Pontoon anchor systems

[Thunderthumbs]

Good to know, thanks!

TT

[sagefisher]

I only use my pontoon boat on lakes, I figure the rivers are for drift boats and rigid framed rafts. I have two mushroom style lead anchors, each attached to 30 feet of parachute cord. I have tied loops in the cord every 5 feet. On my pontoon boat, I have clipped two small spring loaded carabineers. I release one of my anchors at a 45 degree angle to the rear and when it hits bottom I slide the boat over in the other direction, then release the other anchor. I place the boat in the center of the two anchors and clip the nearest loop onto the carabineers. Works like a champ and really holds even in the very stron eastern WA winds.

Larry ---sagefisher---

[Gnu Bee Flyer]

Thanks for this Idea Larry.

I'm going to try it out this summer. I too only toon in lakes and your idea is perfect. Two anchors is definately the way to go. Keeps you always facing the same direction. It can be a bit of a pain when the fish wraps itself around the line once in a while but I guess I just have to live with that.

I only use my pontoon boat on lakes, I figure the rivers are for drift boats and rigid framed rafts. I have two mushroom style lead anchors, each attached to 30 feet of parachute cord. I have tied loops in the cord every 5 feet. On my pontoon boat, I have clipped two small spring loaded carabineers. I release one of my anchors at a 45 degree angle to the rear and when it hits bottom I slide the boat over in the other direction, then release the other anchor. I place the boat in the center of the two anchors and clip the nearest loop onto the carabineers. Works like a champ and really holds even in the very stron eastern WA winds.

Larry ---sagefisher---

[DarrinG]

If you fish rivers with current, you should give a drag chain a try.
I've been floating rivers for years now and have tried about every type anchor I can think of. I now only use drag chains for rivers. I've lost river anchors, mushroom anchors and spike-type anchors that became hopelessly wedged and stuck in rock crevices. Having to reach as far down as possible and cut your anchor rope and have to finish your float trip, being unable to stop and fish good runs, is a major let-down. I routinely fish some high-gradient rivers with current in between rapids, and the river bottoms are more like boulder gardens, and I've yet to get a drag chain setup stuck that I could not get loose and continue my trip. Plus, depending on the depth, I can let just enough anchor rope out that the chains are barely touching bottom and it slows my drift to the point I can control my speed going downriver. Of course never drop the chains in rapids or too-fast water! I personally know a guy who had a spike-type anchor puncture one of his tubes. He had a little too much rope out the back of his boat and he dropped over a ledge and the anchor started swinging until it made contact with his tube and popped it! Not good news when you're on a full-day float trip and you're only 1/2 way through. Personally, I would avoid an anchor with sharp spikes or bolts protruding from it. Not a good combination with inflatable boats. Just my $0.02.
Larry, there are several manufacturers that make high-quality, whitewater rated and worthy pontoon boats. They are not just for still waters anymore. The WW rated boats are generally not cheap, but if you like float-fishing rivers, there are boats out there that are very river-worthy...as worthy of the river as any framed raft or drift boat.

[Boyscout]

I'd be inclined to heed Darrin's advise. I have fished with the man and he knows pontoons like few others.

Darrin! Maybe the FB will get right in a week or 2. We got to go! Looking forward to it.

Heck, we might even let Clay join us in his new Coosa! Bet he turtles in less than an hour. I know, I am one mean individual.

[DarrinG]

Let's go, Derek! I'm ready when you are.
I hope Clay keeps that boat upright. I had trouble with it, I hope he does better than I did!

[sagefisher]

Gnu Bee Flyer,

The mushroom anchors I use I bought in Hope, BC. I was on a fishing trip and realized I had left my anchors at home so I stopped at a sporting goods store in Hope to buy my fishing license. When I looked for anchors they had some made by the Gibbs company. I knew right then that they were intended for me since that is my last name.

Have fun out on the water. I am heading for Montana this morning to do two days of fishing from a guided drift boat on the Clark Fork River.

Larry ---sagefisher---

[Mojo]

For the ones that have frameless Scaddens, Scotty has the answer. I actually sometimes use two. One also goes in front. I use the same setup on my X5.

[John Rhoades]

Chains work very well as anchors, and are easy to add or take weight off as needed.

However, aren't you guys a bit concerned about the adverse effects on the river bottom, insects, etc. of dragging chains on the bottom to slow your drift?

[DarrinG]

No. Not really, John. I've been using chains for a couple years so I can say with experience...they really do no more harm than a wade fisherman's boot tracks, or a limb rolling down river after being blown in by wind. I do not leave my chains bare like Mojo's photo above. My chains are either inside rubber (bicycle inner tube) or coated with 3-4 layers of duct tape. I also use much larger link, 3/8", about 18 inches long, and only use 4 sections. They will slow my drift or if I let enough anchor rope out, stop me completely.