Fishing Boat Anchors: Essential Boat Equipment

A boat is a magnificent craft, allowing us to reach remote fishing spots on the water that are well beyond casting range from shore. Once the boat arrives there however, the next issue becomes how to remain there. You can turn off the motor or stop paddling, but it isn’t like parking a car. Wind and currents have other plans.

Creative Ideas for Fishing Boat Anchors

Anglers often create simple anchors out of handy materials such as cinder blocks or bricks. Other fishing boat anchors may display more creativity. One area kayak fisherman uses a 2 liter bottle filled with sand and such. My pre owned boat came with a bundle of 3 six-pound antique cast iron window sash weights for an anchor. (Please don’t tell my wife these are “antiques.”)

Fishing boat anchors can be purchased in a variety of shapes and weights to complete your boat anchor system. For an old jon boat in Oklahoma ponds and small lakes, I had one that looked like a giant red plastic Hershey’s Kiss but filled with sand. My big anchor is iron with three tongues that really dig into the bottom when tipped at an angle. In weedy, brushy, or stumpy areas my son and I often prefer the minimalist route and use a brush gripper clamp. Whether it’s a boat anchor or any other fishing boat equipment, wrestling with weeds is no fun.

Large bass boats now have a nifty, quiet, rope-less option of a powered pole (or two) that push down into the sediment to hold a boat in one spot with a depth less than 8-10 feet. Smaller versions fit smaller fishing boats or even a kayak or canoe.

How to Anchor a Boat, or Just Slow it Down

Sometimes, the goal isn’t a complete stop but to apply the brakes a little. This can be especially helpful with ready to use drift fishing rigs. I’ve seen a 5-gallon bucket used to slow a drift, but for particularly windy days, I also have a drift sock.

Before venturing out on your fishing boat, don’t forget the anchor. You may need it to hold your boat in that “sweet spot.” Whatever you decide to use, here are tips for how to anchor a boat like a pro.

Let’s share our experience - what boat anchor types do you use?