whats the best way to anchor a boat.

[Kuna Matata]

I am new to this and love to fish... so I am sure I will anchor my boat to stay in the best spot. But what is the best way to do this.... The anchor is always off the front of the boat right.

 

[bitterboater]

Re: whats the best way to anchor a boat.

Boy is that a loaded question.
How to safely anchor your boat depends on the size of the boat, the type of anchor being used, conditions at the time (wind and current), water depth, bottom type (gravel, mud, weeds, rocks).

Generally, I prefer to anchor with my bow into the wind, and leave as much line out as needed to prevent the anchor from lifting off the bottom, sometimes this is a considerable amount.
I also let out my stern anchor straight off the back, again leaving as much line out as needed to prevent drifting.
I use 25# anchors, that are blade type, they dig in decently and weigh enough to hold my boat easily in most any condition.
If it is soo bad that my anchors wont hold, I don't stay on the water.

 

[Dolfan0925]

Re: whats the best way to anchor a boat.

Or, if you have one anchor like I do, you drop the anchor and the bow will face where it will face.

 

[5150abf]

Re: whats the best way to anchor a boat.

How you anchor depends on the situation, there really isn't one way to do it, I have had wind going the opposite of the current so I put the back anchor all the way out then let the front down and reeled up some of the back to hold position, other times you just let out some on the front so it depends on alot of different things.

Generally yes, you anchor from the front and you need about 4' of line for every foot of depth.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: whats the best way to anchor a boat.

It you want to still fish over a particular spot, you will need two anchors. Motor ahead of the spot you want to anchor over and drop front anchor. Now back down across fishing spot until you are "behind " it, and toss rear anchor and cleat it. Now pull in front anchor line until both anchors set, and adjust line length until you are right over fishing spot. Since this type of anchoring can leave you broadside to the waves and wind, it must be relatively calm to use this method.

If you just use one anchor, always anchor from the bow. Motor into the wind or current (whichever is strongest)ahead of where you want to anchor, drop hook, put in reverse until near anchor spot and then cleat it. adjust line to adjust placement.

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: whats the best way to anchor a boat.

This link will get you going.
http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/reviewpages/boatusf/project/info5e.htm
One of hundreds of sites, but as u can see from the others, your on the best site. do a search here. A little more reading and couple more post and gooooo fish.