grapnel anchor vs danforth for 12 ft jon boat

[JOHN D]

i have a 12 jon boat that like to use for bay fishing. ive come to a realization that i should probably bring an anchor with me. i have a small graplel anchor that came with my kayak that i like because it is very easy to store. i also have a danforth anchor that i used on my old 13 ft whaler. which one should i bring???

do i need a drag chain for the grapnel? i did not get one with the complete set that i got with it so im not shure if it requires one or not.

[howarda780]

Get a small danforth with a 3-4' piece of chain, and rope, 4X the typical depth where you fish. If you need it you know that you'll be able to hold.

The 3-5lb grapples that they give you with the yaks are not too swift.

[JOHN D]

thanks, the danforth is probably a better idea.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Agreed on Danforth anchor and a good length of chain. A good rule of thumb for chain length is the same length as your boat and the chain should be at least the same weight as your anchor. As far as how much rode/rope you should have, 3 times the length of the deepest depth of water you'll be in.

An anchor is a must on any boat, especially in tidal waters. I have a friend who will go unamed that had an snchor on board but no enough rode. He and 3 friends were out one afternoon and ran out of gas.... They tried to set the anchor but could not. With an outgoing tide in the Sandy Hook area, they were adrift all afternoon into the wee hours of the next morning and finally got picked up by a fishing boat.

A handheld VHF radio would have come in handy as well.

You can't be too careful out there.

[JOHN D]

i agree, saftey is always first on my mind when im out there.