We had a tough time trying to anchor out at Comanche yesterday. Since we were using a danforth, we were trying to anchor off the structure and drift back over it as we let line out. This ended up being a real pita and led to lots of wasted time and missed fish. And even though we were trying to stay off of structure, we ended up catching a giant piece of rebar that had to weigh 80+ lbs. We had to take turns pulling up the anchor a couple feet at a time. What a pain in the butt this was. This would probably have been hilarious for any onlookers. Never the less, I take every failure as an opportunity to learn, and this one taught me I need a good reef anchor and poly ball.
So which reef anchor do you guys recommend? I am running a Sailfish 236.
The grappler is locally made, and weighs 6.5 or 9 lbs depending on size choice.
The mighty mite weighs 12 or 16 lbs depending on size. The major difference I see with this one is that it does not have an eye on the bottom to rig it as a breakaway with a zip tie. Is this a deal breaker?
I know there is the opportunity to make your own at home using some scrap aluminum tube, bar, and melted lead. However, I think my time invested in making one is better served elsewhere compared to its cost.
I’ve also seen mixed advice on whether or not to have a chain on your reef anchor. Some people say that the chain has an opportunity to hang up on structure. However, I can’t see how the poly ball would work without it. I would think you need enough chain weight to hold the anchor once it’s pulled through the shackle on the ball.
Thanks again for the advice. I really appreciate this forum and everyone’s generosity to help.
I left a barely used mighty mite with 5 foot of galvanized chain and some cut rope at the Nearshore yesterday. It’s at the far end of the reef. Obviously I’d like it back…but you found it, I’d be none the wiser.
“I am constantly amazed at the stupidity of the general public.”
~my dad
Equipment:
2007 Grady White 222 Fisherman / 250 Yamaha
Simrad NSS evo2 and G4
1- 22 boy that won’t move out)
1 - 18 year old (fishing maniac)
1 - wife (The Warden)
I have a “grappler” on my 218 Sailfish. I also have 10’ of 5/16 galvanized chain attached. It works pretty good rigged with the chain.
I like the anchor, but wish it would sink faster. I’ve had some thoughts of putting a downrigger ball on the bottom eye to help get it down faster.
I would at least attach some chain or cable to the anchor. Ropes get frayed pretty bad on the reef structures.
I’m with the above poster though…If I could mount a I-pilot on my boat I would do it and not look back.
I left a barely used mighty mite with 5 foot of galvanized chain and some cut rope at the Nearshore yesterday. It’s at the far end of the reef. Obviously I’d like it back…but you found it, I’d be none the wiser.
Getting back into diving is one of the reasons I bought the boat. I’m going to recert this summer since I haven’t dived since college, 10+ years ago. If I had the equipment, I’d pick it up for a finders fee, case of beer or a bottle of bourbon.
quote:Originally posted by boatpoor
Forget about an anchor and get a I pilot, you’ll never regret it!
I was definitely considering this on Saturday when I was spitting profanity and pulling up the anchor. I might put one on next season. This first year of the boat, all my fun money is going towards safety equipment, fishing gear, and reliability modifications.
quote:Originally posted by RDW
I’m with the above poster though…If I could mount a I-pilot on my boat I would do it and not look back.
I left a barely used mighty mite with 5 foot of galvanized chain and some cut rope at the Nearshore yesterday. It’s at the far end of the reef. Obviously I’d like it back…but you found it, I’d be none the wiser.
Getting back into diving is one of the reasons I bought the boat. I’m going to recert this summer since I haven’t dived since college, 10+ years ago. If I had the equipment, I’d pick it up for a finders fee, case of beer or a bottle of bourbon.
quote:Originally posted by boatpoor
Forget about an anchor and get a I pilot, you’ll never regret it!
I was definitely considering this on Saturday when I was spitting profanity and pulling up the anchor. I might put one on next season. This first year of the boat, all my fun money is going towards safety equipment, fishing gear, and reliability modifications.
quote:Originally posted by RDW
I’m with the above poster though…If I could mount a I-pilot on my boat I would do it and not look back.
The actual mighty mite anchor is the only one to buy. Don’t waste your money on the imitations as they do not work as well because they do not weigh enough. The 16 pound mighty mite will hold a 30 foot boat with no problem. Make sure you put plenty of chain on it, about 10 feet. I’m sure I will catch ■■■■■ from the people that have bought the grapple, or the claw, or any other one of the knock offs out there. But I promise you I catch more grouper then they do and I believe in the mighty mite anchor.
.
PROUD YANKEE
Oyster Baron
NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”
I can’t take a look and verify this as I don’t have the anchor close by, but I’m pretty sure the Mighty Mite I bought at Hadrell’s has a loop on the bottom.
Usually we take a 16 lb. Mighty Mite and 16 ft of chain to bottom fish on my 22 ft. CC. This past Wednesday I wanted to see if my 12 lb Mighty Mite with 10 foot of chain would hold. The 12lb one did just fine on that particualr day.
The actual mighty mite anchor is the only one to buy. Don’t waste your money on the imitations as they do not work as well because they do not weigh enough. The 16 pound mighty mite will hold a 30 foot boat with no problem. Make sure you put plenty of chain on it, about 10 feet. I’m sure I will catch ■■■■■ from the people that have bought the grapple, or the claw, or any other one of the knock offs out there. But I promise you I catch more grouper then they do and I believe in the mighty mite anchor.
.
PROUD YANKEE
Oyster Baron
NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”
The actual mighty mite anchor is the only one to buy. Don’t waste your money on the imitations as they do not work as well because they do not weigh enough. The 16 pound mighty mite will hold a 30 foot boat with no problem. Make sure you put plenty of chain on it, about 10 feet. I’m sure I will catch ■■■■■ from the people that have bought the grapple, or the claw, or any other one of the knock offs out there. But I promise you I catch more grouper then they do and I believe in the mighty mite anchor.
.
PROUD YANKEE
Oyster Baron
NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”
This.
16lb MM with 15’ 3/8 galvanized.
I think I have about 20’ of chain but that’s because I didn’t want to cut it off since I had it laying around. I set mine to bottom trip but seldom ever pop the zip tie due to it coming up easily.
Mark
Pioneer 222 Sportfish Yamaha F300
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
The actual mighty mite anchor is the only one to buy. Don’t waste your money on the imitations as they do not work as well because they do not weigh enough. The 16 pound mighty mite will hold a 30 foot boat with no problem. Make sure you put plenty of chain on it, about 10 feet. I’m sure I will catch ■■■■■ from the people that have bought the grapple, or the claw, or any other one of the knock offs out there. But I promise you I catch more grouper then they do and I believe in the mighty mite anchor.
If this isn’t a solid endorsement for Mighty Mite, I don’t know what is. It’s like Michael Jordan endorsing Nike. I could wear the shoes, but it doesn’t mean I’ll play like him. I imagine having a Mighty Mite on the end of my line won’t make me catch fish like Sells, but at least the anchor won’t be to blame. The anchor is on order and I should have it this week.
quote:Originally posted by saltydog235
I think I have about 20’ of chain but that’s because I didn’t want to cut it off since I had it laying around. I set mine to bottom trip but seldom ever pop the zip tie due to it coming up easily.
I have 25’ of chain on my anchor line. I’ll see if the Mighty Mite has a ring on the bottom to setup a trip when it gets here. If not, hopefully I’ll never need it.
I-pilot first option
Mighty mite next option. If you can get away with only using 5’ of chain it makes it easier to straighten out the tines when it does get hung on some of a wreck or rock. Heavy chain helps If the structure is low relief.
RDW- trolling motor on that boat no pronlem. If you went with the ulterra you wouldn’t even have to walk around your cuddly.
Boatpoor- what length shaft is your trolling motor, what mount did you use? The quick release mount for the 72" shaft is not in store yet. Or so I was told when I ordered mine.
Reeldowg, I have a 60" shaft 80#. I have made a mount out of 1" starboard. Have a male on the motor and female on the boat I have a female mount on 4 of my boats so I can use the motor anytime, anywhere in less than 20 seconds! Just add batterys.
