Quick Release Kayak Anchor System for Fishing Kayaks

In this video i show you how to set up a Quick Release Anchoring System for Kayak Fishing, for use with an Anchor Trolley. This system allows you to instantly disconnect from your anchor set up and return to the set up whenever you wish. The system uses an Anchor (with Chain), an Anchor Reel loaded with line, a Hi-Viz Pick-Up Buoy and a length of Floating Rope. I show you how to assemble the set up and use it in conjunction with an Anchor Trolley system with a run through of how to deploy and haul the anchor set up.
This is great for safety as you can quickly release from anchor should you need to get out of the way of boat traffic, or get out of some nasty water conditions when you wouldn't otherwise have time to haul the anchor in. You can then return to the anchor set up when it is safe to do so. This system can also be useful when fishing as part of a group as you can easily disconnect from anchor and go help a friend, or photo a fish, and return when ready.
PLEASE NOTE: this system is only recommended for calm to moderate conditions. In strong tidal flows the system is difficult to haul without the risk of turning side on where you could potentially capsize. In such conditions use the Simple Anchoring System explained in this video: • Simple and Easy Anchor...
A great system for those who are new to kayak fishing and anchoring a kayak as it is very easy to release from the anchor should anything be going wrong during the anchoring process!
Please subscribe for more kayak fishing videos!
Quick-Release Anchoring Kits and other Anchoring Supplies can be found at Cornwall Canoes: www.cornwall-canoes.co.uk/kay...
More information on kayak fishing can be found on my website: www.kayakfishing.blog
#quickreleasekayakanchor #anchoringafishingkayak #kayakanchor

[@notsure7874]

We really appreciate how much effort you put into making this video be clear, and demonstrate exactly how it works from beginning to end. Most videos are ambiguous, and unclear.

[@PlasticPipeShopTV]

Fantastic series of videos mate - as a new sea kayaking angler they've been invaluable in helping me understand setup, safety and a whole lot more.

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Glad you have found the videos useful, tight lines! 😃

[@j.d.7574]

I have seen this concept several times but this is the first time I have seen it fully explained. Thank you.

[@AirborneEclipse]

Love this… I picked up my first kayak yesterday and this is exactly what I was searching for and how I’ll set mine up. Thank you and blessings to your fam 🕊

[@anthonyrudd1982]

Awesome video mate, fills me with confidence that this quick release set up will work for me.

[@trebel]

Brilliant videos , being new to sea kayaking, needed some clear advice and you deliver in all your videos. Thanks a million. Cheers from belgium.

[@georgebowman3051]

Excellent demonstration of a quick release system. I’m going to use the same approach when I install my anchor trolley.

[@thiodorchalkias8906]

Fantastic demonstration once again!!! Thanks for sharing!!!! Best regards from Hellas (Greece)

[@caroljames3853]

Brilliant - makes me feel so much more confident that I will be able to implement a system to suit me. Thanks for going to the effort.

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks Carol, glad the video has given you the confidence to get rigged up!

[@Camerasurfer66]

Your anchor setup is genius. Thanks.

[@nevenh3897]

well done master, you are the best instructor, all the videos are so simple and educational, keep it up

[@ronmcc4]

I’m new to fishing kayaks. This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@robertchadwick1552]

Excellent video. I'm new to kayaking so this was very informative and useful. Thanks you!

[@grouperyoustuff]

Great instructional video! Very thorough!

[@SubtleHustle72]

Incredibly helpful thank you for taking the time!

[@PilzE.]

Another superb video tutorial, excellent explanation and demonstration. Thank you for sharing!

[@andrewtracey1079]

Brilliant videos mate, being new to sea kayaking, needed some clear advice and you deliver in all your videos. Thank you so much, feeling more confident already!

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks Andrew! Appreciate the comment and glad to hear that the info has helped with your confidence 😀

[@raymondcava4669]

Outstanding tectorial , you are a great teacher well done.You are very dedicated to your passion. Looking forward to watching more of your videos I just come across them in the last day or two. Have a great day

[@williamclayton203]

Thanks for sharing your time and knowledge. Well done.

[@anhl5091]

EXCELLENT video mate! Thanks for your detailed explanation of why to do certain things.

[@CornishKayakAngler]

No problem 👍 Glad you found the video helpful!

[@peterwebb1026]

This is a fantastic explanation. Thank you so much! Pete

[@travisrhaley]

Very helpful! Thank you so much! Excellent video.

[@rpriceutube]

Incredibly helpful, thanks so much!!!

[@youssef1964]

Awesome and perfect job👏 I watched dozens of videos, but they were not this professional, this mastery, and clear Thank you for saving me time and effort watching other videos I will definitely be one of your followers Thanks again

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks for the comment! Glad you found the video more useful compared to others out there 😀 happy kayaking and anchoring!

[@mikelempriere191]

Excellent series of videos. Thanks for your help!

[@MVPTimothyMichaels]

Thanks for posting this. Your video was well done.

[@AirborneEclipse]

Thank you… This inspired me to do nearly the same thing but without an anchor trolly. I just have a cord from bow or stern to a quick release and it pulls through a heavy duty bungee loop coming from buoy. I use the paddle to easily retrieve the line if I ever release it.

[@SavageVoyageur]

Very nicely designed, thanks Mate

[@danmcalinden8728]

Best and easy to follow instruction I’ve found , well done that lad !

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks Dan, I’m glad you found the video useful 😀

[@trooper2221]

Thank You. I’m new and haven’t even had my kayak in the water. I’ll just be fishing in these Oklahoma fresh water lakes. But still will probably want an anchor. I appreciate your clear concise explanations. Thanks again

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks for the comment, safe paddling and tight lines 🎣

[@seanfalconer7182]

Best video on the subject BY FAR

[@KayakFishingIoW]

Thank you for putting these videos together. They are proving invaluable to enable me to buy the right kit and assemble a proper anchor trolley and quick release amchor setup. I've been in today to see one of your colleagues (Luke) in Norfolk Canoes in Norwich. Bought a Feel Free Lure 11.5 V2 with the Overdrive pedal system. I also bought the key components for this quick release anchor system. It will be easy to fit once I have my kayak delivered, thanks to you 🤙👌

[@michaelkirkwood4052]

Awh mate, this video is so good. So well explained, comprehensive and incredibly helpful! I own a feel free 13.5, that is yet to be christened, now I know exactly what to do regarding the anchor and trolley system. Thanks brother!! Tight lines! ;) 🙌👏👏🙌

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks Michael, hope the install goes well on the Lure 13.5 😎🎣

[@ParzivalPheonix]

Fantastic instructional videos!

[@horsey_editz3118]

Great video, this was a big help in setting up my anchor system🙂

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks! Glad the video helped. Tight lines 😃

[@markhills2256]

Awesome best demo yet

[@IRONMANMETALBILLDANKANIS]

Another great video. Thank you!

[@ahmelmahay]

brillent tuturial Sir thanks soo much

[@johnoutram5969]

Gidday ,just watched your video on quick release anchor system. I live in Australia and just starting Kayaking ,thanks for your advice,a lot of people out here use a retractable clothesline,but this is far better.

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Hi John, thanks for the comment and enjoy your adventure into the world of kayaking and kayak fishing. It’s addictive and super fun! 😎 tight lines from the other side of the world 🎣

[@johnbaker4627]

Great video good easy to follow tutorial 👍

[@rolo_pabbs]

Awesome set-up. Thanks for sharing. New sub

[@timr5297]

Nicely Done, great information, and a very clean system design.

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks Tim 🎣

[@peterevans3247]

Totally agree with the Plastic Pipe bloke, the best video on anchoring a kayak I've seen and believe me I've watched a few cause I'm a newbie and at the moment outfitting my Pescador Pilot. Subscribed. 👍🇦🇺

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks Peter! Hope the outfitting is going well 😎

[@freak4jc1]

Thank you so much, you've helped me a great deal.

[@WillLewer]

Fantastic video, very helpful! Would love to see a video of your Outback camo

[@andrewcahilly6264]

Thank u . Great idea

[@pb-bx1ll]

Great video thank you

[@davidtran5816]

great vid. very well explained. helped me feel comfortable with setting up and using my anchor. thanks

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks David, glad the video has helped provide some confidence 😀

[@davidtran5816]

@@CornishKayakAngler thanks for doing these vids!

[@Class1Adventures]

Brilliant that. Great video. 👍

[@rumahshamsul3380]

Great tutorial! Thank you very much mate!👍

[@CornishKayakAngler]

No problem, hope you found it useful 😃

[@trout-ticklers2412]

Great info. The buoy is screaming to be tied on with a clove hitch. Quicker, neater, easier and adjustable 👍

[@TarheelBigfoot]

Best on the internet,,o have watched many many of your vids..awsome,simple,great job

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks for the comment and great to hear that you enjoyed the video and others on my channel 😀

[@duck7927]

youre saving lives man!

[@nickframe6743]

Great video. Thank you. 👍👍

[@planethexa]

Really genius. Thanks.

[@fangelaguilera8688]

Great video Thank you.

[@merseypirates]

Yet another great video mt

[@monicageorgson4870]

Very helpful! TY

[@richardhackman5129]

Superb instructional video thanks! I'm a bit late to sea kayaking (I'm about to get one for my 60th Birthday!) - so videos like yours are a huge help :-)

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks Richard, I believe I spoke with you today about your new kayak 😀 great choice and you will love the world of kayak fishing! 🎣🐟

[@richardhackman5129]

@@CornishKayakAngler - Haha! I had no idea it was you I was talking to - I should have put two and two together! 😂 What are the odds? Must be a good omen. Carry on making the videos Liam - they helped inspire me to get into Kayak fishing 😊 🎣🛶

[@leemp337]

weakest link is the recommendation of a cheap carabiner attached to anchor. if it breaks you lose your anchor. spend a little extra for a reliable carabiner. This was an amazing explanation of how the systems work together. thank you very much. i subscribed as i have watched a few of your videos.

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Cheap isn’t so bad when you lose a set up every now and then (even when set up with a anti-snag trip it occasionally happens). No chance of breaking or bending out even a cheap zinc plated karabiner within the anchor set up from a kayak, maybe a boat but not a kayak 👍🏻 it’s only a few quid more for stainless though so not the end of the world to upgrade.

[@ACOCAFishing]

Smart setup man!like

[@dzmalekvali1110]

Good info..

[@williamclayton203]

Thanks!

[@PeterRanieriII]

You know your stuff, enjoyable and educational videos man, just subbed ya

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks Peter! Tight lines 🎣

[@richardmarsh7378]

Awesome

[@gjbeardsley7665]

Thanks

[@peterevans3247]

Thanks for the explanation Mate. Still trying to figure out what to do but looking toward your way of doing things. Putting holes in watercraft is a bit worrying lol

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Drilling holes is the fun bit 😅 mark twice, drill once, stay above the waterline and use some sealant!

[@Rray80]

Great video and an excellent looking system. I just wondered from anyone with experience, do those dive reels which seem to be largely plastic, hold up ok to the stress of being pulled taught from swell? I guess the anchor trolley bungee gives them enough of a buffer? CHEERS

[@tonus6559]

Great video, thanks very much for all the information. I’m setting up an almost identical system for my small RIB - I was wondering, once the anchor has hit the bottom and you are letting out the extra line - do you mark the line at increments (say every 5/10m) with a Sharpie or something? I thought about tying knots, but that might harm the integrity of the line?

[@amarshall3524]

I like the idea of that quick release system. But where I fish in the Bristol channel the tide flys through. All would be good up to the point of hauling it in. Good vids mate 👍

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Absolutely, strong tides is one situation where a quick release is not the easiest, nor the safest option to use! Go for a simple / direct method in such conditions for a safer option.

[@richardhackman5129]

a Marshall - I'm glad you raised this - I will be doing my fishing around the Bideford / North Devon area where the tides are strong - I was going to buy one of these setups but on second thoughts may just go for a simple / direct method as Liam suggests.

[@oOOShaunOOo]

@@CornishKayakAngler Why would the quick release system not be good in this sitution?

[@jasonatkins1095]

You are very easy to follow along with and that is great. I just setup the same anchoring system and I was wondering how much rope would you recommend I have between my kayak and the buoy? It be ok if I have less than 4m? Appreciate your time bud

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks Jason. You can have the buoy set less than a metre from your kayak if you wanted, but sometimes too close means the kayak knocks against the buoy if it’s choppy. When i anchor this way I usually have say 2m between the kayak and the buoy, but 5m of rope needed overall to have reach back to the cleat and have a little spare. If you wanted the buoy further away just left out more rope 😀

[@tomherrick2043]

I made up this quick-release anchor system and finally got around to testing it yesterday. All worked fine except for the line reel. Pulling the small anchor up by winding the reel was not impossible, but definitely quite difficult. I thought perhaps the reel mechanism needed some lubrication, but with no load it turned smoothly with little effort. As soon as I added the weight of the anchor the reel was way too hard to turn. I'm thinking that a different reel with an extended handle with a knob might give me much more leverage; I can probably gin something up, but thought I'd run the idea by you first.

[@jakedow4641]

In several of his videos, including this one, he says that those reels are not made for reeling in the anchor. You have to pull the anchor up by hand, then reel in the slack line.

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Hi Tom, yes as mentioned in the other comment by Jake, the reels are not great at hauling up the weight of an anchor, and it is best to hand haul the line until the anchor is back in the kayak, and then you can quickly wind in the slack line on the reel. It’s best to keep all slack line in the water as you do this to prevent tangles onboard and the risk of you getting caught up in the line too. A larger/longer handle would make it easier to straight haul onto the reel though, but I expect it will still take some effort. Hope this helps!

[@tomherrick2043]

Thanks. I'll work on this and let you know if I come up with anything helpful for others. All the best, Tom @@CornishKayakAngler

[@samuelmdouglas]

Ive just had a thought on this, could you run this setup but have your anchor rope run through the pickup bouy, and have a quick release caribiner on your anchor trolley. It would save all the changing around when retreiving.

[@HuwFerris-John]

Great video Liam, I'm going to change my setup to this. Is there any reason that you don't use the scaffold knot to the buoy?

[@davidparker6441]

Nice video. Try using a Clove hitch instead to secure the pickup buoy to the rope - far neater knot, easy to tie & adjust, super strong and won’t slip. 😃

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks David - yep a Clove hitch would indeed do the job fine. As long it is doesn’t budge then it’s all cool 😎

[@paulkennedy5822]

The way it was done was basically a clove hitch

[@morrisbroom6403]

Yeah Boi!

[@markmay184]

Great vid, a complex procedure well demonstrated. Wouldn’t it be safer when hauling (weighing) your anchor, to snatch the anchor line that is on your anchor reel into the carabiner first, before removing the floating line (attached to the buoy) from the carabiner. It’s a little difficult to determine in the benign garage set up you have used to demonstrate the procedure, but to me it looks like when you remove the floating line first, that you are effectively not at anchor anymore.

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Hi Mark, yep that is the idea behind it, that switch over bit is the most dangerous part of the hauling procedure as if everything goes tight quickly you are side on and at risk of going over. If both lines are temporarily out of the karabiner at this moment then if things went wrong you can just let go, let everything float off the buoy and paddle back round to give it another go. But once adept with the system you could clip the other line in first. As long as the anchor trolley lines are not cleated then it can slide easily to the bow or stern if things started going wrong, although there is the risk of it pulling away from the kayak side on, especially in fast tides or particularly windy conditions (I would advise the simple system shown in my other video in such conditions and direct haul from the stern without having to go side on at any point). Once confident you just grab the trolley line and force it to the front or back in such a situation to get the kayak quickly back in line with conditions but if it goes wrong it all happens within a couple of seconds! Done it, seen it happen to others, try to prevent it! Until you practice it a few times it’s difficult to fully explain in writing or video! These videos were filmed in the 2020 ‘stay at home’ lockdown hence my best explanation on the garage.

[@angelohurley6633]

Thank you this is great content. If you are using a buoy why do you need a floating rope?

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks! The floating rope is just easier to grab and gives you more to aim at than just the buoy. If there is a current running then you may miss the buoy but can grab the rope.

[@peterthompson6714]

Love your videos - very helpful. However, do you think that 2mm anchor line is strong enough for our waters, especially if you're trying to retrieve a jammed anchor?

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks Peter. 2mm is more than strong enough! If you’ve ever been snagged with braid of at least 50lb on a kayak you’ll see that even this would be enough to hold a kayak at anchor. In fact some kayak anglers use heavy braid (say 150lb) on their anchor reels instead of cord! Others use 1mm line without issue. I’ve had my anchor snagged many times with the 2mm cord and there is next to no chance of being able to snap it by hand.

[@WillLewer]

Great vid, very informative! Is that the full size H-Crate or the H-Crate Jr on your Outback? Thanks

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks! That’s the full size H-Crate on my Outback

[@southsomersetferretersfiel5202]

Great video , I’m new to kayaking , for added safety can you use outriggers with the anchor system

[@CornishKayakAngler]

There’s no reason why you can’t use outriggers and have an anchor trolley set up. Just ensure the anchor trolley runs beneath the outrigger arms so that the anchor line can run unhindered along the kayak

[@southsomersetferretersfiel5202]

Cornish Kayak Angler thanks , great channel by the way

[@TexasJaz]

Great video. Cannot find that styled buoy in the United States...

[@CornishKayakAngler]

I just had a quick google and they do seem hard to find in the US! Strange as you can find them in any marine store here in the U.K. keep searching, there must be a marine supplier somewhere that has them

[@SleepyBoBos]

I've got a Coopers anchor on mine, lightweight and reinforced nylon so they don't damage your kayak and they dig in hard

[@CornishKayakAngler]

The Cooper Anchors are nice, but they are hard to get hold of here in the UK and much more expensive than galvanised steel anchors!

[@stephenjackson1828]

Great vid! Where did that crate come from? Would it fit a Viking profish? TIA

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks Stephen! The crate is the Hobie H-Crate and pretty certain it will fit the rear tank well of the Viking ProFish models. Super strong crate, expensive but hassle-free and just does the job well!

[@miamiwax5504]

I think a cuban yoyo or hand reel is much better idea than a dive reel. when u pull the line up by hand you are just putting it back on the yoyo.

[@brianc3242]

Interesting video. . . Having recently moved from a kayak to a small 2.7m Zodiac SIB, I was thinking this system would also work well with a sib apart from the trolley pulley. Do you think it would work well off the bow. And would it be heavy enough?

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Yeah it should work fine on a small SIB, maybe just used a slightly longer length of chain to enhance the holding power. If you wanted to up the anchor maybe go to a 2kg Bruce or a 2.5kg grapnel together with 2m of chain. That should do the job fine. Always best to tie off the bow on a SIB / dinghy just due to the hull shape. It should ride the conditions fine then.

[@johnstorer9168]

Great videos matey. Where do you obtain the black plastic buffer beads please?

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Cheers John. If you are in the UK then they can be sourced from Cornwall Canoes. If you’re elsewhere then try a marine store or they can sometimes be found in camping/outdoor stores.

[@johnstorer9168]

@@CornishKayakAngler cheers matey

[@davidbergewaytogo]

Could a boat fender be used as a float? I want something more substantial than those small orange-size floats, but don't wish to shell out too much money for a float. I saw white fenders that have eyelets on both ends, the ribbed kind ones... would those work?

[@lurekayaklrf]

Just a note about the carabiner used on the anchor trolley, using just a single biner doesn’t give you any redundancy so if you accidentally Unclipped the anchor trolley line while clipping something into it you could drop it and essentially lose the use of your anchor trolley. (It would be really hard to grab the clip once it’s sunk and is hanging at the back of the yak) A solution would be 2 carabiners or a carabiner and a permanent connection. I’m a climber so we always make sure there’s 2 or more attachments for anything we need to Unclip. ✌🏻

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Hi Donny, thanks for the comment and completely get what you’re saying. With the trolley lines under tension due to the bungee, the rings are held firmly at either end of the karabiner. It would take a fair movement on the karabiner to work the ring out of the gate, more than you would ever do when clipping the anchor line in and out, but I guess it wouldn’t be impossible. Not had it happen personally though and like you say a loose karabiner clipped to the trolley karabiner would build in a back up. At least there’s no fall involved if it went wrong, perhaps just a days fishing at anchor cut short! I have unclipped and used as the towline I mention several times now and this effectively does what you mention, leaving the trolley line hanging from the back of the kayak once it’s finished with. I have found it easy enough to use a paddle or rod tip to flick the rope back up to me. Same can be done at the bow and then reconnect everything. Not a perfect solution but one that works when needed.

[@wilsonia1000]

Do you stow the anchor kit in the forward locker on the Outback?

[@CornishKayakAngler]

I usually keep it just behind the seat in the rear cargo area. Sometimes it stays in my H-Crate but it’s a bit easier to grab or stow just behind the seat and leaves more room on the H-Crate for tackle boxes and other gear.

[@dzmalekvali1110]

Iam interested in kayak business abroad..I got location.. kayàka vk32 13feet... and other water crafts...any suggestions on how to use or best rental management software or idea...

[@apples9999100]

with all that weight from the anchor and chain and at least what 40 foot of rope. what kind of water are you fishing in a kayak ? because if the water is that ruff i am not going fishing that day.

[@CornishKayakAngler]

The reel in the video holds 260ft of anchor line. This is suitable for anchoring up to about 100ft or so. I usually anchor in anywhere from 50-200ft and have a larger capacity reel for the deeper waters. There is one particular mark we fish for giant skate where we anchor in over 500ft of water using a very similar set up just with a heavier anchor and more chain! A 1.5 or 2kg anchor plus a meter or two of chain will usually hold a kayak in most conditions that would be considered reasonable / moderate weather - 10-15kt winds, a few feet of swell, a knot or so of tide etc. I have anchored in some pretty nasty conditions and the set up still holds well, just often you have to let out more anchor rope to allow the anchor to get a good hold of the bottom.

[@TheReelIsle]

When tying the buoy to the rope, why not use the hole in the divers reel handle? Why do you have a clip there instead? Thanks

[@CornishKayakAngler]

The clip comes as standard on the reel - it’s a divers reel so the clip will be so a diver can clip it to their belt. It has little use on the anchor set up but I guess could be used to attach the reel to the kayak if needed. The rope is best through the handle - the plastic is thicker here and less chance of breaking under the strain of being anchored.

[@TheReelIsle]

@@CornishKayakAngler thanks for the reply. Good point on the thicker plastic handling the strain. I set mine up a couple days ago based on your video using the recommended components from Cornwall Canoes. Was a breeze thanks to your videos. Thanks.

[@HugDeeznueces]

Can this be done with the anchor wizard kit???

[@CornishKayakAngler]

It wouldn’t work as they buoy and reel would not be able to pass through the anchor wizard.

[@tokay999]

What dept do you usually anchor up ?

[@CornishKayakAngler]

I’m usually anchoring in waters of 40-120ft. On some deepwater lochs in Scotland I have anchored in 450ft, although this requires a much heavier set up but the same quick release principle.

[@frankiepnightriderouternat2683]

Isn't it better to use 2 cable ties 1 for quick release and other to the 1st cable tie so you don't leave plastic in the ocean enough there already that'd what I do

[@briannielsen4288]

Great video, but please consider using an alternative to plastic ties. Lets try to keep the oceans plastic free.

[@expomm]

I thought the anchor should always be on stern or bow , not in the side

[@tklosterman11]

I can’t find that buoy 😂

[@gw6797]

Another great video Liam. You've explained both systems thoroughly but I think the quick release method has to many things that can end up getting snagged or problems caused when hauling the Anchor and swapping over at the mid point. One slight delay at that point and you sharp tip. At the end of the day a quick snip of the rope and lost anchor costs next to nothing. If you can afford to go Kayak fishing you can easily afford a new anchor and chain. Here's a link to a very experienced Kayak Fisherman and how it went with him. This is only my view, I know people who use this system with no bother at all. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYLcgJWFm62kjck

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Yes the Quick Release system certainly is more of a handful when it comes to hauling. In calm to moderate conditions it is unlikely to cause any issues. I’ve fished alongside friends who use the system and it rarely causes problems except in strong tides such as shown in Marks video you have linked. I have fished with Mark several times and used to be on the RTM fishing team with him! He fished the Norfolk / Suffolk coast and they get some very strong tidal flows there of over 2 knots. In such conditions the simple method of anchoring is much easier and safer when it comes to hauling. In a fast tide you get very little time to transfer the ropes before the tide puts the system under strain again, just as you saw in his video. Each system has its pros and cons and each works better in certain conditions and for certain scenarios. When fishing for big fish I use the quick release system as i often have to quickly release to follow a fish but for 90% of my fishing I use the simple method 😃

[@gw6797]

@@CornishKayakAngler Thanks for the explanation Liam. I can see now that it would be handy for the bigger fish Graeme