Driftboat, foot release or side anchor system

spinner53 · 03-15-2004, 05:47 PM

I currently have a side anchor system, but it precludes me from placing rods along the starboard side of mi boat. It's a fiberglass boat so some epoxy will be needed.
My question, are there more benefits from a foot release system, and is it worth the effort.

Green Willie · 03-15-2004, 06:32 PM

Spinner53,

I think that it all boils down to personal preference. If you have a chance to try a DB with the foot system, I'd do that. I had a fiberglass DB with the foot system. It was fine. I found that it was easier to release the anchor when a fish hit. The problem was, it was too easy. I lost an anchor once, dropped the anchor when the rod buried, but it wasn't a good place to anchor. I had to be careful in the future.

I have a good friend who has an aluminum DB with the side release. I like it better now that I'm used to it. :smile: Bottom line is I think it's a matter of personal preference.

JMHO,

JN

nsantiam · 03-15-2004, 06:38 PM

If your not going to be using a motor much, go with the foot release.

weekend warrior · 03-15-2004, 06:56 PM

Just remember what goes down must come up. There is no easy way to pull an anchor up with the foot release system. My buddy has one on his fish-rite and loves it, except when pulling it up. It can kill your back when you have a 40#er.
Just my .02

Amahnee · 03-15-2004, 07:05 PM

I think the side system is an easier pull that than the floor system. I've had both. If it ain't broke, why fix it? [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img]

Doc Spratley · 03-15-2004, 07:24 PM

I've been rowing a Clackacraft DB with a foot release anchor system for over 6 years. Since I belong to a pretty active fishing club, I also have experience rowing drift boats with both traditional transom systems and side release systems. I like the foot release system. Certainly, it is the system I am most used to, but there are two other reasons to consider.

First, I can keep both hands on the oars and perfectly position the boat and keep it in that desired position while releasing the anchor. Second, and this is where I disagree with Weekend Warrior, it does not bother my back as much as the other systems. The reason is that when I lift the anchor, I keep my back straight, take hold of the rope while my legs are bent, and lift the anchor by straightening my legs. Once you get the rhythm down, that anchor comes up so fast it will surprise you. Of course, everyone's back pain is triggered by something that other people would never complain about.

A final note: I have never "accidently" tripped the foot release, regardless of what type of water I am running or what I am doing at the time. I hope this helps.

spinner53 · 03-15-2004, 08:18 PM

Since it's set up sideways now, should i try attaching the foot release to the gunnel and actuate it by hand ?

Doc Spratley, is your release directly beneath you or is it somewhat in front of you??

ampersat · 03-15-2004, 08:20 PM

Problem: rod storage
Solution: move the anchor rig
Solving the wrong problem: maybe

The solution you're proposing involves somewhat significant modification of the boat in a way you're not even sure you're going to like. Maybe there's a better rod storage solution out there.

Doc Spratley · 03-16-2004, 05:17 PM

Spinner 53, I guess I didn't understand your question when I responded. I guess it is you thought to install a foot release mechanism on the gunnel of your DB. I don't endorse that idea. I suggest that you go to Motion Marine or Fishermen's and see what they can do for you.

Frankly, I agree with Ampersat. If the only reason you want to change anchor release systems is for rod storage, think of a different way to store the rods. Another thing to consider is to take a serious look at how many rods you are taking with you for a day's fishing. I use to pack a rod for "every situation". Truth be told, I was only using 2 to 3 rods in a day, not the 8 to 10 I was bringing along. Exercising some self-restraint might help with the rod storage problem.

To answer your 2nd question, my foot release is centered on the floor, well behind the foot brace, just in front of the rower's bench (depending on how I have the bench adjusted). Good Luck.

White Water Fisher · 03-16-2004, 06:55 PM

I have a 16' RB aluminum drift boat with a foot release system. I agree with Doc, I have both hands on the oars and pop the anchor with my foot. In tight situatins I can release the anchor letting out anchor line and I postion myself into the right spot.
What has happened to me more than once is locking an anchor on the bottom in fast water. I have a buddy up front turn and pull the anchor up and I huff it on the oars. While I'm helping get back up, the anchor line is being pulled in and I'm not losing ground. I have yet to lose and anchor.

Salmonator · 03-16-2004, 07:15 PM

I've had both and prefer the foot release.

Gun Rod Bow · 03-16-2004, 08:31 PM

I ordered my drift boat with a foot release 14 years ago. I'm happy. Used the three methods mentioned. As far as pulling anchor, I have a pulley on the foot rest so you reach forward and pull using your legs if necessary. 40# anchor no problem.

It is my preference.

I like to be able to drop the pick while fighting a fish or step on the release to let out scope.

AnnaDraMoss · 03-17-2004, 10:49 AM

I ordered my clackacraft in '95 with a floor anchor system and I did'nt like it. I had a side system installed. What I didnt like was that floor release was smack dab in the center of the floor. I also use an outboard trolling, or for crabbing and when I do, I remove the operators seat so the entire back of the boat is open. Oh it's alot of fun to drop your net inside the boat with a 30lb chinook thrashing around getting tangled in the foot release! But that just me. But with a fiberglass boat(ie. clackacraft) installs four studs in the floor and then they lay fiberglass over that. I think there would be more labor than what it would be worth to pay for. That's just what I have found for me.