Debris dangers on the Willamette

I've been reading a few posts on IFish regarding the current state of the Willamette after all the rain we got earlier this week.  It seems that there are still a lot of large debris (think large logs/trees) still coming down the river.  At one point I had hoped to try some sturgeon fishing this weekend, but I'd rather not be hit by a fast moving tree. 

This brings up another thing I'd advice regarding anchoring in the Willamette river while sturgeon fishing..  anchor so that you can see upriver to watch for debris (i.e. anchor from your bow).   This is the opposite of what is probably the most comfortable anchoring position for fishing, which is to anchor from the stern such that you have your line out in front of you.  In the end, I think you'll get over the slightly awkward line position much better then you'll get over getting run over by a large floating tree you didn't see coming.

Enjoy the fishing this winter and remember to be safe.

Brian

Another safety item......rig your anchor with a quick release mechanism of some sort.

Thanks Jay, that's a good reminder on the quick release..here is a link to some images of my current design for a Willamette Sturgeon Fishing Anchor System..

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=820.msg6376#msg6376

I'll be out there somewhere with my two older boys looking for sturgeon (If I can manage a 3 way hook-up on one anchor).

I'll let y'all know how it goes.

Another safety item......rig your anchor with a quick release mechanism of some sort.

I've read Brian's post about his anchor system.  I don't understand the 'quick release' part.  Is that clip on the orange/black rope your "quick release"?  Do you have a pulley system to bring your rope from the bow to where you can reach that clip to disconnect?

Also is 18lb load test 3/16 rope strong enough for a 3lb anchor, and 3lb of chain?

Thanks

The quick release is actually on the bow line.

There is a jam cleat on the side of the kayak near where I sit which holds the end of the bow line.  The metal ring on the end of the anchor line slides up the bow line to the bow of the kayak.  When the bow line is released from the jam cleat the kayak floats back with the current and the anchor line gently slides off the bow line thus releasing the kayak from the anchor.



Hope that helps..
Brian

18 lb load test seems really low for 3/16" line.  I think my line (3/16" braided nylon) was rated well above that and it does quite fine. What kind of line do you have?

It's technically "heavy duty clothes line"... I picked it up at Kmart, looked just like normal 3/16" rope, until I read the packaging a little closer when I got home.

OK, I think I get it now =)

It's technically "heavy duty clothes line"... I picked it up at Kmart, looked just like normal 3/16" rope, until I read the packaging a little closer when I got home.

I'd advise to go to your local marine store and upgrade to an anchor line that can stand some more abuse. Plus their lines will be designed for water/saltwater environs so the line will be less susceptible to rot. It may be a bit more expensive but nothing's worse than a day ending short due to equipment failure.

Z

Good point on the rotting Z, totally overlooked that aspect.  I'll return that and get some decent line

I'm thinking that a quick release to an anchor system with the possibility of a log jam coming at ya, would be to tie on a loop of sacrificial rope and be ready with a sharp knife to cut it loose. 

I don't think one will be able to react in time by cutting or pulling your anchor line out of a cleat. I use a ProMotion anchor release that I got on sale at Joes.  Before that I used a Tarp Clip.  You can close the tarp clip to vary its grip on your rope.

I don't seem to be able to link to the photo right now, so....if you look at my gallery pics under "Anchor Intstall", I use a cam cleat with a deck mounted guide as a quick release. To release the line, it only takes an instant lift of the line and the line is free of the cleat. The line then runs out of the guide and I'm free of the anchor. The guide is there to prevent wave action from lifting the line from the cam while at anchor. This is about as idiot-proof as I've found (and tried!!!).

never having seen an anchor release like that, i want to ask; is it adjustable for tension?

never having seen an anchor release like that, i want to ask; is it adjustable for tension?

Tension? I'm not really sure what you mean. This is NOT the actual anchor line, just a quick-release connected through a couple of floats to the anchor line spool. Depending on how long the quick-release line is, you can quickly and easily vary the distance to the anchor line spool that is in the water.

Is that your question?

Edit:photos on next page