River Anchor

Well the time has come again to reevaluate my gear and start getting new stuff for next year. I lost my anchor to barge surge and rip rap last summer with Audemp. I was wondering what type of anchors you guys are using and what you would recomend.

I really liked the one I had before, but I don’t know the brand. Briank has the same one I did. It was big, and awkward, but once it was set you were not going anywhere. I would like to get a smaller version as I hate to carry that bruiser around all year, but need it at certain times.

As usual, any help is appreciated.

Waterspike all the way. Bulletproof! I have the magnum size (way oversized for my 17 footer) but I’ve never budged after throwing the hook.

If my faulty memory is correct, I think that Dean at Everts can get a spike for you. He might even have one sitting around for you to try before you buy.

We had a great thread on this last year guys…..

I am sorry….I cant find it…Help?

Although opinions do vary…If I remember correctly,Water-spike and Richtors were highly thought of.Something that I learned from that thread and has worked well for me,was using a plastic coated chain to keep the rope down.I do have Richtors and the plastic chains in-stock with Water-Spike on the way.By no means are they your only,or cheapest option. Hopefully someone can help to find that thread!

Good Luck!

PS…. Yes you are welcome to try either….to see if they work out for ya!

I already tried before I posted, but there are better computer savy guys out there who can maybe help out.

Could a guy try out both of them before I get it Dean, or do I need to pony up some bucks first?

I bought a Waterspike for fishing Pool 2 and so far it’s worked very well. Stops my Lund in it’s tracks, and comes back to the boat when I want it to. And it doesn’t weigh a ton

Rootski
Rootski

Richter

Here’s the old thread:

Anchor thread

Have to vote for Richter Anchors. Great anchors.

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Could a guy try out both of them before I get it Dean, or do I need to pony up some bucks first?

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No pony bucks necessary!

The Richter anchors have a good ability to hold in rocks, but they are suspect if you need to hold in anything else. Plus they only have one retrieval bar and have a tendency to bust. Check out the bargain bin at Cabelas in Owatonna.

If you really want the best, check out the Pro Anchor. It’s got two retrieval bars, the strongest welds available, a heavy plastic coating, and the bars are flat rather than round so they hold in not only rocks, but also mud and sand. They’re also angled for a better digging angle. Plus with the dual retrieval bars, you never need a chain to get it out. Here’s a pic and the link: http://www.guidemasters.net

The waterspike type(like brian has) work pretty good most of the time.. they suck when there is heavy current to get them down where you want them sometimes though! I have good luck with the standard old 3 claw river anchor too… not quite the quick holding power of a spike, but they usually find something to grab in a hurry.

Waterspikes are terrible in the fall while sturgeon fishing.. 30+ feet of water and you better have 100′ of rope out to get that anchor to catch, eather that or have a 15# anchor in front of it(same rope) to get it to dig in.. it works, but its really akward to get back in the boat.

I used to have really good luck with a 27# navy anchor also. They hold great just about anywhere.. but you better have some thick/strong anchor line and good cleats to get them unstuck in a snag!

You know…it really depends where a person is fishing..as Dave mentioned.

I have a heavier Water Spike w/chain for early high water season…then a lighter one for the rest of the year on the river. For the St Croix which is much like a lake, it’s much easier to us the Richer style.

Where I fish in June and July…I would never put down an anchor that cost $50., it’s just too easy to get them hung up…and or lost.

I have more to add to this but I have to run now.

Quote:

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I used to have really good luck with a 27# navy anchor also. They hold great just about anywhere.. but you better have some thick/strong anchor line and good cleats to get them unstuck in a snag!

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Or a partner with a good back and Pop-Eye sized fore arms!

Nothing better than a 27-30 # Navy. Just sucks when you have to pull that baby up.

By the way. Have all 3 anchors listed above. Waterspike, Richtor and #30 Navy. Time and place for each one. I often cary all three in the boat.

-J.

I personally didn’t like the price of the anchors on the market. So I made my own. It’s similar to a Richter style. But it’s #28 and holds in any type of bottom. I’ve got it stuck in some pretty good places, all ya got to do is drive foward and it pops right out.”knock on wood”
The only down side is, seems that nobody wants to pull anchor for me. Not sure why that is.
I’ll try to get a pix up.

Thanks for all the info Guys. Just goes to show you what a great group of people we have around here