One….6/12/2025

"Thanks wag….I imagine the summer heat has set in down in Louisiana!"
Tuesday
wag commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Tuesday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

Tagging Black Crappie on Shallow Wood…..6/12/2025

"Thanks Dick…..got a few areas that remain productive for shallow crappie… never…"
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Ducks in the shade Wanaque river

"Always enjoy nature when I get out…."
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Wanaque river Trout

"Good job with the Colorado spinner….."
Monday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Wanaque river Crappie

"Nice crappie….I like seeing the old school baits…."
Monday

© 2025   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service