Help with anchoring system for PA

New to the forum, new PA12 owner but have spent many hours searching the posts and reading on multiple topics. I’m in need of some help on anchoring ideas. As I say I’ve read all kinds of stuff both here and on other sites but can’t get it in my mind what would be best for my particular situation.

I primarily fly fish on a tailwater here in Middle Tennessee, the Caney Fork. It’s a good combination of long pools and riffles and medium deep runs. I can easily (for the most part) move upstream with the mirage drive and I won’t be trying any anchoring during generation. I really can’t think of a spot I would call class II water but I’m no expert. It’s mainly slow moving tailwater as one would expect. I just want to be able to set up in some areas without “treading water” or pulling over. The bottom is typically gravel and sand with some medium rock in places.

So I’ve looked at almost everything I think. The Power Pole Micro Anchor is sweet looking but I’m not sure it fits my application even if I could justify the cost.

In the fairly slow moving water I’d want to stop in I do like the stern anchoring idea, kinda like a drift boat anchoring system. I looked at the Anchor Wizard, http://www.anchorwizard.com/kayaks/ but I’m worried about getting hung up and how to rig a quick release for that.

I also read some on the drag chain systems and like the simplicity of that but not sure how easy it would be to set it up on the PA and whether or not it would slow me enough.

Trolley system and anchor seems good but again I’m not sure how much the anchor might get hung up. At least I could set it up to release the anchor with a float on the line and circle back to get it right??

Trolley system and pole may make the most sense to me at this point but I’m really not certain about length and how it would stick and such, or the safety of that in moving water.

I apologize for bringing up all these things that are covered in other threads but I just can’t seem to come to a conclusion on what’s best for my situation. Safety and effectiveness in a river situation are my goals. Any thoughts, advice or just tell me what to do. I appreciate the input.

I need a signature I suppose...I'll work on that.

I have a Pro Angler 12 that I have had for 2 years now, I fish mainly on the KY River just outside of Lexington KY.

I have a Anchor Trolley on both sides of my kayak, and I use folding anchor. I have a 1.5 lb and a 3 lb., I have found that I need to use the 3 lb most of the time. I do like how I can control the angle your kayak in any direction for better fishing position, expecially with a current or wind.

This spring a mounted an Anchor Wizard and I love it. So far this year I haven't used the Anchor Trolley and I haven't really missed it. The Anchor Wizard has cleaned up seat area, by not having the anchor and line laying around, plus you just you can drop the anchor instantly by just turning the handle. It's so much faster and easier.

Your concern about the anchor getting hung up on the bottom would be more about the style of anchor and how you have it rigged. Here in th KY River there is a lot of trees and rocks that my anchor gets does get stuck in. I use a folding grapple anchor, the rope attaches to the bottom, and I use a small zip-tie to attach the rope to the top. This way when I pull the anchor up and if it gets stuck and won't come loose, I can pull harder which breaks the small zip-tie which is attached to the top of the anchor. When the zip-tie breaks this now has the rope pulling from the bottom of the anchor which allows it to collapse the grapple and pull free. You can Google " How too rock rig an anchor".

Hope that gives you an idea or two.

Thanks Plh01. I really appreciate your input.

I do like the Anchor Wizard idea. My only concern is the method of quick release and although I agree the rock rig anchor takes away most of the risk, I'm not sure it takes away all the risk in moving water. I obviously don't know a lot about it so I'll continue to read and gather information before I make a decision.

I'm a little surprised by the lack of replies on this topic. I figured everyone would have an opinion on this one. I probably did a poor job of posing the questions.

Thanks again.

Bunt

I fish the Beaver Tail Waters in NW Arkansas. It sounds like the same type of fishing you are doing. I have the PA14 with the Power Pole and anchor trolley both. I use the power pole most. It works great from shelf rock to gravel. Very quick and works great.
Jim

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I have the Hobie universal anchor trolley on my PA12 and it's been an incredible versatile piece of equipment--far more versatile than I'd initially imagined. Originally I'd planned to use it strictly for a 3 lb folding anchor, but I often also use it for my drift chute and floating livewell.

When you consider that the anchor trolley is only $30-$40 and takes only 30 minutes to install, it might be a good way to explore simple options without breaking the bank. Even if you don't ultimately use it for your anchor, I think you'll be surprised by its utility.

I'm new to Hobie but have fished the same kind of water you're talking about from my Native Manta Ray 14. I've been up to Caney Fork and been on Center Hill a few times, just haven't fished it yet.
I rigged up an anchor trolley and can easily change my orientation by shuttling the ring to the front or back. I usually use a drag chain or sometimes 2 if I need more weight (the running end of my line has a ring and I just clip whichever piece I need on with a caribiner, could add a drift sock to my repertoire). I also have a folding 2# anchor. To make it safe like you suggest, just tie it to the ring with a highwayman's hitch. A simple tug on the standing end of the line and it will release from the ring. The standing end of the anchor line needs a short section of a pool noodle to keep it afloat and you can circle back around to fetch it.

What I've decided to do for now...ordered the anchor trolley a folding grapple anchor and a stake out pole. I'll rig it up as suggested here and try each out for a while till I can develop both a preference and more experience.

I really like the power pole and believe it might be the best option ultimately but will need some time fishing from the kayak to determine if I can justify the expense.

Thanks again for all the help!

Looking for details on H-rail mounting an anchor wizard on my PA 14. Would prefer a bow mount. Anyone done either the HRail mount adapting or a bow mount, pics and info would be appreciated!

I saw this post while I was researching the same thing... Tombsy crafted a mounting system on an H-Rail universal mount. (See last post.)

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=78&t=56156#p268319

I had been using 50' of 550 paracord, but had it knot so bad the other day I had to cut it. Have since bought actual 1/8" anchor line that does not knot nearly as easily. That being said, I really like the idea of the Anchor Wizard, mounted to the H-Rail, to keep the mess of line at bay, but I am not sure how well it will adapt to being used on a trolley.

Anyone use the Anchor Wizard with their trolley?

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STLKayak
2020 Pro Angler 14 360
St. Louis, Missouri
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005695487937

For the chironomid fishing I was doing I needed front and back anchors, with the Anchor Wizard out the back I had a folding anchor with chain thru the trolley on a dive reel for the front. It worked really well but the line on the dive reel is pretty rough on the hands I might have to change it to something else.


Brian

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On the bank of the Bow River