Others mentioned getting exhausted and being blown out into the lake. Now I don't use a life jacket or a whistle, either...but I carry them. Seems like cheap insurance. But each to his own.

You asked a question and people answered. You are the only one who knows how capable you are in the tube. If you can't handle the wind, whatever speed it may be, you shouldn't be on the water. Most of us don't use an anchor. The small ones they make for tubes are a joke. If you choose to carry the extra weight of an anchor that would actually work, more power to you.

I tried the anchor thing. But they are correct. it just got in the way. i see where if you where getting blown across the lake might be able to drop an anchor to hold you until you got some help. But in my case it does not take long for me to know if i can handle the wind or not.

There was one time when i was doing a tube drift for Catfish on Lake Dallas and hooked into a 25 lbs catfish. I wish i had had an anchor. that monster drug me all over the place. it was fun but It took all of my fishing skills to land him.

I've been caught in an unexpected wind more than once.

A mans got to know his Limitations: Clint Eastwood

Someone was talking about doing some Sunday evening tubing. Who was that? i don't remember.

I don't know about everyone else but I would never be caught in a wind that is so bad that I would need an anchor to keep me from blowing across the lake. I pay very close attention to the weather and know exactly what I am getting into when I get into my tube.

Because weathermen are so accurate.

They are accurate to a certain extent. Then it is up to you to stay aware and use common sense when a storm is approaching and get off the water. I've done it numerous times. I see dark clouds, check the radar and see a storm headed towards me and I get off before I can be caught in it. If you get caught in an unexpected wind, then you just aren't paying attention. Hate to come off harsh but it is the truth.

Check out the myradar app for Apple and Android. It's spot on every single time. A must for anyone for any reason travel, day at the lake, or the person outside at work....

I like to walk my tube to a place that launches INTO the strong wind and work against the wind on the most sheltered side at the start. That way I can always use a tail wind to quickly get back if it gets worse due to puncture, accident, or a storm comes.

Anchors work best in still water/no wind (jigging over several hours) for me, but you will need 2 of them with wind to prevent the wide swings when you let out enough line so they catch. The best I have found are the folding 1.5# grapnels which snag the bottom when unfolded, but you need plenty of line on them to let out so they snag the bottom and hold. If you rig them to the hole under the hooks with a stronger line tied ABOVE a short section of weaker line at the top tie, you can unsnag them by pulling hard enough to break the weaker line section (pulls anchor from bottom).

Anchors don't allow me to turn to face the fish I am fighting, or to chase a really big or fast fish. If a fish runs behind you it is generally a pain especially if the anchor line is back there because of possible tangles.

PC

While it is improving, cell service can be spotty or non-existent at a lot of rural fishing holes. And some of us non-metro types actually enjoy camping off grid.

Wow. Are you just looking for things to complain about? Every time someone says something you have some snide or snarky remark. If you don't want to hear the opinions of other, don't ask. And the things you are complaining about, they are all in your control. So. Carry an anchor if you want. Don't carry a phone if you don't want to. If you get caught in an unexpected (as you call it) wind, use said anchor. Smh.