Anchoring on a kayak is very easily done if you have a method and the right equipment to get the job done. The first problem we encounter when anchoring off the kayak is that when we tie off the anchor to the kayak it is going to be in a area near the seating position because this is the area that we can comfortably reach, well the problem is that this would mean that the kayak would broadside to the current or wind and this not only could be messy and wet but dangerous. The solution is to anchor line to run either off the stern or the bow. We do this with a simple anchor trolley, which is nothing more than some line that makes a loop on the side of the kayak that will take the anchor line to the bow or stern. Your trolley has a clip (usually a thumb snap) on it to run the line through then work the pulley (just like you mother might have worked the cloths line pulley) so the line is fore or aft on the kayak. You then have to tie off the line on some kind of cleat.

Clam Cleat

Most kayak fisherman are using a either a 1.5 lb or 3lb anchor depending on the application and amount of current, the holding power of any anchor can increased by adding a foot of chain, this allows the anchor to tilt in a better position on the bottom and allows it to grab faster with less line out. Usually to anchor you need to get the line out at a 45% angle to grab properly.

1.5 lbs.folding anchor

Sometimes keeping your line organized on the kayak can be a challenge, one way to go is to wrap your line around the cleat you will use to tie-off can work, you can wrap about 15-- 25' of 3/16 line on a 5 inch cleat. Another option is wrapping the line around something like a rope reel that easily wind up the line. The last thing you want to do is be untangling your line when you are in an area that you want to fish.

You anchor system can also be used for drift socks or even a stake out poll if you are fishing the flats. Personally, I keep my system very simple with the pulley only taking the anchor line to the stern of the kayak but some people prefer the option of going to the bow also. If you anchor off the stern and then decide you would like be facing and fishing the opposite direction, you would just move the anchor clip to the bow and you will now be turned 180 without re-anchoring - this can be useful while kayak fishing.

When it comes to rigging the system you can use deck loops to act as guides for the line. A 3/16" braided line will work well. Another option is to use a piece of bungee at one or both ends of the system to provide some shock absorption while your anchored. Another option is a pulley (block) to help provide smoother operation of the anchor system. Sometimes you might want to undo the anchor and leave the line and maybe return to that spot, a small buoy float works for this, just run the anchor line though the float and as long as you have a clip on one end of the line the buoy will work its way up the line but not come off. An anchor trolley can work that same way for a drift sock or a stake out poll.

Anchor line with buoy float.

An anchor trolley can work that same way for a drift sock or a stake out poll

This the line going through the clip getting ready to pulley it to stern

The line running through the deck loops

Anchor line running from the stern

Anchor line from the bow

Bungee and small pulley

A simple anchor trolley just going to stern.

All the gear you need to rig your anchor system is in the Kayak Fishing Stuff Store

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