Any Suggestions on Anchors

[shouldbefishn]

I burried my anchor at the bottom of the Mississippi last summer. Didn't like it anyway. What's a good anchor to buy that doesn't take up half the boat to store and will hold the boat reasonably well? I know there are places where an anchor just won't work. I have an 18ft Lund Fisherman.

Thanks for the replies.

[SteveWilson]

I use a Richter anchor on my 18' Fisherman and it hold's real well, sometimes a bit too well.

[BIG DS]

Navy anchors or river anchors with a length of chain are about the most popular and work real well.

[Northlander]

I would go Richter and then a river anchor. Both with a length of chain.

[tomfromblaine]

Steve, how big is that Richter anchor? I have a 18' crestliner with a river anchor but no chain and it would drag so I wanted to add a Richter.

[SteveWilson]

Quote:

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Steve, how big is that Richter anchor? I have a 18' crestliner with a river anchor but no chain and it would drag so I wanted to add a Richter.

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I belive that I'm using the 18lb Richter anchor although when you anchor in weeds it sure does weigh more than 18 lbs It does manage to fit under the casting deck on my 1800 Fisherman so it's fairly out of the way when I'm not using it.

[tomfromblaine]

Thanks for the info, I think between the 2 of them I should be good, did you get it thru Cabela's? I know I've seen em but can't remember where.

[Whopper Stopper]

I know Gander has them. At least that is where I bought mine.

[Northlander]

I fish a river a lot and I would get the biggest one I can find. I had to cut one off in the rocks and now use a 28# river anchor and thats working great. The richter is a great anchor but pricey. A good river anchor with a 2-3" chain should do ya well.

[tomfromblaine]

Thanks Northlander, I think I'll go that route first(check book still smokin'from boat purchase) I can just see it now my fishin buddy usually does most the anchor work while I'm watching the graph I'm thinkin' there will be some cussin'.

thanks again for the info..

[sunnie boy]

I have a 28lb river anchor on my boat but no chain. I am curious what the chain does. Anybody?

[Ralph Wiggum]

It weighs it down so the anchor hits the bottom right and helps it dig in.

[Northlander]

The chain helps the anchor turn over and lay on its side so it digs in much better. Also the chain helps keep the eye of the anchor from popping up and down in waves or current wich can make a anchor work its way loose. Some people I know actually use a chain then a piece of shocker cord to take the jarring effect of waves out of their line.

[Paul Waldowski]

Northlander is correct. I do not use a chain, but rather a bungee cord connected to the anchor. It helps to keep the anchor dug in and it prevents it from pulling out when a wave or swell hits the boat.

[chief]

I second the opinion that a 28# river anchor is the most sensible choice for your rig. Richter's are great anchors, but they're a bit pricey for use in the 'Sippi where anchors are eaten with some regularity. While on the subject, I strongly recommend simultaneous use of a rear anchor in most situations. This one can be lighter in weight than the bow anchor.

Bait shops, resorts, and prop repair shops are great places to find cheap, used anchors. A length of chain, 2 to 3 feet or so, helps position the anchor flukes at optimal angles for bite. It also prevents rope wear and tear in rocks and other nasties.

[sparkyaber]

Found this thread in the archives and I thought I would resurect it. I need and anchor for my trition fs 190, won't get used alot, mostly pan fishing, and in the heat of the summer when we are swimming. My question is has anyone used the minnkota crab claw anchor? Looks kinda' hoaky, but it also looks like it will fit very nicely in the front storage locker of my boat. If no good, I will probably get a richter, thanks.

abe

[MDokken]

I have a 18' Warrior w/ windshield and tried various style and weights of anchors. Never found one anchor that worked for all conditions without lots of weight and long ropes. Last Sports show I bought the medium Richter Anchor (around 18#). I run 2' of chain and 100' of rope and it easily fits in a milk crate for storage. The chain lets you run less rope and it protects the knot where you connect to the anchor. It has worked great in current below dams on the river and in sand or muck bottoms on lakes. I'm very happy with it. However, if you do get one at a sportshow, make it the last stop so you don't carry it around like I did.

ps- I do have a "Water Spike" anchor with 200' of rope if anyone is interested.

[sparkyaber]

bought the richter anchor (18#) with 2' of rubber coated chain and 50' 3/8" rope. If that doesn't hold my 19' triton, I don't know what will .

[gtofast1]

Have a 28# river anchor and 4 feet chain..holds my 1700 lund no problems in 4 footers till I have to pull it up... can be kind of a pain to get it up off the bottom..haven't lost it yet. picked up all the parts fleet farm for $70.

[Northlander]

Sparky 50' may not be enough in strong current. On lakes it should be fine unless your in 32' of water with big winds.

[sparkyaber]

probably won't use the boat much on rivers- just the St. Croix- in the fall for walleyes, so the anchor wouldn't do me much good anyways. If I run into a problem, anchor rope is not that expensive anyway. Thanks for the replies.

[MDokken]

I agree with Northlander's comments on 50' of rope. I have "Grippers" installed at 9,12 and 3 o'clock on my bow. When I'm anchored I can switch the rope between them and the boat will swing to a diffrernt position. In current, it allows me to sweep a 50' to 60' section of the bottom. On the reefs on Millacs, I can cover 100' plus with a slip bobber. Good luck and good fishing.

[sparkyaber]

Mdokken, I here ya-good idea- But again, I won't be anchored very much. If I see that I need to anchor more often, I will definatly add more rope and multilple tie down places.

[HaywardBound]

MDokken, where do they sell those 'Grippers'? I think I saw them at the Sportsman show...wish I bought them?

Jon

[MDokken]

Jon

You should be able to find them just about anywhere- Fleet Farm, Gander Mountain, Cabela's, etc. They run about $10 a pair and come in a couple of sizes for different size ropes.

Mike

[danlk]

i use a 2foot piece of railroad rail with hole cut in middle for river fishing sticks a boat anywhere real heavy but hods well. DLK.