11-19-2005, 04:26 PM
[cool][#0000ff]I'm sure you will get other input, but here is mine. First, there are a lot of variables. Beginning with the type of bottom and the depth you will be anchoring in. Next, there is wind speed and how long an anchor rope you leave out. The other variable is the type of anchor you are using.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In a mild breeze, you can hang a bag of rocks off the side of your toon, straight down and maintain reasonable position without having to use your fins. As the wind picks up, you need to hang the anchor off the back of your toon, preferable as close as possible to the middle, to minimize swing. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you are still using the bag of rocks, or a small "mushroom" anchor, you will likely not be able to hold on a mud bottom in a stout breeze. Then you will need an anchor with hooks or blades, to dig in and hold. Of course, those would be poor choices in heavy rocks. And, if you use one of the types of anchors that needs to drag a ways and then digs in, you should have a length of chain between the anchor and the rope, to hold the top of the anchor down until it digs in.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The amount of rope you let out depends on how deep the water is and how strong the wind is. The more depth and wind, the more rope it takes to get and maintain a good "bite". Personally, when "the perfect storm" is rolling in, I worry more about anchoring my butt inside, in front of the game, than anchoring my craft in harm's way.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]There are no hard and fast rules, and the style and weight of your craft will influence how well any specific anchor works for you, on whatever waters you fish. It will likely take some experimentation to work out the two or three different anchors you will use the most. Rarely will one anchor and rope setup suffice for all fishing situations.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In a mild breeze, you can hang a bag of rocks off the side of your toon, straight down and maintain reasonable position without having to use your fins. As the wind picks up, you need to hang the anchor off the back of your toon, preferable as close as possible to the middle, to minimize swing. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you are still using the bag of rocks, or a small "mushroom" anchor, you will likely not be able to hold on a mud bottom in a stout breeze. Then you will need an anchor with hooks or blades, to dig in and hold. Of course, those would be poor choices in heavy rocks. And, if you use one of the types of anchors that needs to drag a ways and then digs in, you should have a length of chain between the anchor and the rope, to hold the top of the anchor down until it digs in.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The amount of rope you let out depends on how deep the water is and how strong the wind is. The more depth and wind, the more rope it takes to get and maintain a good "bite". Personally, when "the perfect storm" is rolling in, I worry more about anchoring my butt inside, in front of the game, than anchoring my craft in harm's way.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]There are no hard and fast rules, and the style and weight of your craft will influence how well any specific anchor works for you, on whatever waters you fish. It will likely take some experimentation to work out the two or three different anchors you will use the most. Rarely will one anchor and rope setup suffice for all fishing situations.[/#0000ff]
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