Which Anchor ?

i got these two Anchors for free and im trying to figure out which one i chould use for my river anchoring system. Which one would you use ?

The mushroom is 8 pounds and the other one is 6-7 pounds. What do you think?

I'd use the mushroom anchor- it much less likely to get stuck under a rock, and be irretrievable.

The other anchor, with flukes, is meant for use on primarily sand/mud bottoms.

Both sound kind of heavy for your needs. 3-5 is more common for kayaks. I use old sash weights that I've recovered in home remodels.

I'd use the mushroom anchor- it much less likely to get stuck under a rock, and be irretrievable.

The other anchor, with flukes, is meant for use on primarily sand/mud bottoms.

Both sound kind of heavy for your needs. 3-5 is more common for kayaks. I use old sash weights that I've recovered in home remodels.

I was thinkin the exact same thing about the one getting stuck.

I have many ways to make that mushroom anchor lighter... it was free.

Have to second PS about the mushroom anchor. And good idea about making the mushroom lighter. 5 should be the max weight. 3-4 would be perfect for all situations.

I wouldn't recommend that bigger anchor for a yak. It's just too bulky/heavy to be heaving around the deck of your yak. On a bumpy day if you dropped it.... oooooh!

Z

I think it really depends on the application. If you're planning on sitting still on a lake or slow moving river than 3- 5 lb mushroom anchor will be perfect.

For something like anchoring for sturgeon in moderately fast current, then a 3 lb folding anchor with a bit of a chain would be my choice.

For drift boat style anchoring, most of the NCKA guys are using 10 lbe pyramid anchors.  But I think that is because you they haven't found 5 lb pyramid anchors at drift boat supply shops.  However I recently discovered that they make pyramid like anchors in smaller sizes than the drift boat pyramids.



http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0001539315380a&navCount=1&podId=0001539&parentId=cat20449&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=static_product-cat20449&catalogCode=IJ&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20449&hasJS=true

Sportsmen's Warehouse here in Portland also has something similar.

I'm probably going to start with a 5 lb pontoon anchor.  I worry that if I need 10 lbs to stop my kayak I'm probably not in a very safe spot.

In searching I also came across pontoon boat anchor bags.  Basically, they're heavy duty mesh that you place a few rocks in to use as an anchor.  I've also posted on the NCKA site to get feed back on how well the veterans of drift boat style anchors feel these might work.  My feeling is that it might be a bit bulky, but should work.

http://www.creekcompany.com/indivdisplay.php?primaryAutoID=190&Cat=3&Cat1=10



Brian

I use an anchor like the bag Bsteves shows, 'cept I just bought a cheap bait bag at the local supply house.
I also use more than most others ... a clamp on a shock cord, good for kelp, branches and even a tuft of grass will hold ya.
 Another I carry on the river here is a climbers cam. I can stick it in a crack between rocks and stay put.

Hmm, I never thought to bust out my climbing rack. Which size cam do you usually use?

Brian

I worry that if I need 10 lbs to stop my kayak I'm probably not in a very safe spot.

That's exactly why I think 5 is the max. Any more and you're gonna get yourself in a sticky situation w/ some serious current. Kind of a self saving device.

Z

Thanks for the replies. I'm gonna use the mushroom and cut a couple pounds off it.

That's exactly why I think 5 is the max. Any more and you're gonna get yourself in a sticky situation w/ some serious current. Kind of a self saving device.

Z

Hey Z,  I have no experience anchoring in current yet.  What are the consequences of trying to anchor in too swift a current and what are the initial signs?

Spot-

Ever seen a crab float disappear under the water's surface, once the tide starts ripping?

Now, imagine riding on that bugger as it goes under!

Exactly what PS said. A bad situation no doubt. A heavy river current is like good size waves in the ocean.. things happen really fast and get out of control. Choosing spots w/ slow current and moving up is the best way to go even if they aren't the fishiest spots. W/ some experience under your belt you should be able to figure out the nuances of where and where not to go.

Z

Bsteves,
 I have no idea what size it is!!!
 I am no climber, just thought it would make a good anchoring device.
 Collapsed, I think it will be around 1/2", Boulster got a real nice one that collapses to nearly nothing!
 They are spendy for my budget though, I payed $40.00 for the small one I have, and Tom payed around $90.00 for the fancy one (double cam I think) needless to say, I have attached some float to the shock cord in case I drop it.
 This is the most used for me on the rivers down here as there are lotsa cracks and boulders to stick it in.
 Between the clamp and the cam, I rarely fill the anchor bag (stashed in the hull at all times) with rocks.
 I'll try to post a pic with the other anchor photos I have on this site, then maybe you can tell me what size I'm using.

That's exactly why I think 5 is the max. Any more and you're gonna get yourself in a sticky situation w/ some serious current. Kind of a self saving device.

Z

Hey Z,  I have no experience anchoring in current yet.  What are the consequences of trying to anchor in too swift a current and what are the initial signs?

Somewhere on NCKA there is a picture of Uminchu cowboy riding his yak which is upside down and on anchor.  I guess the current was a bit to swift.   

-Allen