anchor in swift water

[BJames]

I was anchored in water this weekend that was flowing 3mph. I pulled up the anchor to chase the fish we caught and was wondering about attaching a float to the end of the line so I could come back and just re-hook. I was worried about the currant pulling the float under, is there a preferred shape for the float. I have seen offshore guys on tv use a ball, is that best?

[aar7]

In very swift water it is important to use a float for safety reasons whereas it sounds like you are looking to use a float for more of a convenience. I don't think that the shape of the float is as important as having enough flotation.

I fish the lower Columbia river every Spring for sturgeon. There we have to use floats for safety reasons. For my 20 foot boat I use a ball float that when inflated is a good 3 feet in diameter. Sometimes the current is so strong that the water still washes over the top of the float.

In the current that you mentioned I would think that a ball float with an 18 inch diameter would be more than enough.

[BJames]

Thanks for the info. Do you carry a small air compressor to blow up a 3 foot ball and what is the best way to store it when running to different fishing spots?

[aar7]

I just leave mine inflated in the bow of the boat. It works for me because when I use it sturgeon fishing I don't really need the bow for anything but anchor storage. For what you are talking about you might want to go with a couple of smaller balls like the floats they use for marking water ski courses and then hook them together when using them and seperate them for storage. Just an idea.

[BJames]

That is a good idea. When I did a search on this subject before I did a post I found someone said to use a gallon jug. I pictured that shape going under pretty easy. I think I will give the balls a try.

Thanks
Bill