Do You Anchor out in the Ocean?

Just curious.
Currently my kayak does not have an anchor trolley system.
As I am looking to purchase one and install, I am finding out some of you do not use anchor at all.

I suppose if you are on a pedal kayak, it'd be possible to maintain your location... so anchoring is not as desired.
But how about for you paddlers?  Do you anchor?

If so, in general how much weight do you use?

Do you stick to depthx3 rule?

Any guidance would be appreciated.
Thank you!
Matthew

Anchor in the ocean is a disaster waiting to happen. Plus you will most likely lose it.

When possible I try and use a kelp clip instead of an actual anchor...quick and easy and solid.

I've anchored in as deep as 65 feet of water during the winter when there is no kelp around, but I often have to dive down to free the anchor...and if you're just kayak fishing you prolly don't wanna mess with that.

 

Sincerely,

Jim

I do anchor to dive every once in while. As Jim said, be prepared to dive down to retrieve it.

If there is kelp, and you clip up properly, a kelp clip will hold your kayak in place even in big swells...see attached pic from earlier this year of my yak almost getting airborne while on a kelp clip.

 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Back before I had my Hobie, I used a drift chute nearly every outing. It really helped to slow my drift and keep my boat oriented properly.

I have the one made by Hobie; it worked just fine, but a bigger one would slow you down even more if that's what you're looking for.

The anchor trolley will be very helpful for a drift chute, too.


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Drift chutes, ya, used those before. Anchor in the ocean while fishing topside. Nope! Safety issue for sure!

I use an anchor to dive only when there is no kelp around to clip onto.

When I do I make sure that I can dive down to that depth to retrieve and also check to make sure I have a solid hold on the reef before I start to hunt.

Definitely prefer to use a kelp clip though.

And don't use bungee on the kelp clip. Ask me how I know. 

And don't use bungee on the kelp clip. Ask me how I know. 

"Brope" up with your bros....not kelp!   

I never anchor up in the ocean but on my old kayak, the trolley system helped a lot with my drift chute. 

And don't use bungee on the kelp clip. Ask me how I know. 

Why?

I like bungies it absorbs bigger waves and gives instead of yanks so less chance of ripping off and floating away.

I always use anchors when I dive.  But have contemplated cutting it after a long day or if my ears don't equalize right and it is stuck (which happened the other day).   

Would not anchor if line fishing. 

I use a bungee on my kelp clip as well for the reasons that DG stated.

I have one of these that I use...cheap and strong and gives me something to drag my yak into and out of the surf with as well...

http://www.airhead.com/bungee-dock-lines-5-ft.html

 

Sincerely,

Jim

And don't use bungee on the kelp clip. Ask me how I know. 

Why?

I like bungies it absorbs bigger waves and gives instead of yanks so less chance of ripping off and floating away.

I always use anchors when I dive.  But have contemplated cutting it after a long day or if my ears don't equalize right and it is stuck (which happened the other day).   

Would not anchor if line fishing.

I was referring to line fishing. Clips flying at a high rate of speed hurt.
I switched to rope after that. I've gotten away from using it altogether. Now I just stick a piece of bull kelp under my leg to stay put. Of course kelp has been hard to come by lately.

One issue with anchor line is flipping the kayak from tension in the swell (if it doesn't rip off as DG mentioned = Another reason for a bungee connector.  There is a good thread by Stinkypete on NCUH on how to make a bungee connector.  Basically 6 feet of bungee with two egg floats knotted at one end and good clips on both ends.  You can then clip to kelp clip, anchor line, or another boat.  It also gives the option of ditching anchor and floats, so it can be recovered.

I use a bungee on my kelp clip as well for the reasons that DG stated.

I have one of these that I use...cheap and strong and gives me something to drag my yak into and out of the surf with as well...

http://www.airhead.com/bungee-dock-lines-5-ft.html

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Oh that looks like an awesome product.  I just bought some bungie material from the hardware store where they sell it by the foot.