place to buy an anchor

i'm interested in picking up an anchor for my boat, either one of the graple guys or from manta like:
http://www.go2marine.com/g2m/action/GoBPage/id/78439F/manta_marine_anchors_plastimo.html?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=fr1

anyone ever used one of those manta ones before?  Is there a place locally that might cary these guys, i hate to pay $10 in shipping for a $5 anchor.  

I just got a 8lb mushroom from Boaters World. No need to get some crazy anchor for your yak IMHO.

We all have to remember that space on a kayak is limited, so something small and compact is ideal.  I use a 3 lb folding anchor like this one.

Chuck,
Do you use it a lot? I dont have one yet and am considering getting one but havent had a situation yet that warrants carrying one.

It's must for sturgeon fishing.  I bring it along anytime there's a chance I might want to relax and do some still fishing.

Do you just drop it with a chunk of dead fish on it to catch a sturgeon?

I can see the need in a few spots. How much rope do you recomend?
50--75 feet?

I have the same one Chuck has- but followed Erik K's advise on adding some sinker balls to it - this way, you don't need to use heavy chain to make the anchor grab the bottom. I used it at San Pablo Bay last year - fishing for sturgeon = works great!

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=42

I have 50' of rope attached to mine with the goal of being able to anchor in 20' of water.  I don't think there is enough scope for much more than that.

I use a 6# version of the one Chuck posted a picture of.  I've never had problems with it holding the Triple with 2 people in a good swell or current.  I think the 6 pounder would be overkill in a single kayak.

-Allen

How much rope do you recomend? 50--75 feet?

Good question.  The more scope (slack/angle) you have in the line -- the better your anchor will hold.  Personally, if I'm anchoring in 20 ft deep water, I like to have about 60 ft of line -- basically about 3x the depth.  In a slow current you might not have to reel out all of the line.

Some people like to anchor from the bow, but I like to anchor from the stearn so I can have my rod and line in front of me pointed down current.  That way, if I hook into a big fish, I can release quickly and get the fish to pull me forward away from my anchor line.  However, every boat is different.  Some have stearns so low or shaped in such a way that makes anchoring from the rear a bad idea.

For anchoring in rocks to Ab dive I have been fine with a 1.5# er.  I used a 3# in the bay with a 2# "nut" zip tied on and it held great.

For anchoring in rocks to Ab dive I have been fine with a 1.5# er.  I used a 3# in the bay with a 2# "nut" zip tied on and it held great.

 How many feet of anchor line do you use when ab diving or spear fishing?

I usually have 50 feet.  I wish I could dive deep enough to need a longer line!