The REAL hazards of anchoring in current

FYI-I have heard through the underground buzz that there have been an number of close calls in the pursuit of steelhead and sturgeon.  For those of you new to this game, and even to the experienced...BE CAREFUL!!! 

Anchors and current killed a few guys on the Smith this year...pratice without tackle a few times, and then exercise caution. 

-WEAR YOU PFD and keep a knife at hand...on your PFD. 
-Don't drag your anchor
-Don't anchor where you can't release safely
-Watch for debris drifting in the current
-Have some kind of quick release mechanism that will release under load
-STAY AWAY FROM STRAINERS

AOTY is for fun, it ain't worth risking your safety.  Not trying to freak anyoone out, just don't want anyone to get hurt either.

I have been out at the power lines ( rio visto) anchored up for overnight fishing for sturgeon from a boat before and see trees....yes full trees....striking anchored boats.

Two years ago out of I think Bucks? I was anchored up fishing with SteveS for sturgeon. I started to move up current from something snagging my anchor line. I didn't have a release rigged and had a cold time getting wet and cutting the rope free before I was drug under. Btw this was from my kayak. First and ONLY time I will anchor in the current.

-Brian G

Thanks for posting your experience Briian...this is what I am talking about.

As far as I can tell, the idea of anchoring a kayak in current is fairly new to Northern California. However, Smallmouth fishermen back east have been debating this for years. And generally it's considered a very bad idea. The major difference between eastern smallie fishermen, and the folk here, is back there the kayak most often used is a sit inside. 

That said, if you are anchored up here, in Winter and Spring flows, and a snag runs over your anchor rope, you are going to be in a world of hurt, very fast.  Anchored up driftboats are lost every year in just this scenario. With lives lost.


Be very careful out there.

Regards,
Scott

Sean and I talked about this the other day.  I was telling him about a recent incident on the river near Rio Vista.  I was anchored in 85 feet fishing a deep hole for sturgeon when all of a sudden I felt something hit my anchor line.  The next thing I know, my kayak is slowly being pulled down in the current.  I look back and my float is nowhere to be seen.  I started to reach for my quick release clip which was connected to a piece of bungee, which was a mistake, since the clip was now well below the waterline out of reach.  I whipped out my knife and got ready to cut the bungee.  Water was beginning to overflow into the yak as I was getting pulled down.  I was trying to stay calm knowing that JTF was nearby to help if I had to ditch.  I tried one last time to reach the quick release clip by paddling backwards to relieve tension.  It work just enough for me to reach the clip and release.  I popped out and the anchor line and float went straight to the bottom. 

I don't know what it was that snagged my anchor line.  It could have been a telephone pole, a tree, or an old refrigerator.... but whatever it was it was big and near the bottom.  On my fishfinder I saw numerous big marks drifting near the bottom.  I was hoping they were all sturgeon, but I know some of it was big debris.

If I hadn't attached the quick release clip to a stretchy piece of bungee, I could have avoided the scare.  Lesson learned.  I also learned the importance of remaining calm and having a knife handy.

I AM WELL PREPARD with the KNIFE,but you guys are FREAKING ME OUT!.........O.k.  i'm alright now.  

No B.S.!! I too have seen BIG DEBRIS in the Carquinez and SAEFTY should be NUMBER ONE THOUGHT!!  Now lets go anchor-up and get that monster!!!!!!!

 A few years back, I was sturgeon fishing pretty close to the San Mateo Bridge (North side)....when the tide picked up, the the water was moving pretty fast and there was lot's of debri flowing towards my yak. Good thing I was anchored on the bow - facing the current. I saw several telephone poles and partly submerged tree stumps headed my way....I managed to swing the yak out of the way (using my padle) a few times. Good thing I was not "napping"  

Having read Chuck's experience about the submerged debri....I plan on staying away from strong currents - especially if the water is deep and murky. And again, safety in numbers - always ggod to have a partner around if shXt hit's the fan

Be on your toes when fishing current  

GREAT TOPIC SEAN

Yeah, this is why I've never tried the mothball.  One could rig a ~30lb piece of mono between the float and yak, which would certainly break before pulling you under.  30lb aught to be adequate to not break under normal conditions as long as it's new. 

The jam cleat or cam style allow a immediate release of your  line.Just an upward pull will release your line under a load.You might fumble with a hook type when timing is critical.

EXACTLY why I use a cam cleat to secure my quick release rope.
Nothing releases quicker and easier.