How do I Anchor a Fishing Boat?

boat with anchor image by Manuel Fernandes from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

When anchoring a fishing boat, the goal is to achieve a static position over the fishing grounds, yet still be able to ride the waves, allowing the boat to flow with tides and sea currents. The need to be "in step with the sea" is paramount, as seasoned salts and boaters tell you. To get a proper anchoring position, there are several steps to follow that ensure your anchor sets and can be retracted with minimal effort.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Boat with anchor
Gloves

Step 1

Steer your boat into the prevailing winds or currents. Bring the boat to a halt over your chosen fishing locale and put the boat into idle. Do not turn off the engine.

Step 2

Check to make sure the boat's bow is facing into the prevailing winds again. If no winds are present, the bow should face incoming tides or current. Grab the anchor and check to make sure it is not tangled in anything, nor on anyone's feet, legs or arms.

Step 3

Lower the anchor over the bow of the boat. Do not drop it. Use a hand-over-hand method of lowering the rope. Wear gloves to prevent rope and friction burns to your hands. Once the anchor hits bottom, make sure there is at least five times the length of rope left on the boat as what went into the water. Pay that amount of rope over the bow and tie the remaining end to the bow gunnel.

Step 4

Engage the reverse setting on the boat. Slowly reverse direction of the boat from the anchor to set the anchor into the bottom. Test the anchor by slowly increasing reverse speed. If the boat stays in the position as a result of the line being taut and anchor digging in, the anchor is set properly.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

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