Andy at Anchor. Kayak anchoring photo shoot

Andy Benham, author of Kayak Fishing is kayak fishing in Jersey to write some kayak fishing articles for Sea Angler and Canoe Kayak UK magazines.

Anchoring a sit on top kayak

Andy and myself have been doing a kayak anchoring photo shoot to demonstrate safe methods of anchoring your kayak. The message is to avoid anchoring in areas where there is any current until you have got used to anchoring.

You can find lots of comments about anchoring in 3, 4 and even 5 knot plus tide streams on the Web. In some cases people are over estimating the speeds, or have loads of experience. Take some statements with caution, especially if you are just starting to learn how to kayak fish with an anchor.

Though there may be little or no current when you drop anchor, after an hour or so things can change. What was once still water can easily become a faster stream.

Around Jersey it is common to find tide streams of 3 plus knots so anchoring may not be a sensible option except in some very still spots, and even then, these places can change very quickly.

Know the tide streams rates in the area you plan to drop anchor with your kayak. Remember, tide streams may run along the coast and can speed up near rocks and headlands.

Avoid attaching your kayak directly to the anchor system. We were using a free running rig which means that it is relatively easy to ditch the yellow (floating ) line. You will see more the finished article.

If you are going to anchor your kayak to fish ensure you have practised anchoring in calm water so you know the advantages and disadvantages of anchoring your kayak.

Once the tide streams start to speed up it is not the time to start reaching for the ‘instruction manual’!

Derek Hairon