Attempting to learn how to crappie fish or at least find them with my graphs. I have 17 ft stratos an need some kind of anchoring. Other than talons and powerpoles etc., what portable anchors would you suggest in order to stay in place? Weight and how many also please?
Thanks for input!

I used on 20lb on my 17ft and it held fine unless it was really windy. One trick I learned was to use plenty of rope. If you try to set your anchor right under you on a breezy day it probably won't hold. When you locate the fish DO NOT drop anchor but instead troll upwind a ways, drop anchor, feed out anchor line until the boat is positioned where you want it and then tie off. If you're fishing a brush pile be sure to preserve it by not letting your anchor drag through it. Go get em and good luck!

Box anchors are extremely good for holding and require less rope. I use a small box anchor on my 18' pontoon which presents a lot of surface to the wind than your boat.

If I am using anchors I like the box anchor on the stern and a small mushroom anchor on the boat to prevent boat swing.

There is a member that sells box anchors that he makes for $50 in the Trading Section. I believe his price is $50. I haven't checked that forum lately.

A good trolling motor is all you need (fortrex 80lb.) Find your structure, toss out a marker buoy, get on the trolling motor and head back to the buoy marker. Work your trolling motor to stay on the structure using the marker as a reference point.

Good luck and catch a bunch....

IF your going to Anchor This Is The Way!!! I have 2 16 lbs. one front one rear if I need more I add a 10 bar bell weight if that don't hold GO HOME BUT on the other hand listen to shut-up& fish troll your way around lolquote=bush hog]I used on 20lb on my 17ft and it held fine unless it was really windy. One trick I learned was to use plenty of rope. If you try to set your anchor right under you on a breezy day it probably won't hold. When you locate the fish DO NOT drop anchor but instead troll upwind a ways, drop anchor, feed out anchor line until the boat is positioned where you want it and then tie off. If you're fishing a brush pile be sure to preserve it by not letting your anchor drag through it. Go get em and good luck! [/quote]

thanks guys, and I have that trolling motor just not that talented yet.

Practice makes PERFECT
If you get in the habit of using anchors you will not learn to use your trolling motor.
I have 2 auto deploy/retract anchors on my boat that rarely see use unless I'm night fishing or catfishing.
That said, you need 2/3's more anchor rope than your depth to get the best hold from your anchor. A 5' section of heavy chain attached to your anchor will also help it hold.
Hope this helps you, just my

+1 and what Todd said! I don't even own an anchor. Force yourself to leave the anchor at home or you'll never learn how to use your tm.

I don't anchor often while fishing. If I do it's mainly when I'm waiting on cats or if I'm in an area I think sandies may move through. Occasionally I'll anchor and drift over a spot for crappie.

I bought two of these for my pontoon. Took them home and hit them with some rustoleum and plasti dip.

They work great.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/10390990/Searchpage/1/Main/794618/Words/+/Search/true/Re:_Box_Anchors_for_sale_50$_H#Post10390990

in my ever humble opinion sometimes its best to use whatever fits the situation best
I might tie up to whatever is available
I might anchor down close as well
I might just use the trolling motor as well
heck I might even beach the boat if that keeps my focused on the target area as well
one thing you must remember when trying to ketch a crappie fish
distractions no matter how slight will cause you to ketch less crappie fish for sure
I do know quite a few folks with rather heavy anchors though and a heavy anchor might very well be the ticket
and I don't know what you might need for a big heavy fiberglass boat

I have a 20lb anchor for an 18' Fiberglas boat, but I don't use it when I'm crappie fishing!

LOL ..... I thought this topic was about a dodge!

That box anchor would be Great for out by the dam on LOP when the wind is kicking!

lol

I own a good trolling motor and prefer to use it when I am fishing brush piles. But I also own a good box anchor for the stern of the pontoon and two mushroom anchors for the bow of the pontoon.

I find there are instances when an anchor is better than trolling.

And I certainly wished I had anchored that time last year when the idiot came up and dropped his anchor next to the marker I was using to mark my trolling lane. When I asked if he minded if I retrieved my marker he pulled it up and threw it to me, saying he did not want to risk my scratching the jell coat of his bass boat.

He then proceeded to tell me he didn't like people fishing his spots. I wished him luck and left but I did not tell him the type of luck I was wishing him.

Not sure it was "his spot" since I generally throw my markers around 9' to the left of structure where I see fish and he anchored so his boat was right on top of my marker.