Slipping Sucks! Best river rock anchor?

Fish Hunter · 11-29-2001, 10:32 AM

Looking for some opinions for the best anchor set up for further up the creek in my jet boat. Just starting to run the Clack, NF Lewis, Cowlitz etc. I have a 28# folding rocker anchor, 10' of chain, puller&float and 200' of rope that works well on the Columbia. Seeking a good balance between convienience and holding power for my 19'x66" hull. Whats working for you?

David Johnson · 11-29-2001, 10:41 AM

Don't anchor.

Your best chance of catching fish on the smaller rivers is to cover water, back troll plugs, side drifting bait, back bouncing...anchoring does nothing but limit your chances since you're only fishing for the fish that are moving right under your boat and it also gets you in the way of all the other boats that are trying to work the hole by backtrolling, sidedrifting......

If you're looking for an anchor just for shore stops and the like get and 30# pyrimid drift boat anchor.

Anchoring sleds on the Clack is a big no no and will make you pretty unpopular.

Fish Hunter · 11-29-2001, 02:55 PM

Dave , thanks for your input on the anchoring. Sure beats getting yelled at on the river. You provide some very sage advice on this board. Your fishing report post today was great. Sounds like this is an area of friction for some folks I may have underestimated. As always I'm all ears when it comes to fishing especially when I'm getting dialed in on my latest venture. My plan isn't to make anchoring my main method at all. I believe I won't be able to hold in hardly any current anyway, compared to the drift boat.
I was suprised by your reply. Last winter as I repeatedly driftboated the Clackamas between Carver and Rivermill it seemed the main method producing fish was anchoring up and pitching eggs. Plenty of drift boats fishing this way and more than a few sleds, including guide sleds anchored with plugs out. Hey I'm all for going with the crowd to keep us all fishing. But the 1/2 crowd seemed to be anchoring. Is there a difference to you if it's a drift boat or sled anchored up in the way? Or is a driftboat just as bad? Perhaps it's more a matter of water type? You could just take me fishing, might be easier than explaining. :grin:

Who else has opinions on this or the anchor gear question?

fishbait · 11-29-2001, 03:16 PM

Fish Hunter,
with your sled in those waters, if you want to anchor, then a LARGE pyramid anchor is the best. If you can not find one, let me know...I have a anchor mold that is capable of making up to 75 lb pyramid anchors and we might be able to work something out.

Steve

HOGTIDE · 11-29-2001, 04:20 PM

Hi FH,

My boat is similar to yours in length and weight. I use a #35 pyramid which works fine. Kinda heavy, but will stop you rather quick in the shallower waters of smaller streams.

You are welcome to come by and give mine a test try first. I'm kinda a wuss nowadays...it's really cold out there in the winter. :shocked:

Fish Hunter · 11-29-2001, 06:23 PM

Got a pretty good lead collection going in the garage fishbait, I may want to rent your mold sometime. Already found a 35# pyramid to try next time. Thanks for the offers.
Yeah Hog a real wus huh

your just savin it for springers. I'm on to you.

David Johnson · 11-29-2001, 10:31 PM

Your question about drift boats vs. sleds anchoring. In my opinion they are just as bad.

In responce to your observation from last winter on the Clack. You stated there were boats anchored up and pitching eggs. It's the pitching eggs, there is a difference between anchoring up in the middle of a hole and anchoring up on the side, casting out and drift fishing a slot.

As far as the people you saw that were guides anchoring up with plugs, I can asure you those weren't the "old school" full time guides that are regulars doing such a practice. The only place I know of that guides will anchor up regularly is up at Dog Creek.

Another thing, I don't know but maybe you were fishing on weekends when there is a lot more presure and a lot more people that don't practice edicut or just don't know the ropes.

Fish Hunter · 11-30-2001, 08:24 AM

Dave that's what I've done from the drift boat in the past. Using driftgear and eggs, not anchoring over the holding water, fishing an inside bend, riffles, structure etc and moving on, boondogging on the way. It's about all you can do on the Wilson during the weekends when I can fish. Too dam many boats to plug fish. I do try to take as many of those choice weekdays off as I can when it's good. I'm hearing of a few guides now that don't even book weekends due to the pressure.

David Johnson · 11-30-2001, 08:40 AM

I try my best to not book weekends too.

You're right about the Wilson. There are so many people some times the only place to fish is the in-between spots and if there is an opening you're forced to anchor. I don't know how many times I've been running plugs through a hole only to have someone come in behind me and drop anchor and tying up the hole so one can't go back up and row through it again. Another peev of mine is when I get to a spot to fish and someone is anchored up there so I have to pass it by only to have that boat pass me about five minutes later after I've gone past the point of no return and I can't row back up to it. Two out of the last three days of fishing that's happened to me.

Jennie@ifish · 11-30-2001, 09:23 AM

Bill and I really like The Animal Anchor.
Of course, our friend makes them, so we are partial!
Jen

Fish Hunter · 11-30-2001, 10:58 AM

Jen, I've seen quite a few of those mounted in a covenient looking holder on the bow of many boats. Thanks for the tip. I'll be looking closer at those to see if the holder can be removed easily so I can switch anchor systems easily. I've never seen a good pyramid holder for the bow.