Which anchor to get for holding in large river? (The bottom is generally rocky)

[Scott D]

[Scott D]

The anchors I listed in the poll seem like they might work for my situation: 20' fiberglass walleye boat on the Columbia.

Based on what I could find in Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's and the anchor manufacturer's websites, I found the following prices:

25lb Richter Anchor: $79

25lb Guidemaster: $79

5lb Chene: $25

18lb Attwood River Anchor: $20

8lb Hooker Anchor: $18


I couldn't find a price for a Waterspike anchor but the Hooker Anchor looked like it was basically the same.

[Scott D]

It seems like the River Anchor is the preferred anchor. Have any of you guys had bad luck with getting them stuck on the bottom of the river? You guys using the Richter, is it because it is less likely to become snagged?

I thought the Chene style, Waterspike or Hooker would be good since they don't weigh as much and would be easier to store. Do they just not hold as well?

Sorry for all the questions but I have not ever anchored and I just thought I could learn from other people's experience.

[Dutchman]

IMHO there is no substitute for weight when is comes to anchors. I use 2 18lb river anchors and a 28lb navy anchor. When your trying to hold a position in high winds and large waves the heavier the better...


" Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope "

[chevy4sur]

I have an 18lb river anchor and a 25lb Richter anchor. They both work but both required letting out a lot of line in order to grip the bottom to hold my 16foot sea nymph in water moving 3 mph or faster. I like the shortest amount of anchor line out as possible when backdropping plugs for steelhead and salmon fishing on the rivers.I have found that having plenty of weight is most critical and then its the home-made heavy "30lbs or more" of log chain that is most effective.

[BigDave2]

I have a 1785 Yarcraft that I use the 18 lb Pro Anchor by Guidemaster. This is the best anchor I have ever used, I have used river, navy, mushrooms, waterspikes, and the Pro Anchor holds the best of any in all types of bottom. It doesn't matter if sand gravel, rock or mud. I have used it on the Mississippi at Red wing to hold near the dam, It holds so well with the least amount of rope of any anchor on the market. While using less rope one does not get all the swing when using only one anchor.

[Bill S]

The Proanchor made by Guidemasters (www.guidemasters.net) will work well with a 3:1 to 4:1 rope scope versus 5:1 or 6:1 needed with river anchors, water spikes or navy anchors for example. If you have any questions about how and why please feel free to email me at bill@advancesales.net.

[Anchor Guy]

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[Gator]

:) The Guide Masters anchor is the best. I fish in Inter Costal waters near Jacksonville, FL with lots of strong current and tidal changes. This anchor is awesome. When moving from spot to spot you get to use it all conditions mud, sand, rock, oyster beds. The Guide Masters anchor has eliminated all other anchors in my boat. Thanks Guide Master!

[Marcellus Bodi]

Hi,
I had trouble anchoring in the Maumee River rapids (Maumee Ohio) and in Lake Huron in sand in heavy winds and I got a Commercial Net Anchor .It is 3' long and made from 1" rod .It was too heavy and big so I made one 2' long from 5/8 rebar and built a release on it and it works great.
Snagged43@yahoo.com

[Fish guy]

BTT

[Big Fish Guy]

B.T.T.