JohnDoe had a question about hog lines in the WD40 thread. Here's what they are on the Columbia River and tributaries:<br /><br />A "hog line" is merely a bunch of boats anchored next to each other in a line during the salmon runs (spring chinook are often referred to as hogs). We anchor in 2-6 mph current, allowing the river to work the lures. Often, the line is above a wing dam in the river, or maybe a "secret slot" above a pool, where hopefully, the fish maybe will be a little more concentrated on their way up the river. <br /><br />Although the Willamette River/Oregon City hog line has long had a well-justified reputation for more than its share of moronic jerks, most of the time, especially on the Columbia, you'll find the people very willing to share their river space; after all, it's not as though anyone pays rent nor owns river water 
<br /><br />In reality, most hog lines might be a little too wide (hey, we fisherman are the worst sheep in the human race!): just because a guy caught a fish 20 yards to the side of you doesn't mean the fish are coming up behind your boat. Because of "anchor issues," many people anchor a reasonable distance above or below an established hog line and will catch just as many fish (thus encouraging another hog line!).<br /><br />The "anchor issues" are this: in a hog line, you're anchoring within a couple of feet...or inches) from the boat next to you. You need an anchor that will hold as soon as you drop it, as well as a way to cut loose from the hog line if you catch a fish (so you don't get tangled up in the other lines). Most of us use a heavy "rocking chair" style of anchor (seems to be sort of indigenous to this area....it's heavy and its flukes dig in both sand and rock). We use an anchor ball to mark/save our position when we cast off to land that fish (helps to have at least one person with you). Then we motor back up to our anchor line (we've left a small fender or other float on the end of the line), triumphantly showing off our new fish....or enduring the catcalls if we lost it. Then, of course, the anchor ball is used to raise the anchor when we're ready to move to the next best place.... <br /><br />Most of the boats in a hog line are the ubiquitous 14-20' aluminum fishing boats (Duckworths, North River, Hewes Craft, Alumawelds, etc). Because I have a heavier/larger boat (24' Seaswirl WA), I'll often moor out of a hog line when I'm alone. On those days, I'll use a cheap danforth-clone and lots of chain. Then if I catch a fish, I won't have to release the anchor, and it's easier to lift than the heavier anchor and ball.<br />One last thing: don't EVER tie off to a pillar, wing dam, buoy or other boat. Good way to get drowned or a fine....or both!
<br /><br />In reality, most hog lines might be a little too wide (hey, we fisherman are the worst sheep in the human race!): just because a guy caught a fish 20 yards to the side of you doesn't mean the fish are coming up behind your boat. Because of "anchor issues," many people anchor a reasonable distance above or below an established hog line and will catch just as many fish (thus encouraging another hog line!).<br /><br />The "anchor issues" are this: in a hog line, you're anchoring within a couple of feet...or inches) from the boat next to you. You need an anchor that will hold as soon as you drop it, as well as a way to cut loose from the hog line if you catch a fish (so you don't get tangled up in the other lines). Most of us use a heavy "rocking chair" style of anchor (seems to be sort of indigenous to this area....it's heavy and its flukes dig in both sand and rock). We use an anchor ball to mark/save our position when we cast off to land that fish (helps to have at least one person with you). Then we motor back up to our anchor line (we've left a small fender or other float on the end of the line), triumphantly showing off our new fish....or enduring the catcalls if we lost it. Then, of course, the anchor ball is used to raise the anchor when we're ready to move to the next best place.... <br /><br />Most of the boats in a hog line are the ubiquitous 14-20' aluminum fishing boats (Duckworths, North River, Hewes Craft, Alumawelds, etc). Because I have a heavier/larger boat (24' Seaswirl WA), I'll often moor out of a hog line when I'm alone. On those days, I'll use a cheap danforth-clone and lots of chain. Then if I catch a fish, I won't have to release the anchor, and it's easier to lift than the heavier anchor and ball.<br />One last thing: don't EVER tie off to a pillar, wing dam, buoy or other boat. Good way to get drowned or a fine....or both! 
