Anchoring system and yak stability

Which anchoring system do you have and how stable is your kayak when anchored?

I read in the archives that some have the drift boat setup and some the trolley setup (any other setup???).

By "stable" I mean safety issues and, more importantly, if your yak will stay in one particular position and not swing around in the current or wind.  I am not talking about the anchor moving around at the bottom. I would like to have a setup that keeps the yak in a stationary position when in a river where the water is flowing at a good rate.

I have tried some kind of a trolley setup but the yak swings way too much with the least amount of wind or current change. Have tried to stabilize the yak by dropping a smaller anchor straight down from the mid section, but just too many anchor lines to deal with and safety issues are increased.

Thanks for your input.

I've tried a few and my current anchor trolly is by far the best. You just need to get the end points as close to the ends of the boat as possible. I have a T13 and they are about 24" from each end. And use enough scope on the rope so you are at the "end" of the anchor. But your always gonna get some swing unless you have really strong winds and tide.

trolley systems and drift anchors are two separate types. 

drift anchors are normally used in rivers (swifter moving areas) since they are easier to drop and pick up constantly while you are drifting downstream.

trolley anchors are more for deeper water anchoring and they are not as easy to retrieve so you don't want to be doing that constantly.

EWB: You just need to get the end points as close to the ends of the boat as possible.

Believe me, the end point is right at the tip of the stern.  Yet, my yak wants to swing and dance at the slightest change in conditions unlike an anchored boat.  I should enter it in Dancing with the Stars.

EWB: I have a T13 and they are about 24" from each end.

When your anchor line is 24" from the end, does your yak rest at an angle to the current rather than being parallel to it?

 

drift anchors are normally used in rivers (swifter moving areas) since they are easier to drop and pick up constantly while you are drifting downstream.

The current in the Bay can be just as fast as many rivers that's why a quick release is important I don't really see a need for a Trolley I use a River anchor when I'm going to be pulling a lot and a Tote Style with a Bouy when I will be anchored for quite awile.

If you are swinging too much try hanging one or both of your feet in the water or use your paddle to do the same

EWB: You just need to get the end points as close to the ends of the boat as possible.

Believe me, the end point is right at the tip of the stern.  Yet, my yak wants to swing and dance at the slightest change in conditions unlike an anchored boat.  I should enter it in Dancing with the Stars.

EWB: I have a T13 and they are about 24" from each end.

When your anchor line is 24" from the end, does your yak rest at an angle to the current rather than being parallel to it?

 

Not really. The line seems to run down under the bow or stern. It may be at a slight angle but it doesn't constantly swing about. I also tend to hang a foot over or sit side saddle so that may help add some drag to the system.

Mickfish:  If you are swinging too much try hanging one or both of your feet in the water or use your paddle to do the same

EWB:  I also tend to hang a foot over or sit side saddle so that may help add some drag to the system

Hanging the feet in the water seem to help some, but I will probably be fishing for hours in cold water.  Other than cold feet, straddling the yak can prove to be very uncomfortable for me.

Tried the paddle.  But with fast moving water, it can get a little hairy with the paddle catching some errant current or wind.  Also, I would rather keep my attention on the rod tip rather than the paddle.

Thanks for the input.  Keep em coming.

What Kayak do you have?

This particular kayak I am trying to have a good setup for anchored river fishing is an old Aquaterra Prism, which I have been fishing out of since prehistoric times.  It is about 14' long, tracks relatively well, and quite stable.  It seems to be my lucky go to yak, and a great joy to paddle.

I have done several anchor configurations, mostly the trolley system, and have not been happy with it.

I intend to fish some big rivers soon, and hope to get a good anchoring system where my yak does not go dancing while anchored.

Mickfish:  The current in the Bay can be just as fast as many rivers that's why a quick release is important

Ditto.  Quick release is very important.

Pretty long and narrow for a river boat anything you do to keep it from swinging is probably going to be unsafe. The only thing I could think of is  maybe a rudder.

Pretty long and narrow for a river boat anything you do to keep it from swinging is probably going to be unsafe. The only thing I could think of is  maybe a rudder.

I've had this yak on some big and fast rivers, even anchored a few times, but mostly drifting.  I feel safe, most of the time.   It is just that the yak movement when anchored is not conducive to fishing.

I try to keep things as simple as possible.  Putting on a rudder may be an option if there are no easier way.  Thanks.

Those who fish for sturgeons must have a trick or two.

The laws of nature dictate that you are going to sway if you use only one anchor; plain and simple.
Try this analogy. A flag is like your kayak, a flag pole is like your anchor and the wind is like the river or bay current. What could you do to keep that flag from flapping or waving in the wind; to make it stand out perfectly straight, no movement at all?
You could secure the two flapping corners to something using rope which is akin to using two or three anchors for your kayak but who wants to do that?
It would totally blow your safety factor too.
Unless you are next to shore or a fixed object it is difficult to know how much you are actually swaying.
If it is really bad I will drag a foot now and then or use my reel to give slack and take up slack in an attempt to keep my offering from dragging all over the bottom.