Need some input on an achor for the Willamette/Columbia

I used a fluke anchor in the Columbia in some ugly wind and current. I was across from Astoria. It held really well... But it was also too big for a kayak cause I had to carry it in my lap... I think it is a 15 pounder.

For god's sake just be sure to rig it with a quick release. One floating log could turn you into a downrigger right quick..

willbd/Spot,

Do you guys fish in the higher currents in the spring?   Just wondering how they perform in this.   

Spot,   I like the 2.2 lb idea (less weight is always nice), do you have any problems slipping?  Do you use any kind of chain with that style anchor?

Thank you both for the info.

tboat

I have no issues with my anchor. You do need to rig it with a breakaway on the front and chain to the backside so when it gets hung up you can get it back.

willbd

Got to echo this... I have just started anchoring with the kayak but I've had no problems in the Clackamette section of the Willamette with a 3lb grapple-style anchor and 2lb chain. I really don't see how you could "lose" that if you rig it correctly (i.e. break-away on the top). I'm anchoring an OK Malibu 2 XL tandem (13.5 ft, ~100lbs plus people). I do agree that the grapple slides more on the heavy current gravel than my big powerboat river anchor did (home-built rocker-style) but I've held so far. Maybe I'll get some more experience and change my tune.

I also come from a 21 ft sled! I feel like the anchoring skills from the Columbia and Willamette have paid off anchoring the kayak. It's the same concept, just a different situation and you're more vulnerable since you're the little guy.

The bottom is different up there. Down by GRs park, where there are a lot of rocks and snag hazards, the claws will get stuck. Regardless of if you have a breakaway. If you fish there enough you will lose an anchor or two. The guys that are out there all the time have all switched to mushrooms. Do what you like, but I'd take the lost by 2014 odds.

I can see that, if there is a lot of submerged trees or that kind of thing. The closest I ever got to losing my river anchor in my powerboat was when it got hung up in a tree on the bottom. The advantage there being, of course, that you can power your way through some branch-snapping.

So how do you guys rig your mushroom anchors? My biggest concern with getting a grapple-style snagged on a tree would be the chain wrapping around something immovable.

I can see that, if there is a lot of submerged trees or that kind of thing. The closest I ever got to losing my river anchor in my powerboat was when it got hung up in a tree on the bottom. The advantage there being, of course, that you can power your way through some branch-snapping.

So how do you guys rig your mushroom anchors? My biggest concern with getting a grapple-style snagged on a tree would be the chain wrapping around something immovable.

I just rig it normally without a breakaway. From the guys I know who used the breakaway set up, I don't ever recall them saying they got their anchor back because of the breakaway. More often, I hear I lost it despite having a breakaway.

I can see that, if there is a lot of submerged trees or that kind of thing. The closest I ever got to losing my river anchor in my powerboat was when it got hung up in a tree on the bottom. The advantage there being, of course, that you can power your way through some branch-snapping.

So how do you guys rig your mushroom anchors? My biggest concern with getting a grapple-style snagged on a tree would be the chain wrapping around something immovable.

I just rig it normally without a breakaway. From the guys I know who used the breakaway set up, I don't ever recall them saying they got their anchor back because of the breakaway. More often, I hear I lost it despite having a breakaway.

I put a break away in my anchor system as a safety feature. I didn't have one on the Columbia and very near tombstoned a TI. After that a ODFW research boat almost capsized trying to pull it up with their winch. It is amazing how much force an anchor rope can withstand.

Wobbler