What is the best anchor?

[Dahitman44]

This is NOT a dumb question. I have used a lot of different anchors over the years but never the river type that you can pull on to retrieve? Do they always work?

Any thoughts?

I have a new boat -- Trophy 185 and I was wondering what would work best -- I assume I should get two to be sure?

Thanks

Hit

[Kylersk]

A couple of guys at work swear by the Water Spike. I picked one up based on their recommendations, but have not had a chance to use it.

And yes, I've also been told I'll need a second anchor. The second will only be a mushroom style.. at least I think? Unless someone can recommend a good second anchor.

[PierBridge]

It really depends where a person is fishing.

I have a heavier Water Spike w/ rubber coated chain it doesn't move ever I use that on the Mississippi when she's raging, in rock, wood, gravel the spike will out-hold anything.

The St Croix River which is much like a lake makes it much easier to use the Richter style,the richter is a good river anchor also and takes up less space, although it is a lot heavier, the richter does a better job when anchoring on a short-line on soft sand due to the shear weight.

A 27-30 # Navy won't move at all either it's just to heavy for most people.

[Northlander]

I have found that the Richter anchors are the best all around anchors. Good in Rivers and lakes. For your boat a 18# would do in lakes ut I like the 25#. great in current and big winds. I also have 6' of coated chain on it and then 120' of line. I have yet to be in a situation wher it wont hold. I do use a second anchor to stop the swaying when needed.

I found the spikes are only effective when a lot of line is out. In situations where you need to lock up quickly you need some weight in the anchor.

[tunrevir]

The water spike type anchors are very good for the applications they are to be used for. That being said, they aren't an anchor that you'll like very much in the boulders and rubble. They work great in sandy and mucky softer type bottoms but will hold a bit less in the rocks and yu may have to fight to get them out. Always make sure that you carry enough line on you anchor to get it to bite. A good rule of thumb is 2.5 x's the depth is the length of rope you'll need to hold steady. I believe that is the formula but have been known to be wrong before! Also be real careful about anchoring up in rivers with current and debris(ice, trees) they can pull your bow down and sink you pretty qucikly. Just a word of caution.

Tunrevir~

[eyepatrol]

I just picked up an 18lb Richter anchor for my 18' Alumacraft last week and will be trying it out this year. I'm thinking the Richter anchor is the way to go, but I'll find out for certain soon enough.

[Random guy]

A good ol river boy showed me his anchor and I started to laugh. A piece of 1" pipe with 3/8" soft rod welded on and bent into hooks. As I watched this anchor in action I had to eat a little crow. It always hooked up and held, then if the anchor got stuck he would just power away straighting out one of the hooks. Pull the anchor up grap the end and re-bend it. Ready for the next stop. Not to mention it only weighed seven pounds. It is all I use, the long spikes even hold in the bare sand on Upper Red.

[Nate McVey]

4 years ago on a snowy walleye opener in MI, my dad and I were backing the boat in when I notice that there wasn't an anchor in the boat. Rather than drive the forty minutes home, I looked aroun and found a cement block and tied it to a 20 ft. section of rope that was in the back of the truck. Not the best anchor, but it worked for the day!

[iffwalleyes]

Another vote for Richter anchors worth the price in my book. I also like the Navy style anchors a little easier on the pocket book. But like mentioned the Richter is the best all around one out there.

[cylinder]

Jon P -- can you post a picture of that anchor?

[NAGORSKI]

Can anyone give some prices on the spikes or richter anchors? And some places to find em?

[eyepatrol]

My 18lb anchor cost $53 from Gander Mt.

[Northlander]

Lots of places carry Richter Anchors. Gander, Marine General, Cabelas etc. 18# would be good for most boats but I use a 25#er because Im huge and I need a little work out.

Seriously though I fish in a lot of current with a lot of peole around at times and with that 25# Richter I can drop it and lock it with very little line out. Nothing worse than fishing for 5 minutes and your anchor letting loose and your drifting down river dodging boats.

I used a 25# River anchor for years and the Richter holds much better in all types of conditions. No matter if its rock, sand or muck.

[fishorgolf]

I have a question on the Richter anchor. Will it work in my anchor wench? The reason I ask is looking at a picture of the achor it has a metal bar coming out the top and down the side which makes it look like it would hang up. Anyone else use one of these with a powere which?

[Dahitman44]

Thanks for all the information -- Look like I will have to find this Ricther tie a rope on him and toss him overboard.

Thanks again.

Da Hitman

[Northlander]

You can crank it in with it but it will have to sit in the boat, it wont ride correctly in the cradle of the lift.

[sakazulu]

Your good with the first anchor. The mushroom won't work in the back. You got a BIG boat and the wind or waves will move your tail around. You WANT to stay stuck! $$$

[Random guy]

Quote:

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Jon P -- can you post a picture of that anchor?

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Here is a picture of one. This one is called the Mini Mite Anchor made down south. Same design as what I am using.

[markzeke]

I used to use a richter anchor until one of the spikes broke off during transport. It was rusted very badly and I lost faith in a very good anchor. I switched last year to the box style anchor sold by cabelas and it works great. It folds up and fits in a side compartment and comes with it's bag to keep the boat clean. Just my 2 cents.

[Grant]

wow- that could pull double duty as a ninja grappling hook~

[fishorgolf]

Thanks Northlander. I guess this leaves out the richter for me. I have a 23" crestliner sabre with a small cudy and theres no way I am climbing arround out there in 6' waves on LOW.

Anyone else have thoughs on a anchor that would work in my winch. I currently use a 30lb river anchor which works well but needs to have allot of rope to hold. I would like something that would hold well with less rope out.

I know I am probably dreaming here.

[Dahitman44]

Guys -- the richter sounds good, but what would be a good second anchor -- I guess the mushroom is not a good idea?

[Northlander]

A river anchor or Navy anchor would be my second/third choices.

[Scott K]

I believe the richter anchor has life time warranty!

[Dahitman44]

North --

Can a guy just get any band oand ype of those two anchors -- already going to spend a lot on the Richter.

[Northlander]

What?

If Im reading you correctly Im assuming your asking about brands and types?

The 3 river anchors I have are all the same. 2 different brands but the same type. Black rubber coated but they come plain and in blue and white as well.

In current 2 anchors up front works better than 1 in front and 1 in back. Especially if your fishing out of the back of the boat a lot. The same for windy days on the lake. I just point the bow into the wind and drop the anchors up front if needed.

[Daze Off]

Is it too late to say that the best 'anchor' is a wife??? j/k

Daze Off

[Grant]

*groan*

[SWMuskeye]

I had to research this subject back when I worked for NAF and had to write a supplement to our boating column.

I think many anchors will fit river applications, the most important factor in my mind is that you use the correct "scope" when fishing in current or waves. 5-1 is good for starters, bump it up to 7-1 for adverse conditions.

I personally have had luck with the "digger anchor," and have never had problems freeing it. Its my go-to 90% of the time.

Also, a good rule of thumb is to make sure you add a decent amount of chain before your rope starts near the anchor.

[Dahitman44]

Why is it you need to add the chain?