Need advice on anchors

[Don DeWitt]

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?

[robsabloke]

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

[Jeremy R. Mayo]

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.

[Andy Mattingly]

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...

[James Feasel]

I've been pretty happy with an 18lb crabclaw. Been using it for 15 years in a 16' deep V.

[Charles Singleton]

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

[Tom Beauchamp]

I just use two river anchors, but be sure to let out enough rope or they will drag.

[Eric White]

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.

[James Feasel]

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.

[Eric White]

Heres a couple photos of my home made anchors.

[Dickey]

That's one fine anchor, should be easy to retrieve also. Thanks for the pics.
Dickey

[steve b]

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

[PaPa Cheese-O]

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!!!