Anchor Setup.

I have been playing around in the Napa river the last few months but just last week was the first time I attempted to use my anchor. The tide was ripping pretty good but I dropped my ( i think its 5lbs but i will have to check mushroom anchor to test out the setup. All it did was drag along the bottom it cought a few times but eventually pulled loose. I though the mushroom anchor would be a good choice but maybe I should be trying something else. Any recommendations? As you all know the napa tides can pull pretty good in the main channel so I want something that can hold.

Any thoughts?

How long is ur rope? My rope is usually 2-3 times the depth....

I was I believe I had my 50' run with me that time. As you know the river is not that deep. I was just south of the train bridge. I do not recall what my FF was reading but i believe that spot is in the mid to low teens depending on what the tide is at the moment. Do you think more rope would help? I was wondering if that anchor type was better for lakes and if I should use something that will snag better on the muddy bottom during a high tide flow.

A anchor with tines digs in better, but you also need enough "anchor scope" to let the anchor work.

The mushroom anchors are a pain in the ass.  If the bottom is sloped, they just roll down the hill.  They don't really dig in unless you have a ton of rope out.  Something with times in the best.  I don't think you would want a full on mud anchor either though... they can get really stuck at times, and hard to pull.

http://kayakandsail.com.au/product-range/accessories-and-clothing/anchoring/display/120-hobie-anchor-kit

I have that anchor, and when I am gonna be in fast current, i hang an additional 3lb ball off of it.  Pulls easy, and stores easy below deck. 

Thanks I will look into that. Have not really had the need to anchor up yet but I would like to have a setup I can depend on when I do.

Add a couple feet of chain to the anchor and use plenty of scope to assure the anchor lays flat on the bottom, and pulls flat on the bottom until it catches.

I have an anchor setup from Surf to Summit, its like the Hobie kit. I picked new rope and the other parts I would need to make the QRAS. I also attach the rope to the bottom of the anchor and use a mini zip tie to attach the rope to the top of the anchor. If the anchor gets stuck I can tug the rope and break the zip tie bringing up the anchor upside down. I also have not needed to use the anchor yet.

Is the bottom pretty muddy? If so try a pyramid anchor. On the Columbia up here I always had problems getting my mushroom to dig on a muddy bottom. Switched over to a pyramid and it worked like a charm. The mushroom works good on gravel or rocky, even sandy bottoms but seems to slip on the mud.

If you are fishing an area with a muddy/sandy bottom, use a 5lb grappling style anchor. After the anchor hits bottom, let out another 12-15' or so.

Another idea: try a drag chain. Assuming you're using a trolley, so you can put the anchor point anywhere on the boat, a nice chunk of chain can hold a boat pretty well. With the trolley you can have the anchor point dead astern & the water just slides by.

Mine is 5' of galvanized 3/8" chain. with 50' of rope. It's pretty heavy. You can also clip a tang anchor on the end, but a lot of times I like to drift with the current slowly & cover water as I fish. In fact I've fished the Napa River a few times that way. I've mostly launched from the JFK Park boatramp. Curious where you're launching from??

And I agree with everyone's comment that more rope = greater holding power, regardless of type of anchor.
Be safe out there.
Bill