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Anchoring Tips

Buying the right type of anchor for you boat is essential. But knowing how to anchor is critical. There are many instances where rookie boaters have woken up the next morning to find that their boat has drifted far out to sea.

This has nothing to do with the anchor failing, rather it is the technique that has failed. Wind is huge factor in making a boat drift away. To avoid your anchor getting dislodged due to wind, you will have to use two anchors. The two anchor method is known as the V anchor, because both anchors are deployed off the bow (or the stern in some cases) in a V shape. This ensures that even if one anchor drags, the other one is still holding tight. In bad weather conditions an extra anchor is added to this configuration by being let in front of the V.

If you have room to swing around in normal conditions, you can let the V out in an angle of 140 to 180 degrees. However if you don’t, then you will have add a third anchor to the stern so the boat stays in one place. Note that this configuration can be rather uncomfortable for sleeping, as the boat is held rather rigidly by the anchors.

With fresh water boating, always consider the tides when anchoring. Anchoring at low tide could leave you adrift at high tide because of the difference in rode as the water rises. The best way to figuring out the rode is to anchor in high tide. However be wary and keep an eye out as the water drops, because low tide could leave you grounded.

Basic Catfishing Tips

Catfish can grow to be monsters and reeling in a 100 pounder can be a lot of work. Although it is rare to get anything regularly in the 100 pound range, even lesser weights can give you a good fight and be a lot of fun. Here are some popular ways in which you can go fishing for these great fish.

The premier catfishing method is called Jug Fishing. This involves using a flotation device like a used 2 liter Coke bottle or a plastic jug. You can use live or dead bait. Shad and Perch are the preferred types to be used here as larger catfish go after these. Don’t be afraid to use big bait, you’ll be surprised to see how fast a six inch perch can dissapear.

Drift Fishing is another popular way of fishing for catfish. By drifting across structure changes like old river beds or drop off points you are likely to find some good action. Here you will be better off with live bait. Perch fish will serve you well here. Secure a good solid weight to the end of the line and then tie on the hook around 3 feet above it. The idea is to keep the Perch just off the bottom of the bed but right in the front of the catfish.

Of course, the old method of setting up camp in one spot is also a good one. Here you will need to bait your hook with chicken liver or some blood bait to get some quick action. You can let hook sink to the bottom or attach a cork to your line and let it sit under that. Although you are more likely to catch smaller fish than when using other bigger bait, the focus here is on getting some action.

Entering and exiting Locks – Part 1/2

Locks are an excellent way of moving boats between differing levels of water bodies. If you are new to traversing a waterway that has locks, you should be aware of the protocol to be followed.

Generally you have to contact the lockmaster by using your radio, to inform him or her that you are approaching the lock. However, the method of contact can vary but instructions how to contact the lockmaster are always posted close to the lock.

Once you have done this, pay attention to the traffic signal. If the light is red then you should make way for boats that are leaving the dock. While you are waiting you should rig fenders on either side of the boat and make the lines ready at the bow and stern. Some locks will have their own lines ready, but you should always be prepared with your own lines. Once the path is clear the light will turn green and you can move in to the lock.

Upon entering the lock, the lockmaster will tell you exactly where you will have to stop. Once you are at the location secure the lines by throwing them up to the lockmaster or catching the lines thrown to you. The standard process for catching the lines is to stand straight and stretch your arms out in front. The lockmaster will then be able to safely drop the lines onto your hands. Doing this wrongly means that you run the risk of having the lines hitting you in your face.