I’ve been using reef anchors at the artificial reefs (Ch. 60, Ch. nearshore, 4KI, Edisto 60, Edisto 40…) for some time now and 99 times out of 100 have had no problems pulling the anchor. It’s that 100th time (losing the anchor) that’s bugging me. Most times I use an anchor ball to pull the anchor and I’ve been using fairly heavy chain (about 10 ft) on the anchor. Seems like, every now and then, when I go to bring up the anchor with the anchor ball (driving at an angle past the anchor spot), I’m staying hung up and have to either cut the rope or it breaks. I’m thinking that maybe my anchor chain is wrapping/tangling in the artificial reef and not letting me straighten out the tines on the anchor as they are designed to do. Should I do away with the chain? Maybe snug up to the spot before I pull using the anchor ball? Quit using the anchor ball and pulling straight up without going back over the spot?
By the way, I’ve tried all brands of reef anchor, as well as some homemade ones. The anchor isn’t the problem; it’s more than likely the operator and/or technique.
Any and all suggestions or advice will be appreciated. I read several posts and articles concerning reef anchors but haven’t seen my specific problem addressed.
If you have some time, swing by HPT in west ashley one day and I will show you how I have been doing my reef anchors. Not saying i have the “cure all” but I have been reef fishing well over 20 years and have never lost a reef anchor that was hung on the bottom, just lost one that someone did not close the shackle 
ReelHunter has a good method that he can show you. Works close to flawless. Be sure to ask him where he got the original design from:smiley:
I use a Mighty Mite and havent had any problem getting it back. I have a few times where I didn’t think it was going to pull out but it came out. I would recommend bending the tines out just a little so they will bend a little easier. Good investment considering what anchors and chain cost these days.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
quote:
Originally posted by ReelHunter
If you have some time, swing by HPT in west ashley one day and I will show you how I have been doing my reef anchors. Not saying i have the “cure all” but I have been reef fishing well over 20 years and have never lost a reef anchor that was hung on the bottom, just lost one that someone did not close the shackle
Can you post it here? Please? 
Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115
Pungo 120
quote:
Originally posted by ReelHunter
If you have some time, swing by HPT in west ashley one day and I will show you how I have been doing my reef anchors. Not saying i have the “cure all” but I have been reef fishing well over 20 years and have never lost a reef anchor that was hung on the bottom, just lost one that someone did not close the shackle
Thanks; will do. When are you there?
we use a pvc pipe/rebar homemade one and run the rope (no chain) from the bottom of the anchor, then zip tie the rope up the side of the pipe so that it looks and hooks up as if were tied on from the top. You will have to experiment with the number of zipties you have to use for your size of boat. we usally use 3-4 on 21’ boat. we you go to leave just drive opposite of the way you are drifting, the zip ties will break and you will basically turn the anchor upside down and bring it up. hope that helps or even makes since. but i would at least loose the chain.
quote:
Originally posted by Murrymaker
we use a pvc pipe/rebar homemade one and run the rope (no chain) from the bottom of the anchor, then zip tie the rope up the side of the pipe so that it looks and hooks up as if were tied on from the top. You will have to experiment with the number of zipties you have to use for your size of boat. we usally use 3-4 on 21’ boat. we you go to leave just drive opposite of the way you are drifting, the zip ties will break and you will basically turn the anchor upside down and bring it up. hope that helps or even makes since. but i would at least loose the chain.
Thanks! I seem to remember a picture of this posted somewhere on here. Will have to do a little searching.
EDIT: Here it is: http://old.charlestonfishing.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=93856
And the rebar method: http://old.charlestonfishing.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=41942
Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115
Pungo 120
Went by Haddrell’s in West Ashley and talked with Scott (ReelHunter). His method is basically what both JimIslander and Murrymaker laid out, except that the reef anchor he uses actually has an “eye” on both ends. As in JimIslander’s first link, ReelHunter attaches the end of his chain (not more than 5 feet long, if I remember correctly) to the bottom eye and then puts a couple of zip ties through the chain and attaches it to the other end of the anchor. I believe my biggest problem(s) had to do with too much and too heavy a chain and it no doubt did get tangled in the reef. ReelHunter says he usually keeps a pretty short and tight line when he anchors at a reef and this pretty much keeps his line/chain from tangling in the reef. Also, he does not use an anchor ball when using a reef anchor. I’m thinking the use of a short chain might help keep the rope from chafing on the reef but, is probably not necessary (as Murrymaker suggests).
Hope this helps anyone who might have had similar problem(s) as me.
And, thanks to all for the responses. I’ve now got a new reef anchor, new anchor line, have it rigged and ready to go.
quote:
Originally posted by ReelHunter
If you have some time, swing by HPT in west ashley one day and I will show you how I have been doing my reef anchors. Not saying i have the “cure all” but I have been reef fishing well over 20 years and have never lost a reef anchor that was hung on the bottom, just lost one that someone did not close the shackle
Sorry about that one. Fistborn…who made the original one you are still using today??? I have the 2011 version in the making, this one will have lead in it.
quote:
Originally posted by MIC-LITE
I have the 2011 version in the making, this one will have lead in it.
are you making 2?
The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org
quote:
Originally posted by ReelHunter
If you have some time, swing by HPT in west ashley one day and I will show you how I have been doing my reef anchors. Not saying i have the “cure all” but I have been reef fishing well over 20 years and have never lost a reef anchor that was hung on the bottom, just lost one that someone did not close the shackle
I seem to remember a bottom trip where the bite just turned off…we’ll just call it a mechanical failure.
quote:
Originally posted by Bolbie
…the harbor was slick as an eel pecker.