Another Anchor Option?

I like the option of facing either up or down stream.  It's a saftey issue.  If there is a chance of Debris, i'd definatley face upstream.

I always use a stern line to anchor.  I want to see where my line enters the water.

I've had a tree hit me while not paying attention (sturgeon fishing) and was able to just drop off anchor and circle around to hook back up. 

That said, it pays to know your surroundings and keep an eye over your shoulder for trouble.

-Spot-

I've had a tree hit me while not paying attention (sturgeon fishing) and was able to just drop off anchor and circle around to hook back up. -Spot-

And did you sh1t your pants when this happened? lol

And did you sh1t your pants when this happened? lol

If you've followed my posts over the years, you know that I sh1t my pants on a regular basis so other people don't have to.   

-Spot-

I'm going to hijack my own thred

I just bought a new 3# anchor, one that the little arms fold out and lock into place. It's got a loop at the bottom that I can attach another weight or something on if needed. 

What would be better, a big chunk of lead or maybe buy a downrigger ball or something?  I'd want to be able to attach and detach if needed.  Most my watters won't need more then a #3 anchor.

Also, I can't find another anchor cleat online   I see the zigzag ones but I'd like a "jam cleat"... ( i think that is what it is called)

Jam cleats can be found online at west marine's site here but they're kind of pricey.  Most any boating stores carry them. 

That loop at the bottom of the anchor might be a good place to affix your anchor line to, then make a loop in your anchor line and affix that loop to the top of the anchor with a couple of small zipties.  This way if your anchor gets snagged somewhere, you can pull hard enough to break the zipties and pull the anchor out of the snag backwards.  You could also, as you mentioned, add a pound or so to that loop with a cannonball weight.  I would just use zipties.

thanks for the link, this IS the cleat i was looking for.  They also have the bouy i was looking for too.  gotta keep looking around the site for other stuff now.

That loop at the bottom of the anchor might be a good place to affix your anchor line to, then make a loop in your anchor line and affix that loop to the top of the anchor with a couple of small zipties.  This way if your anchor gets snagged somewhere, you can pull hard enough to break the zipties and pull the anchor out of the snag backwards.  You could also, as you mentioned, add a pound or so to that loop with a cannonball weight.  I would just use zipties.

Rawky's spot on here.  You might also consider using a couple of feet of chain at the top instead of a cannonball weight.  The chain keeps your weight laying down so that the tines can get a better bite. 

-Spot-

Rawky's spot on here.  You might also consider using a couple of feet of chain at the top instead of a cannonball weight.  The chain keeps your weight laying down so that the tines can get a better bite. 

-Spot-

Good call on the chain, I forgot about that.  I have about two feet of chain on my grapnel and it works great for sandy bottoms without current.

Rawky's spot on here.  You might also consider using a couple of feet of chain at the top instead of a cannonball weight.  The chain keeps your weight laying down so that the tines can get a better bite. 

-Spot-

excellent.  I used chain for more power boat, it should work just as well for a kayak.

If i tide the rope to the botton and then ziptied the rope to the top, where would the chain attach?  I think I'll just need to buy the chain and figure it out.

Thanks again All.  Expect more questions from me later.

If you use chain, just tie your anchor line to the end of the section of chain, then affix the other end of the chain to the loop on the bottom of the anchor(anchor shackle or a strong ziptie).  Then zip tie one of the links of the chain to the hole at the top of the shaft of the anchor.

At lunch I went and got some more materials to finish my anchor setup.  I've got a round buoy ordered so it's not in the photos and I'm not sure about a spool for the rope yet, i can't find a small one so i'll use that cheap one to begin with.


None of these connections are final.  I've got the rope connected to the bottom of the anchor first then it connects to the top eye with a zip tie (rated for 75 lbs) i've also got a 3' piece of chain (just under 4 lbs) that attaches to the rope with a couple clips.  I wanted the chain to be quickly detachable because i won't be using it often.



What do you all think? I hope i'm on the right track.

It isn't necessary for the rope to follow the chain to the anchor.  In fact, you might have a problem with snagging if you run both the rope and the chain to the anchor.  Instead, attach the end of the rope to one end of the anchor chain.  Then, attach the other end of the anchor chain to the bottom of the anchor.  Then, ziptie the top of the anchor to one of your clips, then clip it to the chain.  I would also use a weaker ziptie or maybe a couple of weak zipties.  You want it to break under a tension you would be able to safely apply while sitting in your kayak so keep that in mind.

So something like this then?  I do have some smaller zip ties available. I can do some testing later for how tough they are to break.  Using those clips will allow me to take out the chain and hook straight to the rope when i want.

Exactly.  You'll obviously want to tighten the zipties all the way with your final product, but I realize you're just getting the system figured out.