Still learning: I fish inshore from a kayak in about 3 to 12 feet of water. Fl west coast around Cootee river I have a Ascend T10, and try to keep things as basic as possible. 1 Pole...

Happydaze Loc: Hudson Fl

I fish inshore from a kayak in about 3 to 12 feet of water. Fl west coast around Cootee river I have a Ascend T10, and try to keep things as basic as possible. 1 Pole, small tackle box, etc.. I use a grapnel type anchor. Any current or wind will start me drifting. The anchor just will not bite. What type anchor do you suggest? What weight? Do you think an anchor trolley system is practical? Any advice is appreciated.

Olddawg Loc: Citrus Springs, Fl

The area you fish has a lot of grass and is hard to set most anchors. Try using a pole anchor that you can make yourself. Get a long wooden dowel from home Depot or Lowe's, point one end and stick it into sandy bottom. Then secure with rope to kayak. You can also try pvc cut on an angle..Or you can try 30 to 40 feet of rope to your anchor but there are some rocks in that area that may make you swim in that area to retrieve your anchor. Securing a pole anchor to your kayak Is a pain but doable.

Happydaze Loc: Hudson Fl

Thanks for the quick reply.
I could secure the pole to the side handles with carebiner clip. Do you think a dumbbell or barbell weight would be practical if heavy enough.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

If you can handle the weight of a small mushroom anchor that may be your answer. No digging in required, however if the bottom is muddy it will sink in somewhat, and be heavy coming back up. I use mine in a sandy area at times depending on the current. Rest of the time two 5 lb weights is all that is required where I fish.

Happydaze Loc: Hudson Fl

Thanks but won’t the weights sink in also. Gone ass over tea kettle before trying to free a stuck anchor.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Happydaze wrote:

Thanks but won’t the weights sink in also. Gone ass over tea kettle before trying to free a stuck anchor.

The shape of the weights are rounded thus mud doesn't form a suction around them. A mushroom anchor can get settled in the mud thus making it difficult to get back up.

It really all depends on what kind of current are you up against.

Happydaze Loc: Hudson Fl

Thanks, I like the idea of the weights, I’m thinking of 5 lb weights on 2 retractable dog leashes. One up front and one for the rear as needed, or do you think a trolley would be more practical?

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Happydaze wrote:

Thanks, I like the idea of the weights, I’m thinking of 5 lb weights on 2 retractable dog leashes. One up front and one for the rear as needed, or do you think a trolley would be more practical?

I did two 5 lb weights instead of the trolley because here the current can throw the yak sideways and would make for the wave action to hit my sides instead of the rear. I was thinking of front and back but that means I would have to get up to retrieve the front.

Left and right works for my water conditions. You will most likely try some different scenarios before you find a procedure that works in your waters.

Egghead

Anchors work alot better if you let out more tope. The More rope you use makes the anchor drag with less lift.

Happydaze Loc: Hudson Fl

Thanks guys, two 5 lb weights on retractable clothes lines worked great. Plastic guides fore and aft and on each side give plenty of options for deployment. Longer lines helped also. No more drift and no more excuses for getting skunked. Thanks again.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Happydaze wrote:

Thanks guys, two 5 lb weights on retractable clothes lines worked great. Plastic guides fore and aft and on each side give plenty of options for deployment. Longer lines helped also. No more drift and no more excuses for getting skunked. Thanks again.

Okay Happydaze, can we expect pics on the next post? Tight lines!!!!

Egghead

Happydaze wrote:

Thanks guys, two 5 lb weights on retractable clothes lines worked great. Plastic guides fore and aft and on each side give plenty of options for deployment. Longer lines helped also. No more drift and no more excuses for getting skunked. Thanks again.

You just screwed up.lol no more excuses for getting skunked 🦨 I've said that before lol

DeeJay Loc: Southwest Virginia

I used a steel bar 2-3 ft long, with a pointed end and a ring to tie a rope to on the other end. Toss it like a spear into the bottom mud,(sand). When you leave pull it straight out. Worked for me. DEEJAY

Big TC Loc: Raytown, MO.

Try concrete blocks or half a block. Tie them with ropes. Set one in the rear and one in the front. I don't think they will get stuck in the mud.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

DeeJay wrote:

I used a steel bar 2-3 ft long, with a pointed end and a ring to tie a rope to on the other end. Toss it like a spear into the bottom mud,(sand). When you leave pull it straight out. Worked for me. DEEJAY

Doesn't this spook the fish? When anchoring stealth is important.