Interesting take Steve. I use a retractor like that but replaced the plastic clothesline with 550(as many do) because it will hold more line. Drill a few small holes in the bottom for drainage and air movement. IF it becomes an issue; my knife is on my PFD and I’ll cut away a $15 dollar anchor, some chain, and a few feet of paracord before stressing over it. Getting home safe is always the first point. I went this route because I think having anchor line heaped all over the yak may be MORE dangerous. Oh, and all that aside, my anchor is set up as per “Tactical Anchor Rig” on the Float Fish Adventure TH-cam channel. The prime objective is always to go home after.
I use this at times, but I’ve replaced the line with 550 paracord. I attach it to my seat leg using a jumbo carabiner. If anything happens I just let it off the jumbo carabiner, seconds and it’s gone. I use the jumbo carabiner as it’s easier to grab to quick release than a smaller carabiner. Sometimes I use a dive reel, sometimes my anchor is just tied to the rope and under my seat. Permanently attaching is a bad idea, especially on a crate in the back where you can’t reach it. Keep up the vids.
I should know better after almost 40yrs of working on the water (Navy/Oilfield). Being able to castaway w/o hesitation & quickly, is paramount on the water. I'm on your side not because of possible risk but because I've seen the traumatic dangers of anchorages gone wrong. Thanks for reminding me of what I should know/remember. You now have a new subscriber. 👍👍👍💯💯💯
Well said Steve! I set up my anchor system based on one of your previous videos. I followed your advice and use a quick release knot. I’ve used the quick release option twice in 2022. Once was to pursue a big bass that was about to tangle in my anchor line and the other was due to a huge wake from an idiot boater that came too close to my kayak. The boat wake would have swamped me. I’m glad you posted this video. Thanks.
Nice insight. I use one of these but I changed out the line for para cord and it is attached to my floating crate instead of the kayak directly. My crate is one bungie away from a toss overboard if my anchor gets caught. When anchored, it's my cleat that holds the weight instead of the mechanism. Love your work man, keep it up!
You honestly just saved me from making this mistake. I was literally going to do this with a dog leash tomorrow because im brand new to kayak fishing (literally started a week and a half ago and I’ve went 4 times so far) and I’ve been installing paddle clips and rod holders and have been absolutely loving kayak fishing. I was having a very hard time thinking of how I can add an anchor system and the dog leash idea sounded good and cheap to do. This video being recommended to me is a blessing so thank you very much for saving me from making that mistake. 🙏
Your site consistently dispenses good advice. I've seen this hack recommended on other sites; usually as "let's get stuff for our kayak from every department except the Fishing/Kayak Department " at (fill in your favorite Box Store). Great public service announcement! The life you save should be yours while using your 'yak!
Good points. There are videos on how to bypass the circuit protection on lithium batteries on here, and if people follow those instructions it's a matter of when, not if, they'll end up with a fire. But youtube doesn't remove them if reported. Some of them are a few years old so there's probably been a couple of houses or even lives lost to the damn things by now.
I used to use a retractable clothes line as an anchor line. Luckily it quickly rusted out from the salt water, and I upgraded to a detachable line, and have been using them ever since. Side note, I have only had to detach once, but it was for a positive, I had to chase down my PB Largemouth that was taking me for a ride. Thanks for the info. Tight lines 🎣🤙🏾
This was a good video. I would like to see more videos on safety issues. What do you think about so many people buying and wearing life jackets that have dark colors that blend in with the water?. One time I was on the Intracoastal in my little sailboat and I saw something white far off close to shore in Biscayne Bay. I left the channel and sailed over toward it and as I got closer I saw it was a jet ski upside down. There were two dark things in the water close to it. When I got closer I could make out the heads of two people, one of them was a child. The child had a blue lifejacket and the father didn't have one at all. They had capsized in perhaps the only deepwater in that part of the bay. It was winter and the water was cold and the father was freezing and was having difficulty keeping his head above water. If it hadn't been for the white of the upside-down JetSki I would've never noticed them.
Thanks for this public service announcement. I saw the hack when I was attaching an anchor trolley and had the same thoughts. Quick release all the way!!
Great PSA for sure. I was thinking at one time about doing this hack, and the same issue kept coming to me about the retract spring getting wet and breaking. (I've let tape measures get wet and break in days. I can't imagine how quickly salt water would do one in) Then like you said about the safety aspect. I'm nervous enough about anchoring up as it is. Thank you for verifying my thoughts.
Thanks for the video. Im new to kayaking I have a quick release hooked up to my anchor system. I use a scuba dive reel as I have seen people use in videos. I like the length I get in case I want to anchor in a deep spot. Do you see any problem with this set up
Tension over time would cause the line to degrade and fail eventually. Imagine having your kayak drifting uncontrolled by a dam or rapids! It makes you pucker up in those situations. It’s important to have knowledge of what to do as well. Thank you for the PSA! 🫡
You don't have to attach it to your kayak. I use a cleat to hold the anchor line with a Yak-Attack anchor trolley. I replaced the cord with paracord and have been using this retractable clothes line since 2017. I fish mostly saltwater and it is still working like a charm. I like that the anchor line does not clutter up the kayak deck. The ability to cut it away or throw the whole thing in the water can definitely be a life saver in dangerous situations. Before this I used a pool noodle and wrapped my anchor line around it.
Your earlier video on why to use a quick release knot to attach an anchor rope to a kayak REALLY made me always have a way to release the anchor fast! Now I don't even use an anchor at all, since with my Hobie PA 12 I seldom need one. And I hate having my kayak strain against the wind or current. So I definitely advise AGAINST having no quick release strategy. I'm VERY focused on safety! Thanks for the PSA!
Great info as always Steve!! I’ve never liked those things and I still use a Z-cleat with a float on my anchor line. If troubles come I want that rope unhooked from my kayak as quickly as possible! Thanks for the great advice and looking out for the community brother 🙏🙏😁👍👊🛶🎣🐟🛶
I use a retractor and a Z cleat. I almost always anchor from the front for safety. I'll only anchor off the side in a slow current or lake. I did have a situation where I was in a fairly strong current and all the line came off the retractor. Fortunately the knot at the end of the line inside pulled loose. At that point I realized that could have ended badly. So now I use a Z cleat and the retractor sits lose on the floor. I'm going to put a float on the retractor for when I need to go off anchor.
Shurley you jest! Replace clothsline with paracord and attach the reel with velcro for a quick release! Ihave same set up have used it for many years with zero problems!!!
Just as dangerous as that is the Anchor Wizard. The reel is attached solidly to your track and the anchor line fed to your stern. I got my anchor hung in fairly strong current and before I realized what was happening, my stern was under water.
same situation if you tie up to a tree or bridge pillar... you never want to be locked down with out a QUICK...very easy QUICK... release....all you need is some one producing a big wake close by....INSTANT SWAMP/FLIP......
love the video... but #1 never should you place the device permanently to your kayak, a quick realease should be in place at least a rope tied with a float that you can just pull. #2 never use the locking mechanics to hold you, atache it to a quick lock/release carabiner or something
#1 I fresh water fish, and this device IS designed to get wet as it is a CLOSELINE device which is generally used outdoors. #2 I had one of those and only used it when I was anchoring on a sand bar or at shore while I was out of the boat. Lets not throw the baby out with the bathwater! Just about any device can be misused . I have a pair of roller skates but I have never tried to roller skate in a buffalo herd! But you'd be happy if you'd a mind to! Love your videos!
Well, I have to disagree. If using as a clothesline, it would be retracted each time it is used - otherwise, just put up a permanent line. Since folks do not dry clothes on a rainy day, it would rarely be wet when retracting. On a boat, it is always wet. It sounds like you are using it safely, but TH-cam has a broad audience and many would not have thought about needing a quick release.
@@roberts.7569 I have been using it for years. Granted, I usually only use 20 feet of line. If you drop a lot of line, it might be obnoxious to wrap it around the reel when pulling the anchor
Fishing small lakes with no current, just wind blowing a kayak around: for this purpose the clothesline/paracord hack is fine. If someone has to be told to not use this in rapid current, maybe Darwin needs to introduce himself.
@@KayakhacksFishing I did not scroll through all of them but I did look at the first 15 ish. And None of them use the actual vinyl or whatever the white plastic string that comes with the clothe which is what has the weight limit you stated.
Tension over time would cause the line to degrade and fail eventually. Imagine having your kayak drifting uncontrolled by a dam or rapids! It makes you pucker up in those situations. It’s important to have knowledge of what to do as well. Thank you for the PSA! 🫡
Thanks for your service to the kayak community.
Interesting take Steve. I use a retractor like that but replaced the plastic clothesline with 550(as many do) because it will hold more line. Drill a few small holes in the bottom for drainage and air movement. IF it becomes an issue; my knife is on my PFD and I’ll cut away a $15 dollar anchor, some chain, and a few feet of paracord before stressing over it. Getting home safe is always the first point. I went this route because I think having anchor line heaped all over the yak may be MORE dangerous. Oh, and all that aside, my anchor is set up as per “Tactical Anchor Rig” on the Float Fish Adventure TH-cam channel. The prime objective is always to go home after.
I keep my line on a dive reel - th-cam.com/video/KxYEu_aRrNo/w-d-xo.html
I use this at times, but I’ve replaced the line with 550 paracord. I attach it to my seat leg using a jumbo carabiner. If anything happens I just let it off the jumbo carabiner, seconds and it’s gone. I use the jumbo carabiner as it’s easier to grab to quick release than a smaller carabiner.
Sometimes I use a dive reel, sometimes my anchor is just tied to the rope and under my seat. Permanently attaching is a bad idea, especially on a crate in the back where you can’t reach it. Keep up the vids.
I do the same
I should know better after almost 40yrs of working on the water (Navy/Oilfield). Being able to castaway w/o hesitation & quickly, is paramount on the water. I'm on your side not because of possible risk but because I've seen the traumatic dangers of anchorages gone wrong. Thanks for reminding me of what I should know/remember. You now have a new subscriber. 👍👍👍💯💯💯
It almost happened to me in my canoe years ago! Thanks for the reinforcement
Thank you! Congrats on the seven years. I've enjoyed all of your videos. I kept things simple in case of an emergency.
Awesome! Thank you!
Where is the quick release on an Anchor Wizard?
I was not familiar with the Anchor Wizard. I looked it up and can't believe it is being sold since it has the same defect.
Amen Brother. Thing about did me in.
I did have a thought that it could be a down rigger in deep water for targeting Kokanee from a kayak
Well said Steve! I set up my anchor system based on one of your previous videos. I followed your advice and use a quick release knot. I’ve used the quick release option twice in 2022. Once was to pursue a big bass that was about to tangle in my anchor line and the other was due to a huge wake from an idiot boater that came too close to my kayak. The boat wake would have swamped me. I’m glad you posted this video. Thanks.
Glad it helped! I am glad most of my fishing is in shallow water where the boats cannot come
Nice insight. I use one of these but I changed out the line for para cord and it is attached to my floating crate instead of the kayak directly. My crate is one bungie away from a toss overboard if my anchor gets caught. When anchored, it's my cleat that holds the weight instead of the mechanism. Love your work man, keep it up!
Good approach!
You honestly just saved me from making this mistake. I was literally going to do this with a dog leash tomorrow because im brand new to kayak fishing (literally started a week and a half ago and I’ve went 4 times so far) and I’ve been installing paddle clips and rod holders and have been absolutely loving kayak fishing. I was having a very hard time thinking of how I can add an anchor system and the dog leash idea sounded good and cheap to do. This video being recommended to me is a blessing so thank you very much for saving me from making that mistake. 🙏
Wow! Good timing. Glad to help!
Right on!
Your site consistently dispenses good advice. I've seen this hack recommended on other sites; usually as "let's get stuff for our kayak from every department except the Fishing/Kayak Department " at (fill in your favorite Box Store).
Great public service announcement! The life you save should be yours while using your 'yak!
Great to hear!
Do you have suggestions on ways to secure and organize your anchor rope. I want to avoid tangles.
Yes, this is what I do - th-cam.com/video/KxYEu_aRrNo/w-d-xo.html
Good points. There are videos on how to bypass the circuit protection on lithium batteries on here, and if people follow those instructions it's a matter of when, not if, they'll end up with a fire. But youtube doesn't remove them if reported. Some of them are a few years old so there's probably been a couple of houses or even lives lost to the damn things by now.
I have not seen one of those. Please share a link so I can get educated. thx
I used to use a retractable clothes line as an anchor line. Luckily it quickly rusted out from the salt water, and I upgraded to a detachable line, and have been using them ever since.
Side note, I have only had to detach once, but it was for a positive, I had to chase down my PB Largemouth that was taking me for a ride.
Thanks for the info.
Tight lines 🎣🤙🏾
Exactly... at least twice I year, I have to chase a fish!
This was a good video. I would like to see more videos on safety issues. What do you think about so many people buying and wearing life jackets that have dark colors that blend in with the water?. One time I was on the Intracoastal in my little sailboat and I saw something white far off close to shore in Biscayne Bay. I left the channel and sailed over toward it and as I got closer I saw it was a jet ski upside down. There were two dark things in the water close to it. When I got closer I could make out the heads of two people, one of them was a child. The child had a blue lifejacket and the father didn't have one at all. They had capsized in perhaps the only deepwater in that part of the bay. It was winter and the water was cold and the father was freezing and was having difficulty keeping his head above water. If it hadn't been for the white of the upside-down JetSki I would've never noticed them.
You make a great point - something I never thought about. I will start wearing my red jacket!
Thanks for this public service announcement. I saw the hack when I was attaching an anchor trolley and had the same thoughts. Quick release all the way!!
Great PSA for sure. I was thinking at one time about doing this hack, and the same issue kept coming to me about the retract spring getting wet and breaking. (I've let tape measures get wet and break in days. I can't imagine how quickly salt water would do one in) Then like you said about the safety aspect. I'm nervous enough about anchoring up as it is. Thank you for verifying my thoughts.
I agree., Even if the mechanism resists the water, it may not resist a really hard tug when fully extended.
Very good info I use one n love it but I upgraded the line an keep a knife just in case but god to know thank u very much
Thanks for the video. Im new to kayaking I have a quick release hooked up to my anchor system. I use a scuba dive reel as I have seen people use in videos. I like the length I get in case I want to anchor in a deep spot. Do you see any problem with this set up
None at all. I use the same thing. th-cam.com/video/KxYEu_aRrNo/w-d-xo.html
Thanks Steve
Tension over time would cause the line to degrade and fail eventually. Imagine having your kayak drifting uncontrolled by a dam or rapids! It makes you pucker up in those situations. It’s important to have knowledge of what to do as well.
Thank you for the PSA! 🫡
What I did, was tie the reel to the boat with a quick release knot. When pulled, the reel goes into the water with the float and anchor line.
Thanks for the info! Keep 'em coming!
You bet!
You don't have to attach it to your kayak. I use a cleat to hold the anchor line with a Yak-Attack anchor trolley. I replaced the cord with paracord and have been using this retractable clothes line since 2017. I fish mostly saltwater and it is still working like a charm. I like that the anchor line does not clutter up the kayak deck. The ability to cut it away or throw the whole thing in the water can definitely be a life saver in dangerous situations. Before this I used a pool noodle and wrapped my anchor line around it.
Good Point!
I got both set ups one for rivers one for farm ponds lakes.
Good job. Does this apply to the anchor wizard as well?
I was not familiar with the Anchor Wizard. I looked it up and can't believe it is being sold since it has the same defect.
Your earlier video on why to use a quick release knot to attach an anchor rope to a kayak REALLY made me always have a way to release the anchor fast! Now I don't even use an anchor at all, since with my Hobie PA 12 I seldom need one. And I hate having my kayak strain against the wind or current.
So I definitely advise AGAINST having no quick release strategy.
I'm VERY focused on safety!
Thanks for the PSA!
I really appreciate that! I'll work even harder!
Nothing like the voice of experience to save a lot of us from disaster. Thanks for this important public service announcement.
@@jimwhite1557 I agree! "An ounce of prevention...."
Great info as always Steve!! I’ve never liked those things and I still use a Z-cleat with a float on my anchor line. If troubles come I want that rope unhooked from my kayak as quickly as possible! Thanks for the great advice and looking out for the community brother 🙏🙏😁👍👊🛶🎣🐟🛶
Right on
100% right Steve
I use a retractor and a Z cleat. I almost always anchor from the front for safety. I'll only anchor off the side in a slow current or lake. I did have a situation where I was in a fairly strong current and all the line came off the retractor. Fortunately the knot at the end of the line inside pulled loose. At that point I realized that could have ended badly. So now I use a Z cleat and the retractor sits lose on the floor. I'm going to put a float on the retractor for when I need to go off anchor.
Add that float so you can pick it back up. Good call!
Shurley you jest! Replace clothsline with paracord and attach the reel with velcro for a quick release! Ihave same set up have used it for many years with zero problems!!!
Good idea on the velcro!
I just started kayak fishing last year and i saw alot of diy dog leash anchors and immediately i thought that was a terrible idea😂😂 good vid tho
Which New River are you referring to nearly tipping your kayak?
The one in Virginia. It was on the Ripplemead to Bluff City stretch.
Thank you .
Great and safe tip !!!
Thanks 👍
good to know.
Thank you 😂
Just as dangerous as that is the Anchor Wizard. The reel is attached solidly to your track and the anchor line fed to your stern. I got my anchor hung in fairly strong current and before I realized what was happening, my stern was under water.
Yes. I was not aware of the Wizard until a few folks commented.
😎👍 Good info
Thanks 👍
same situation if you tie up to a tree or bridge pillar... you never want to be locked down with out a QUICK...very easy QUICK... release....all you need is some one producing a big wake close by....INSTANT SWAMP/FLIP......
Yep!
love the video... but #1 never should you place the device permanently to your kayak, a quick realease should be in place at least a rope tied with a float that you can just pull. #2 never use the locking mechanics to hold you, atache it to a quick lock/release carabiner or something
Yep.
Great advice as always Colonel. Thank you very much. Sounds like you got a little cold. You take care yourself.
Thank you, I will
#1 I fresh water fish, and this device IS designed to get wet as it is a CLOSELINE device which is generally used outdoors. #2 I had one of those and only used it when I was anchoring on a sand bar or at shore while I was out of the boat. Lets not throw the baby out with the bathwater! Just about any device can be misused . I have a pair of roller skates but I have never tried to roller skate in a buffalo herd! But you'd be happy if you'd a mind to!
Love your videos!
Well, I have to disagree. If using as a clothesline, it would be retracted each time it is used - otherwise, just put up a permanent line. Since folks do not dry clothes on a rainy day, it would rarely be wet when retracting. On a boat, it is always wet. It sounds like you are using it safely, but TH-cam has a broad audience and many would not have thought about needing a quick release.
Wow I can't believe anyone would use a retractable dog leash to anchor a yak?!?!
Yep
I have one and used small zip ties to attach to milk crate.
Be careful!
@@KayakhacksFishing I just saw your dive reel video, might give that a try. Thanks
@@roberts.7569 I have been using it for years. Granted, I usually only use 20 feet of line. If you drop a lot of line, it might be obnoxious to wrap it around the reel when pulling the anchor
Fishing small lakes with no current, just wind blowing a kayak around: for this purpose the clothesline/paracord hack is fine. If someone has to be told to not use this in rapid current, maybe Darwin needs to introduce himself.
I agree to a certain extent. It will not take long for the internals to rust up.
Retractable clothes line only good for drying your pants when they get wet.
I haven't seen a single youtube video were anybody states to use the actual clothe line that comes in these things.
th-cam.com/users/results?search_query=clothes+line+kayak+anchor+hack
@@KayakhacksFishing I did not scroll through all of them but I did look at the first 15 ish. And None of them use the actual vinyl or whatever the white plastic string that comes with the clothe which is what has the weight limit you stated.
@@DiscoveryDarks Oh, I see. Your issue is the strength of the line. My issue is overall safety.
L I K E 👍👍👍👍👍🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩💯💥💯💥💯💥💥
Thank I did this and now will be tossing it out thanks for the important information ❤
Glad it was helpful!
Tension over time would cause the line to degrade and fail eventually. Imagine having your kayak drifting uncontrolled by a dam or rapids! It makes you pucker up in those situations. It’s important to have knowledge of what to do as well.
Thank you for the PSA! 🫡