I was excited to go out in my kayak for some sheepshead the other day with a bucket of fiddler crabs and high hopes. However, it was a pretty frustrating day for two primary reasons (in addition to the fact that the fish weren’t biting).
I couldn’t anchor with any precision. I have the standard issue 3 pound, 4 prong anchor that I got with the kayak, and I couldn’t get it to bite. I ended up drifting under the bridge I was angling for 3 or 4 times (and paddling back upstream) before I finally caught the bottom under the bridge near a pier. I was in about 12-15 feet of water with a pretty brisk current.
So, my questions are…Do I need a bigger answer? How big? Where/What should I buy? Or, can I make one? How?
When I finally got close to a pier I ended up banging it enough that I scratched my boat a lot. I know it’s a plastic boat for a reason, but I’d like to minimize this effect. Any suggestions on how to avoid this?
sheephead/dock fishing in kayak is where I got most of my scratches in the gunnel area. I don’t know what to tell you… I use some old carpet in the motorboat, hanging over the side of boat. Probably wouldn’t be as easy in yak thou. Usually I get the tide/ balance just right and hang my boot over the side agaist pilon.
I have one of those wimpy anchors, but only used it a couple times, because of the problem you are having. My brother uses a dandorf from walmart,that works very well. To much of a pain for my taste.
On a positive note… scratches give the boat character and after a while it won’t bother you as bad:smiley:.
I carry a huge 10lb bell anchor. It hods tight on any bottom and doesn’t snag (yet). It’s a beast to carry around in a kayak but I would rather fish than fiddle with an anchor all day so it is a “get-er-dun” kinda thing. Also, I anchor straight down. If the boat spins then I simply move the anchor point to the bow or stern as needed.
The bell anchor also makes a decent oyster smasher as long as you don’t fall in.
14’ Pamlico 140 Angler w/ rudder
Switching to lead-free tackle.
I carry 2 anchors. 1 is a light kayak anchor like yours. the other is a 5 pound block of lead that I melted and poured in a coke can. each one has a 50 foot line attached. letting out a lot of line helps with it holding.
you’re gonna beat your yak up some sheep fishing. it gives it character.
There is nothing - absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Kenneth Grahame
I tend to not carry an anchor but use a stake out pole, but then again I don’t do much fishing for sheepshead.
Was thinking and just a quick idea that may require furthur thought, but have you ever tried just tying off to the pilling and leaving enough slack so as to not tear the yak up too much.
Eagles may soar, but weasels never get sucked into jet air intakes
Thanks for the replies thus far. Jordanonayak, where did you get a 10 lb. bell anchor? I doubt I’d put up with the extra weight on most of my outings, but if I know I’m going to need it, this would be a big help.
I don’t like using a anchor when sheepshead fishing, the anchor line just seems to be something else for them to swim around. If I can’t maneuver the yak to stay put against the pylons, then I’ll tie off to them. Just kind of works for me.
Used to have a problem setting the hook on the Sheepshead(missed a few:frowning_face:). Ended up rebuilding a 6’6"(inter coastal) Ugly Stick to a 5’(with a shorter butt) rod to where it is easier to set the hook when sitting in the yak…now I don’t have to pull the rod up as high so that the butt isn’t hitting me in my $*#@&!
I got my 10lb bell anchor at Haddrell’s Point tackle shop in West Ashley. It is better than all other 10LB anchors of equal weight because I bought it from Haddrell’s
14’ Pamlico 140 Angler w/ rudder
Switching to lead-free tackle.
