Anchor for Kayaks

During this windy spring I’ve had one or two occasions where I wish I would stay still as I’m reeling in a fish or as I’m fishing the shore but moving too fast. So I’m thinking about getting an anchor or anchor system for my Kayak and thought I would throw it out here first to get some feedback. I was thinking of just going to Walmart and get a 3 lbs. Ball and some rope. Is 3lbs. enough? Should I get an anchor system? Or should I not bother at all, its not worth the weight? Not looking to spend a lot of $ I have a Ascend FS10 Kayak. http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-FS10-SitIn-Angler-Kayak-Camo/product/11081905012223/
Thanks

Just noticed there are anchor poles as well? Looks like may be better for shallow waters but light weight. Like that.

I used to have a trolley system and gave it up. Just one more thing to lug around. Anchors are tricky in wind in a kayak. Don't get a grapple style, things can go bad real quick. There are times I have found fish and wish that I could stay on them, that is where the anchor comes in handy. I just drift around with the wind like an idiot

I used to have a trolley system and gave it up. Just one more thing to lug around. Anchors are tricky in wind in a kayak. Don't get a grapple style, things can go bad real quick. There are times I have found fish and wish that I could stay on them, that is where the anchor comes in handy. I just drift around with the wind like an idiot

haha yes I've seen the grapple style and had bad dreams as well At least the drifting is slow compared to my brothers 14' canoe so I'm tending to lean on the one more thing to lug. I like the pole idea, strap to the side, maybe telescopic. Any thoughts on that?
Thanks

During this windy spring I’ve had one or two occasions where I wish I would stay still as I’m reeling in a fish or as I’m fishing the shore but moving too fast. So I’m thinking about getting an anchor or anchor system for my Kayak

I'm dealing with same exact thing for the same exact reason, haha. It's especially frustrating when I find a spot along the shore with a lot of great cover like downed trees because I'm almost always more focused on making sure I don't drift into any underwater limbs I'm not seeing than I am on fishing. I've read so many different things about anchor systems, some people seem to really like them and then a bunch of other people find them frustrating and even dangerous (I'll admit the thought of a grapple catching on a rock or something in a 20mph wind gust freaks me out a bit too ) The stakeout pole seems like an interesting option, but most of the ones I've seen don't get much longer than 6', could always make our own somehow I suppose . . .

I suggest that you consider a drift sock instead of an anchor

drift sock

Saw this post on craigslist worcester....$20....

http://worcester.craigslist.org/spo/4475063244.html

Saw this post on craigslist worcester....$20....

http://worcester.craigslist.org/spo/4475063244.html

Thanks and this is the exact setup that's scary looking! Hook a tree on the bottom and I'm screwed.LOL Not looking to cure the 20+ mph wind days just the days like Walleye said that your drifting slowly into where you want to fish. Not exactly sure what a drift sock is but will look it up. Thanks Thorn

I ended up building a trolley system for my kayak, I have a small 3lb anchor use but can also use a pole if I want to. It stays on at all times, and was cheap to build. there may be pics lurking around here somewhere.

if you're out there in 20mph winds, you're crazy. small craft warnings. on those days, you're better off going shopping for more gear. the fish ain't worth your life. don't mean to be preaching but I got caught in some surprise high winds. waves were over 1 foot with white caps. wind kept spinning me around and was impossible to keep on even a semi straight course. took waves over the sides when the wind spun me. have not been on that body of water since that day. will not til the weathr settles a bit.

Have used a grapple style anchor for the past 7-8 years with my canoe never had a problem ripping it up from the bottom. Its not permenantly attached to the canoe though just using an anchor cleat. Have used that exact drift sock on a yak and it worka AWESOME.

if you're out there in 20mph winds, you're crazy. small craft warnings. on those days, you're better off going shopping for more gear. the fish ain't worth your life. don't mean to be preaching but I got caught in some surprise high winds. waves were over 1 foot with white caps. wind kept spinning me around and was impossible to keep on even a semi straight course. took waves over the sides when the wind spun me. have not been on that body of water since that day. will not til the weathr settles a bit.

i capsized once back in MARCH with water in the 30s... bought a life jacket, and was back on the water the following week. there will be days that gusts will reach 15 or 20 and theres nothing you can do other than wait till it passes. get a life jacket and done

it is MA law to WEAR a PFD between 9/15 and 5/15. I was wearing one. scary just the same. takes some people longer to get over it than others. this body of water, for some reason has 1 1/2 to 2 times the wind that is forecasted. if forecast is 10, expect 15 mph winds.
.
I have used bot, grapple type anchor and sea anchors. sea anchor works In lighter winds when you want to slow down your drift to fish. if I really want to work an area, I will anchor up. never got stuck where I could not free it up. if you do, cut the rope

For me, a trolley system is part of the basic kit. It's the only way to control your boat's orientation to the wind. You can use if for both your anchor and a drift sock. And while I too generally dislike having to use anchors, they are sometimes the only way to salvage a day of fishing. On the days I fish, there are very few that aren't windy.

I've heard that Boston is actually the windiest city on average in the continental US, and having bicycle commuted for several years I believe it (you're never not riding into it). Yesterday was a good day with only a 13mph NNW wind, so waiting doesn't seem feasible to me. Stump, I'm just gonna go for it and get the trolley system plus an anchor and drift sock. Ordered em this morning, so I'll post pics/updates on the installation and whatnot if you're still on the fence.