Anchor

Headed out to buy an anchor this morning.  I'm going with the folding grapple style.  Who is the best bet in Portland:  Next Adventure, Fisherman's Marine, West Marine...?

Thanks,

Bill

I'm not sure if NA stocks them but West Marine does for sure. Where are you planning to anchor? If around PDX you might want to consider an 8 lb mushroom.

Thanks Noah, George Rogers.  Appreciate your ideas/experience

Go with the 8 lb mushroom for sure. Many of us have gotten all the other types stuck on the rocks there. A claw or pyramid isn't bad for the Columbia or lakes but the mushroom is a better one for that spot.

Go with the 8 lb mushroom for sure. Many of us have gotten all the other types stuck on the rocks there. A claw or pyramid isn't bad for the Columbia or lakes but the mushroom is a better one for that spot.

+1 on the mushroom for that spot.  You would be asking to donate a grapnel anchor by using one there.  Dicks, Fishermans, or Wholesale Sports will carry the mushrooms.

I would avoid the claws for George Rogers.  I once spent 45 minutes trying to get mine loose and still didn't learn my lesson.   Last Spring I ended up having to cut it loose because I couldn't retrieve it.

Thanks to all of you for the feedback.  So you would avoid the Lewmar claw type as well?

Thanks to all of you for the feedback.  So you would avoid the Lewmar claw type as well?

Yes. Those work on mud or sand, but with that area you will have a hard time getting it to stick. And then when it does stick, unsticking it becomes an issue. They also seem to take a while before they bite, which may cause you to drift too far down from where you are attempting to drop.

Thanks Noah.  Last question - do you use a couple/three feet of chain with the mushroom, or just shackle to the anchor line.

Bill

8 lbs is enough to hold without a chain. Just make sure you have 200 feet or so of line. With a swift current you'll want to drop 150 feet or more of line. Also, having enough flotation is important, the round float balls at fishermans is nice. It's like 28 bucks but is worth it in the long run. I started with a crab buoy and a boat bumper but a strong current buried it more than once.

Are the lost anchors mostly on the east side near the private docks?  Was thinking of free diving there next weekend and with the low water and visibility I might see what I can get. 30' depth is my limit though.

Are the lost anchors mostly on the east side near the private docks?  Was thinking of free diving there next weekend and with the low water and visibility I might see what I can get. 30' depth is my limit though.

I've been diving in the willamette for years and have brought everything from rods/reels to boats up from the bottom.  If you choose to give it a shot be very very careful! Lots of hazards down there.  Cable, woody debris, tons of fishing gear/line/hooks just to name a few. Its real easy to get into trouble if a guys not super careful.

I use an adjustable weight anchor......A heavy net bag I put rocks in. If I lose it....no big loss.
 It will hug the bottomm if filled with smaller rocks and not hug the bottom so much with larger rocks.
 I AM ghetto! 

Are the lost anchors mostly on the east side near the private docks?  Was thinking of free diving there next weekend and with the low water and visibility I might see what I can get. 30' depth is my limit though.

I've been diving in the willamette for years and have brought everything from rods/reels to boats up from the bottom.  If you choose to give it a shot be very very careful! Lots of hazards down there.  Cable, woody debris, tons of fishing gear/line/hooks just to name a few. Its real easy to get into trouble if a guys not super careful.

Thank's, I'll definitely heed the warning. Looks like my window of opportunity will close before I get the chance. Rain before the weekend.