Anchoring for halibut

I do want to emphasize that anchoring for halibut is a super effective technique.  Dudemandude on these boards does well.  It's more a matter of cost of effort to benefit.

Growing up in Kenai, I have thrown anchor  maybe a couple of dozen times in Cook Inlet off a 16 ft skiff.  I bet I was surprised and a little freaked out at least 2 or 3 of those times. 

Apparently looking at the sturgeon guys down south who anchor in rivers, it can be done.  For me, I have all of the stuff ready.  I have it in my car.  But everytime I just look at it and wonder if its worth it.  Set anchor, catch fish, hopefully land said fish while still on anchor.  If not, you may be coming back the next tide to get the anchor.  Carry a 100 ft of rope to anchor in 30ft of water.  Where am I going to put all of that PLUS my two halibut limit weighing 200 pounds???  LOL. 

At this point and time, its just not worth it.  Having said that, I bet the same thought process wouldd have gone through my head about halibut fishing cook inlet out of a kayak.  And holy moly, what a huge mistake it would have been to say "Nah, way too dangerous and too much of a pain in the butt to fish halibut off of kayaks." 

Simply put, I think experimenting is good.  I will try anchoring at some point.  Probably in 15 to 20ft of water on the edge of the kelp off whiskey gulch. 

But for all of those new to Cook Inlet and Halibut fishing, my advice would be:

Do NOT anchor UNTIL you have snagged the bottom once unexpectedly during heavy current.  If it has never happened to you before, you will be amazed.  I pretty much guarantee you will rethink anchoring...rethink, NOT give up.  Just be safe!!!!

Excellent advice, safety is always paramount. Experience can be a very expensive lesson, especially in the waters of Cook inlet.