I realize this topic has probably been talked about and kicked around countless times, but I never paid attention before I bought a boat. I’m curious as to what kind of anchoring set up you would suggest. I have an Xpress H20B center console (20’ in length). I’m trying to get my ducks in a row for some possible near shore trips in the future. I’ve always fished inshore and freshwater but have begun doing some homework for pushing out a little further.
What kind of anchor? How heavy? How much chain? How much anchor line? I realize answers are going to be subject to personal experience and I’ll eventually figure out the ideal set up for me and my boat but with all of the knowledge and experience on here, I’m looking for a general direction and good starting point.
Thanks in advance.
In the future, where every stranger poses a potential threat, knowing the predator mindset is the only safe haven.
Anchoring that boat should be a breeze. Get you a 8-12# Danforth Style aluminum anchor, 5-6 feet of chain and 150’of 3/8" rode. You’ll be good to go, or I guess, not go.
You’ll get all sorts of use this, and use that, and if you want to anchor here get this. All of that is fine and true, but for your standard anchor set up, what I mentioned is the best
Hoppy is right in his anchor set up for most areas , only thing I will
add is to rig anchor to break away in case it hangs up on rocks/reef.
Danford or Claw ; either one is good !
I’m familiar with Fluke-style, or “Danforth” anchors, but I’m not familiar with the “claw” type anchor. Can someone give me pros and cons of it?
Again, given the size of my boat, I predominantly fish inshore (and freshwater lakes and rivers) but I do plan to push out to the jetties and some near shore stuff eventually. I’m looking for a set up for that type of fishing scenario.
In the future, where every stranger poses a potential threat, knowing the predator mindset is the only safe haven.
Larry, how do you store that on your boat? I have a slip ring that fits in my anchor locker but it is almost useless unless ideal anchoring conditions. I would like to go to a claw setup like yours but not sure where to store it.
Hoppy has it right.
8lb Danforth. Aluminum is nice, but the cheap galvanized one works too. Avoid the one with the sliding ring.
5-10ft of chain. You want something heavy. The crappy chain in the bag is not sufficient.
150ft of 3/8".
Nearshore wrecks.
Rig the Danforth anchor to release as shown in the claw anchor picture.
To preserve the reef, anchor up-drift in the sand and pay out line until your sitting over the reef.
I can confirm what Larry said about that Claw anchor. Having fished the Keys for several years, I have gotten hung up (and lost an anchor or 2) until I got a Claw and rigged it the way Larry showed. Even when you get hung up, it comes loose once the ties break. I wish I had known about them a few years ago.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”, but really, who cares?
Unless you’re fishing the keys often, get the Danforth and like he said, avoid the one with the O ring. 99% of small boaters on this area use a Danforth. Unless you’re anchoring in areas with snags and structure etc, and have a reason for a specific type anchor, keep it simple and stay with what’s proven. I’ve been boating here for 50 years and lost 3 anchors. One at the grillage, one at the jetties, and one wasn’t tied on
