As winter sets in many of us will be making our way to the local artificial reefs to pursue Weakfish, Sheepshead, Black Sea Bass, Triggerfish, Grouper, Etc. As most of you know if you are not fishing right over the structure you are wasting your time as these bottom fish stay close to the reef for protection from predators. Unfortunately if you drop a Danforth style anchor over a reef ball, sunken tug, or barge it will more than likely be the last time you see it. Anchor, chain, shackles and rhode equals about $100 plus material loss. And if you have priced reef grapples from the marine suppliers you realize they are not a cheap investment either. A couple of years ago I was talking to a friend of mine that is an avid wreck fisherman on the weekends and works as an industrial welder during the week to support his fishing habit. I asked him if I bought the material if he would be willing to weld up a homemade reef anchor for me. He laughed and asked, “Why do you need it welded?” He then sent me to the local home improvement store with the below material list and said we could put together the anchor in his garage in about 15 minutes no welding required.
Provided herein is a method that is by far the easiest and cheapest, way to build a reef anchor and does require a welder. Note I usually add a short piece (2 to 3-feet) of chain to the anchor to keep the rope out of the structure and provide a little extra weight for a quick bite.
Tools Required: Bench Top Vise
Hack Saw
Strong Arms
Materials Required:
(2) 4-foot pieces of #3 Rebar (3/8-inch diameter) $.95 each
(1) 6” piece of 1-inch diameter EMT electrical conduit (10-foot section only $4.00)
Note: All materials available at local home improvement store.
Time Required: About 15 minutes.
Step 1: Bend both 4-foot sections of rebar in half using strong arms and vise. Rebar should be in a hair pin shape when done with a loop at the bend.
Step 2: Cut a 6” piece of conduit using hack saw.
Step 3: Slide one piece of rebar between the