ANCHOR FOR MORE FISH 
By Bob Jensen

With the numerous types of motors available for fishing boats, an old tool is seeing less use by many anglers. Electric motors, kicker motors, and main engines are seeing more use than ever as anglers troll more, or use motors to position the boat while baits are cast to likely fish-hiding spots. But anchors are still a very valuable tool when used properly. Some of the best anglers in the world use anchors more often than you might think.

Anchors are best used when the fish have been pinpointed, or at least when a potential fish-holding spot has been located. An anchor will allow an angler to cover a piece of structure very effectively, and sometimes it's important to work a structure thoroughly for best fishing success.

Let's say it's a windy day and you know where a small, shallow reef or point is. This piece of structure will attract walleyes on a windy day. However, if you drift over it you'll spook the fish and might even bang the lower unit of your motor or bottom of the boat on the shallowest parts of the structure. That's no good.

If you drift by the edge of the structure and cast to it as you go by, you might only get in a few casts before the structure is out of casting distance. That's no good either. The best way to fish a shallow structure is often from an anchored position.

To effectively fish a shallow structure, you first need to know exactly where the structure is so you can set the anchor. Many expert anglers like to set a marker near the structure. You don't want to set the marker right on the structure because it could get tangled up with a hooked fish. Set the marker as a point-of-reference. Set it a little to the left or a little to the right of the area to be fished.

Now motor upwind a pretty good distance from the area to be fished. Slide your anchor into the water and make sure it sticks. Let out rope until you are within casting distance of the edge of the structure, then tie the rope off. You don't want to start out too close. Work the edges of the structure first.

After working the area effectively with a variety of baits, let out more anchor rope and move closer to the structure. By doing so you will be able to cast to different water easily and quietly.

If you are fishing an area that allows multiple lines, it works well to put out at least one line per person with a slip-bobber rig. The more lines you have in the water, the better your chances of catching a fish. Even in areas that allow only one line, many anglers like to throw a slip-bobber out while the lure on another line is being changed. By doing so, you always have a line in the water, which increases your chances for success.

Anchoring is a great way to fish a piece of structure. Some anglers carry an anchor in their boat only because some state laws require it. Knowledgeable anglers carry an anchor because they know that, at certain times, that anchor will help them catch more fish.