Mushroom anchors?

[USA_boater]

For a Tracker Pro 170 and a mud-bottom lake

Can the mushroom anchor be lowered straight down to the bottom from the bow/stern (or both if fishing in-place)? Or does it need to be tossed away from the boat like a claw anchor in order to hold well?

People swear a 10lb is enough for this boat but I got 15's just in case did I do well considering it is sometimes windy? I had been using a claw from the bow and a mushroom from the back but I am looking to save a little space if 2 mushrooms will work?

Finally, I can't buy a power pole right now. Could I run out 10ft of rope to a mushroom from the stern and use it to slow me down when bass fishing a long bank w/ trolling motor/drifting when there is some wind? IF SO, would a 10lb be better for that or do you think a 15 would still allow the boat to move at all when using this method???

 

[Bondo]

Can the mushroom anchor be lowered straight down to the bottom from the bow/stern (or both if fishing in-place)?

Ayuh,....... Sure, why not,..?? as soon as there's tension the anchor will tip over, 'n try to dig in,.......

As far as draggin' an anchor to slow yer drift, try drift socks,.... a 5 gal. pail tied to a cleat, can do wonders,....

A 60" sock will anchor yer boat, to the current,.....

 

[JimS123]

I have yet to find an anchor that will hold anywhere if dropped straight down. I assume you will throw out some additional line because it can't tip over unless it drags on the bottom and to do that it needs some slack.

I have yet to use a mushroom anchor that held under any conditions, unless it was a back bay with no current and zero wind.

If space is an issue, try a Chene anchor. For their size they have awesome holding power. But even they need a reasonable scope to keep the boat from drifting.

Also, you might try putting a line chock right at the center of the bow. Alternatively, get a double ended clip and fasten the anchor line to the bow eye. A perfectly centered anchor line will minimize the side-to-side wandering and often eliminate the need for a stern anchor.

Finally, trolling with a stern anchor is a sure way to snag and lose an anchor.

 

[Texasmark]

I have used them as stern anchors (supplementing bow anchor) and dropped them straight down when bass fishing on points. The idea was a Danforth was the primary anchor with about 3:1 "Scope" on that line and the boat was backed down on it to settle it in the mud. The boat was backed against the anchor line till taut and then the stern mushroom was dropped straight down overboard.

No current, light wind, relatively calm waters. If mud bottom they will fill with mud which will aid their holding power and some are sold with holes so that you can break the suction and get them out....I had about a 10# cast, aluminum painted, and an earler, 20# with a plastic cover over cast iron for use located a larger boat's transom . You can look up application notes on different style anchors.

 

[TyeeMan]

My guess is if you are purposely dragging an anchor to SLOW a boat rather than anchor the boat, you will find yourself in trouble with the local DNR in most or all states.

As mentioned previously, to correctly slow a boat for trolling purposes, buy a drift sock that is properly sized for the boat, it's a lot easier.

You won't destroy the lakes environment either. . .

 

[Scott Danforth]

I personally like the Danforth Anchor...