Precision anchoring method.

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Over the last ten years or so of fishing salt water out of a canoe, and then a kayak with sonar, I've located some nice, but very small, fish-holding structure. I never would have found any of these marks from a "real" boat moving at high speeds. Trouble is, I was frustrated by trying to anchor over some of these spots. Getting right on top of a piece that is maybe 10-15 ft. wide in 20-40' of water is tough with 100' of anchor line out when coping with wind and currents.
Finally, about five years ago, I decided to go lo-tech and use probably the oldest anchoring method known to man: a rock. I took a 20lb. round rock and wrapped it in burlap. I let it straight down to my most treasured bit of micro-structure, and proceeded to hammer over 20 keeper blackfish in under 2hrs. I have been anchoring in this way ever since.
This year with a new Hobie kayak, I've moved up to a 20lb. vinyl-coated mushroom anchor (It actually weighs only 15lbs., even though it says 20). The only problem I've had with anchoring in this way is dealing with waves. Any sizeable waves or wakes will lift the anchor and walk meu off of the piece. To overcome this, after I let down the anchor, I let out a few extra feet of line, then make an overhand loop in the line. To this loop, I attach a short length of bungee, which is clipped to the yak. Next, I let out a few more feet of anchor line before tying off to the cleat. It might be hard to visualize this, so check out the pics.
Now when the boat is lifted from a wave, the bungee flexes and absorbs the motion, leaving the anchor in place on your spot. There is some danger in having such a short amount of line out and with such a heavy weight. I always keep a sheath knife clipped to my PFD to cut away the anchor in an instant should a problem occur.
Is it a pain to lug such a heavy anchor? Yes. Is it worth it? For me, YES.

If you added a 3' lengthm of chain to the mushroom anchor it will certainly stay in place. Figure out the physics of it, and it will make sense. I use the same chain with an 8# mushroom anchor and it never comes loose.
If you're looking for exact placement over a spot, two anchors will be needed.

I'm talking about using enough weight so that the anchor line is vertical. -Can't get more pinpoint than that. In 40' of water with a ripping current and wind to boot, it's a problem keeping a yak anchored directly over a piece that's no bigger than the yak itself. Especially when fishing for tautog, where 3' can mean the difference between success and failure. Just too much trouble and effort.

Here's a piece of my best tog spot. 15' Boston Whaler, I believe.


...and results:

becareful with a vertical drop. you need some scope. even with the anchor dropping vertically from bow or stern, it seems very dangerous. think about a quick release method too. i use a harken cammatic cleat with a float on line holder. i have had to use it a few times when in trouble. i fish for tog too in LI sound.

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John

Thanks for the tip, Popeye. Just just did the mod with the Harken cleat. Should work perfectly and be much safer, as you say. Can't wait to get out on the water. Hoping maybe there will be a few flounders around this spring.