How To Anchor A Bay Boat (Top Anchoring Mistakes & Tips)

When you’re dropping down the anchor, a lot can go wrong…
Your hand or leg could get stuck in the rope and you could get pulled overboard…
You could drop the anchor on your deck and be in for an expensive repair job…
You could not tie the anchor on your boat correctly and lose your anchor…
And those are just a few of the things that could go wrong!
Bottom line is, when it comes to anchoring your boat, you need to know what you’re doing.
So we’ve got Salt Strong fishing coach Capt. Mark “Hollywood” Johnson from Florida Keys Fun Fishing to drop some knowledge on us about boat anchors.
In this video you’ll learn:
- Why boat anchors need chains (and what happens if they don’t have one)
- The top mistakes newbies make when they deploy their anchors
- Two popular types of anchors (and which one Capt. Johnson uses for his fleet of boats)
- The formula for knowing how much rope you need in every depth of water for every condition
- The top mistakes newbies make when they pull up their anchors
- And much more!
Enjoy!
Have any questions about anchoring your boat? Let us know down in the comments!
See the full post here:
bit.ly/2LWCOlT
Want more tips like this from Capt. Mark and the Salt Strong coaches to help you catch more fish and find the best fishing spots (and get discounts on fishing gear!)? Join our Insider Club:
bit.ly/2Lt0DSL
Download our FREE Inshore Fishing Manifesto:
bit.ly/32yWoKH

[@Saltstrong]

Want more tips like this from Capt. Mark and the Salt Strong coaches to help you catch more fish and find the best fishing spots (and get discounts on fishing gear!)? Join our Insider Club: bit.ly/2Lt0DSL

[@credit2020]

Captain Mark did an excellent job of explaining safe deploy and recovery of the anchor. Job well done! Press On!!!

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you!

[@hotchihuahua1546]

I have watched a lot of videos on anchors and what to and not to do ! I find this one simple and straight forward for most smaller i.e. 10-20 ft fishing boats . The chain and zip tie combination will save me a lot of headaches if my anchor gets stuck on the bottom . 👍

[@Saltstrong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sivad_official5158]

the video I have been looking for

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for wathcing!

[@shaundendy2173]

Thank you for making this video. I don't own a boat yet but I want to in the future and this will help newbies like me.

[@fwood1231]

Great video. That plow anchor is really great in sand and mud. Most of the bottom where I boat is hard bottom and I mainly use the Danforth type. My 21' bay boat was so easy to anchor. My 24' pontoon is sometimes a challenge 😁. Chain and scope is definitely the way to go. And don't throw that anchor. How to properly anchor your boat isn't rocket science but I see so many boaters that are just so inept at getting it done. Thanks again.

[@lightenlynx]

I dont sail, but since I was a kid I wonder how the anchor thing would work, and worse, what to do if the anchor gets stuck to a reef. This is the most informative video I found in youtube about the subject, clear, straight to the point and with a lot of usefull information. Thumbs up for sure.

[@Saltstrong]

Glad that you found the video helpful! We appreciate the support! 💪

[@pkonyoutube]

Thanks guys - helpful and you kept a good sense of humor. Much appreciated.

[@parabol001]

I thought this was going to be a pretty basic video from the title, but I actually learned a few new things I’d never seen. Well done. Just adding an additional fyi, coming from someone who learned the hard way, always make sure the anchor line is in front of the boat and most importantly that its location is communicated to you from your mate up on the bow. It can get in your prop real fast with the help of wind and current when you’re pushing forward to un-anchor.

[@robtrevino2179]

That was helpful. Do one on anchoring near structure, like jetty rocks or rig legs, please!

[@thelittlestmig3394]

Bow anchor rollers are cheap to get and easy to diy. It pretty much solves all of the issues with anchor strikes and chain chafing. Even without winch it allows you to pull the rope or chain further back making it more ergonomic, safer as you're further from the deck edge and better posture gives you a lot more strenght to yank that hunk of metal off the floor. I'm going to include one on my 16' lake boat when it's time for that. In my case a pound of aluminium and a roller is definitely worth it.

[@tanchengyan]

excellent tips... excellent explanation with excellent details. I'd downloaded this video with subtitles and keep it for my personal reference.. Thanks a million.

[@johnfruen3187]

Good information well presented,thanks.

[@MarxHaven]

very professional explanation. good job

[@ilovemusic-lp7zw]

Thank you Captain!

[@coreyswann3179]

That was a decent video, thank you.

[@Markaydaily]

Well done! Won’t find any better information

[@iamgriff]

thanks for making this video guys. I’m fishing on the Detroit River... my boat wouldn’t stay anchored. Now I see why.

[@bushman7422]

Thanks, I am in key West, and tips on life on the water are appreciated

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@vbsun3976]

Many thanks

[@jlmcgraw415]

Good video

[@pieseasmyseas]

Good old cinderblock fixs a lot of these problems even the cost

[@paulhuval6579]

Good tips there also if you toss the anchor over you will scare fish away they can hear that in the water. It may sound silly but maybe you can do a video on setting up with power poles as well.

[@bryanw.richter3584]

nice video

[@lovingatlanta]

👍Awesome instructor & instructions. Thank you.💝

[@christophervela5447]

Very good

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks!

[@Flcracker62]

You can rig a danforth with the same guick release, just have to drill a hole and reattach the clevis at the new hole, then zip tie chain where the clevis was originally attached

[@mikehamm648]

I fish in the keys where the flats are very hard, what is the best anchor to use for my fish pro jet ski?

[@brianworkman2475]

As our boat’s designated anchorman, I always suggest wearing boat gloves for protection against the rope or chain chaffed and stinging nettles.....

[@ninja2motobrun922]

ingat po lagi sa pagdadagat and enjoyed

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for watching!

[@josephbutler4925]

Best explanation I’ve ever heard!! Thanks

[@samuelzavala623]

reef trips are a good way to lose a boat, for much more security or during severe weather a two rope setup, one rope to hold the boat and a second rope to release the anchor is better. doing this you will never lose an anchor or a boat for that matter. the trip rope doesnt need to be too heavy either.

[@lachlanoneil8938]

Is this a video on how to anchor you boat over night, long periods. No it's about fishing.

[@OrcaAngler]

i always throw my anchor is that the reason my anchor not holding even i put it in reveerse ?

[@joebloe1401]

NO ZIPS TIES (or fishing line)----THEY END UP ON THE BOTTOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! use cotton string or?

[@ih8goon]

zip tie tip is good but every time you break it plastic goes to the ocean i dont think that good.

[@bradjordan81]

I dont like the zip tie I use a hitch pin

[@cprflorida]

I am purchasing a sportsman 227 open, and I am wondering if it comes with an anchor as there is a place that the anchor is stored, and should I get a gelcoat chain, so as to not scratch the boat when pulling the anchor off the bottom.

[@millieatr]

This is the scenario in the perfect world ... In the real world " Hey Bill hold my beer , i'm gonna try to pull this damn anchor up without falling in this time "..

[@lachlanoneil8938]

Not really this is just how you anchor in shallow water it's pretty damn simple, when you get to 90ft + you will start using a float aswell.

[@tini77]

Thank you sir, i bought a boat from the previous owner and he didnt have the chain on the anchor itself. no wonder I keep having a hard time getting it done ! Thanks for the tip and I keep having to remind my brother to not throw the damn anchor everytime

[@visualedtech]

Coast Guard recommends a scope of 7:1 as a rule . However, on calm days in shallow water we can use a shorter scope. If we are anchoring as a safety or emergency reason, use the longer scope.

[@1dotele]

so does the chain length determine the scope or the length of rope? it looked like he had about 8 ft of chain

[@IOMFishing]

An old school grappling hook set to trip is much more effective (and easier to get back) than the danforth in rough ground. I'd wasted so much money on danforth kits until I discovered this. Useless in sand/mud though so carry a plough for that.

[@rweinc1424]

Don't use the zip tie, crazy idea! There are better ways to retrieve a fouled anchor.

[@Unknown-mi7qe]

What if the anchor stuck on the reef on strong current we lose our anchor have to cut the rope the current was to strong

[@Saltstrong]

In that situation, you're likely going to have to cut and leave the anchor. You should always take the current and bottom into account. Anchors are expensive to replace. Try to anchor in areas without that strong current and rocky bottom, look for calmer areas to anchor up.

[@jmvmike]

2:10 Shackle not a buckle. I do appreciate the how to videos very much y’all

[@davidalfaro8874]

Good for that you did to the picture of that assassin Gay

[@charlespeckcom]

Yeah calling it a buckle fits right in with suggesting 3 to 1 scope not to mention calling a bruce anchor a snow plow.

[@davidanderton2437]

Good video, but would have been good to go into more detail on attaching to the cleat.

[@Frosty-kf6ss]

I have a question for anyone that can answer. I fish a lot of deep lakes. Whats the deepest that is recommended to archor

[@theiceageiscoming.5516]

💪😎🇺🇲

[@joebloe1401]

NO ROPES ON BOATS-----ONLY LINES!!!!

[@willr612]

Where does that zip tie go?

[@charlespeckcom]

Another old greyheaded sailor here chiming in with contrary words. I feel one should mention, no, one should stress that 3 to 1 is only for very temporary anchoring like when sport fishing. Even 5 to 1 is short scope when using all chain and expecting to overnight through a south Florida thunderstorm. Old Coast Guard standards were developed over many decades of heavy weather experience which state 7 to 1 as the standard and 10 to 1 for storm anchoring. Plus please point out that depth is from the top of the boat's bow to the sea bottom! I have been cruising and staying on sailing vessels in south Florida since the 90s and I have lost count of the short scope suckers dragging down on responsible sailors exercising proper seamanship. Just had to pipe in as 3 to 1 is pure disaster for anything other than a few minutes of tossing lures to fish. I must mention Hollywood did a great job presenting safe rode and anchor deployment and retrieval. Flaking the line first and not throwing being big things.

[@murph914]

Most of the time you’re limited by how much scope you have on board 15’ of depth becomes 210’ of scope ideally. A second or third anchor or kedges all become part of the strategy.

[@knotwerken]

good reminder ... and scope scope scope ...

[@sailingsegundo4644]

Few good tips for novice boaters But I disagree with several of your Points. I use the claw anchor and the danforth and scoop anchors For about 50 years now, and they Do each have their own strong points. What are you showing people Is what I would call a lunch hook A short term or not leaving the boat Type of anchoring ⚓️ no one should anchor in a reef . And that Claw anchor, you love has the weakest holding power of any anchor made to date.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the comment! Use what works best for you!!

[@colemant6845]

LOL... There are more "Lost" anchors sitting on the bottom of SW Florida waters than fish!!!. Heavy duty Fluke is the ONLY way to go IMHO. Always releases if you work the boat correctly.... Yes, not the best holder (like a Bruce)... But worth not having to buy a new expensive anchor each year. Just a trade off for fishing efficiency.

[@harleyberge3677]

That's a Bruce anchor.

[@roadto4.0]

This guy does not like that generic anchor

[@shawzall404]

I'm mostly concerned that he's wearing Puma socks and Skechers :(

[@craigkrobinson]

Stop using zip ties guys, c'mon.

[@chadfunk48]

Is this guy asking me about 300+ questions or just talking?

[@officialWWM]

Man, I couldn't fish with that guy in the blue, I'd be throwing him overboard!

[@millieatr]

Why is that ?

[@officialWWM]

brad fiser because, like most Americans, he's annoying as hell. Why do they have to be so over the top!?

[@sheilabaker6726]

@@officialWWM The guy in blue might have you overboard first with applause.

[@j.tmckinnis9006]

I’m going to throw it in the water

[@Flcracker62]

You can rig a danforth with the same guick release, just have to drill a hole and reattach the clevis at the new hole, then zip tie chain where the clevis was originally attached

[@craigkrobinson]

Stop using zip ties man, c'mon