Anchoring on a reef

Reel Rowdy · 02-18-2008, 07:10 PM

I was wondering how to go about anchoring on a reef or natural bottom at the edge to do some bottom fishing? All we do is troll when we are out, but I plan to spend some time bottom bumping this year to bring home some more fish on the slow trolling days. I've seen plenty of folks anchored on the edge and was wondering how to do it? I know there is more to it than just dropping anchor and fishing. How do you handle wind, current, depth to position yourself in the right spot? Thanks in advance for some help.

amberj · 02-18-2008, 07:36 PM

I recommend getting a bandit bouy as well.

Instant Karma · 02-18-2008, 08:00 PM

IMHO Billybob's way is the best, trust your instruments.

My problem with the bouy is that it is constantly getting hung while fishing. It does help as a visual aid but... I have been with people who set the bouy say 30' off the spot and use it as a visual aid. Little too much for my feeble mind to keep up with.

BB is also right about the chain, you can almost never have too much. If you use a windlass as I do invest in a freefall windlass.

All of this is to say a little practice goes a very long way.

Good luck!!

Freespool · 02-18-2008, 08:01 PM

I wouldn't anchor on a good spot

Freespool · 02-18-2008, 08:15 PM

Theres some spots in those areas I don't want anyone else to get

Corpsman · 02-18-2008, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Billybob (2/18/2008)Get on the spot with your GPS and verify that you see the fish you want to catch. Shut down the motors for 3-5 minutes and drift. Then look at the track line on your GPS and run STRAIGHT up it and due past the "spot" I like to run about 150 to 200 feet past.

Drop anchor and drift or back down straight on the same line. Stop the boat about 30 feet short of where you want to ultimately end up.

KEYS: AMPLE ANCHOR (I use a danforth, but a Bruce or other adequate anchor is great)MAKE SURE it's "Oversized" for what the anchor manufacturer reccommends. I have a 28 foot boat and use an 18# anchor.

NEXT KEY: use PLENTY OF CHAIN...HEAVY CHAIN! This reduces the amount of rope that you'll need to get the angle right on the anchor. I use 18-20 FEET (I know some people will say WAY to MUCH others will say NOT ENOUGH!)

OH by the way invest in a GOOD ANCHOR RING and BALL (OVERSIZED BALL TOO for when you get hung in the rocks) You'll be glad you did after hauling in that 40# or more of anchor and chain a coupla times

Great advice!!!

Just One Fish · 02-20-2008, 04:59 PM

isnt there an reef anchor? should that be used?

Kevin

reelfinatical · 02-20-2008, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Just One Fish (2/20/2008)isnt there an reef anchor? should that be used?

Kevin

We have the Mighty Mite reef/wreckanchor -it has worked for usanchoring anywhere (so far! :clap)

PS- You don't have to worry about getting hung up in rocks, wrecks, etc.and losingit.Put the boat in reverse and she haspopped loose every time. :-)

parrothead · 02-21-2008, 01:43 PM

We made our own reef anchor and that is the way to go. It is oversized and we do use alot of chain,not 20',but i would say 9 or 10 foot. It is thick though. Never failed to hang on the first try and never had a problem getting it back. The advantage to a reef anchor is you dont need a lot of anchor rope when setting and easy retrieval. Just my .02 worth.

Scott

Just One Fish · 02-21-2008, 01:54 PM

tell me more about this reef anchor

thanks

02-18-2008, 07:10 PM	#1
Reel Rowdy Senior Member Mingo Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 116	Anchoring on a reef I was wondering how to go about anchoring on a reef or natural bottom at the edge to do some bottom fishing? All we do is troll when we are out, but I plan to spend some time bottom bumping this year to bring home some more fish on the slow trolling days. I've seen plenty of folks anchored on the edge and was wondering how to do it? I know there is more to it than just dropping anchor and fishing. How do you handle wind, current, depth to position yourself in the right spot? Thanks in advance for some help. __________________ IC XC NIKA

02-18-2008, 07:36 PM	#2
amberj Senior Member Sailfish Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pace/Milton area Posts: 1,267	RE: Anchoring on a reef I recommend getting a bandit bouy as well.

02-18-2008, 08:00 PM	#3
Instant Karma Senior Member Trigger Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 263	RE: Anchoring on a reef IMHO Billybob's way is the best, trust your instruments. My problem with the bouy is that it is constantly getting hung while fishing. It does help as a visual aid but... I have been with people who set the bouy say 30' off the spot and use it as a visual aid. Little too much for my feeble mind to keep up with. BB is also right about the chain, you can almost never have too much. If you use a windlass as I do invest in a freefall windlass. All of this is to say a little practice goes a very long way. Good luck!!

02-18-2008, 08:01 PM	#4
Freespool Senior Member Sailfish Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: just a trollin along Posts: 1,399	RE: Anchoring on a reef I wouldn't anchor on a good spot

02-18-2008, 08:15 PM	#5
Freespool Senior Member Sailfish Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: just a trollin along Posts: 1,399	RE: Anchoring on a reef Theres some spots in those areas I don't want anyone else to get

02-20-2008, 04:59 PM	#7
Just One Fish Senior Member Mingo Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Niceville Posts: 157	RE: Anchoring on a reef isnt there an reef anchor? should that be used? Kevin

02-21-2008, 01:43 PM	#9
parrothead Senior Member Sailfish Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Cantonment Posts: 2,061	RE: Anchoring on a reef We made our own reef anchor and that is the way to go. It is oversized and we do use alot of chain,not 20',but i would say 9 or 10 foot. It is thick though. Never failed to hang on the first try and never had a problem getting it back. The advantage to a reef anchor is you dont need a lot of anchor rope when setting and easy retrieval. Just my .02 worth. Scott __________________ 18' Sea Pro / 115hp Johnson 140 Heritage / Powered by me

02-21-2008, 01:54 PM	#10
Just One Fish Senior Member Mingo Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Niceville Posts: 157	RE: Anchoring on a reef tell me more about this reef anchor thanks

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