Anchor Question

[HuskerBob]

I recently purchased the "Digger Anchor" to help keep me in my spot out on the flats. I used it last night and for some reason I can't keep from drifting. The instructions say to let out 5 times as much rope as the depth of the water and I did that, but to no avail. Can anybody give me a clue? It really sucks when you can't stay on the spot you marked with fish!

[18 inch Crappie]

Some people use a 5' chain in front of the anchor to help it dig into the mud. Then again how big is your boat and was there white caps?

[Deadwood]

Try using 2 or more anchors if one won't suffice. I have found a heavy 'river style' anchor works well along with the digging style anchor.

[TrophyEyes]

Another issue you could have and I am not familiar with the type of anchor you are describing, but you have to let the anchor down with some tension otherwise the chain will end up doubling back and you will be draging the anchor backwards. Some of those anchors are like kites in the water until they hit the bottom and dig in. You have to keep tension from the time the they get in the water to the time you tie it off. Hope this helps.

[rodmaker]

How big of a boat do you have, and how heavy of an anchor is it. I know that you have to let out a ton of line sometimes in order to get them to dig. The chain helps.

[minnesotatuff]

i have 2 digger anchors and a warrior 1890. on rocks, usually one holds depending on wind. ive never tried to anchor in mud but imagine they would work as good as any other. maybe you have to use 2?

regards,

minnesotatuff

[Squid]

I also have a Digger Anchor. Remembering from when I first got it the paperwork said NOT to use chain any with it. When they say a 5 to 1 ratio of line to depth they mean it. If you are fishing on the flats and say the depth is 30' you would need 150' of anchor rope. It's okay to fish the flats when it's calm but when the wind picks up forget it. You're better off fishing the rocks then anyhow. Conclusion, it's best suited for fishing rock bottoms.

On a side note, how was the fishing on the flats? Most of the boats I saw Saturday must have been after 'skis. What boats were out on the flats fishing for 'eyes were few. Landing nets, I didn't see one even from the launch boats. Besides the narrow slot I beginning to believe Mille Lacs has become a dead sea for the time being.

[HuskerBob]

Thanks for the replies. I have 17' Tracker with a 90hp evinrude. There were no white caps last night but the wind was fairly strong out on the flats. There were 3 launch boats and about 3-4 smaller boats there as well. We only caught 2 from 10pm to midnight. I did throw out 150' of rope as the instructions state. I probably should have thrown out the other anchor but I wanted to see if that thing could hold as advertised. I'll have to keep playing around with it I guess.

[18 inch Crappie]

Take it back and get a 25lb Richter, that thing will hold a bus out down there.

[rodmaker]

I agree with 18 " Crappie. Take it back and get something different.

Check Cabela's.

[TommyLarson2]

I have used all different anchors. I swear by the PRO ANCHOR its been awesome and easy to use plus you dont have to have 3 ft of chain on the end to scratch up the boat. The only thing is that you should have twice the rope out as the depth.

Tom

[tight_line]

I run an 1890 Warrior (love the boat) , I have a waterspike (lightweight and very effective), 4' chain, 100'-3/8" solid braided rope, and it is a must to tie directly off the bow of the boat. If that doesn't hold, you probably shouldn't be out there.

[rodmaker]

I have that also, and have had good luck.

[EJ]

I have two Water Spikes and take with whichever size I think I'll need for the day. I only use a 100' rope, but I do have a chain attached. Like mentioned earlier, I think it is important to keep tension on the anchor as it slips down or it will flip over and not work. I also slowly let out the last 20' of rope and "feel" the anchor catching and digging into the bottom. Tie to or through the bow eye to get the lowest possible angle.

EJ

[hanson]

Love my Richter Anchors!

[chris63]

No matter what if you use your anchor in rocks/wind often you better use chain on the anchor side(3to5 feet)or you will be getting wet retreaving your anchor every year or so.c63

[jb426]

I have same anchor and had the same problem out on big sandy. After a few tries I had it figuered out. Make sure you have begun drifting in the direction of the wind and your bow is pointed into the wind then drop anchor. Drop fairly slow but not slow enough that there is too much slack, a little is what you want till you hit bottom. Once you hit bottom Let out a boat load of rope, then as you drift keep slight tension to lock anchor in place. When there is a few feet of rope left, grab rope to check the hold, should be there and then slowly release rest of slack. Holds me in white caps, course I'm not out on mille lacs!

[Team_Ice_Heave]

I just got a waterspike this year also and I definitly agree;

Quote:

---

If that doesn't hold, you probably shouldn't be out there.

---

[RonZ]

18lb river anchor holds my 17.5 ft duel console.