Done Right shallow water anchor

[fishnkamp]

I run a Lowe Stinger 17 which is a nice wide aluminum bass boat.  Unfortunately everything that makes this boat great also makes the wind and tidal current push it around. For lake fishing I installed a Minn Kota electric anchor which is great if you want to stop and retie while sitting in deep water but not good if you want to park next to a dock in shallow water.  I am looking at installing a Venom Lures Done Right anchor pole system on my trolling motor. I already purchased a Dig In pole and intend to make a bracket for use in the rear.  Has anyone used the Done Right system  they look pretty nice. You can see them at  http://www.venomlures.com/venom_down_right.htm   Here is a picture of one.

[Avalonjohn44]

I have been looking at various 'self sticking' shallow water anchors. I like the setup you have because it is only as tall as your trolling motor, which helps keep it out of the way of casting... I am looking at one (the name escapes me right now) that has a bracket that goes around your cleat.

[fishnkamp]

That is a picture from their website. I am not sure if I am ready to pull the trigger yet.  If you look on their website at some of the videos, it sticks out pretty far but seems to work well.  I was wondering if anyone here had used it.  The other really well known piece is Dig In , but you are probably referring to a video a catfish guy did called DIY shallow water anchors.  He is using parts made and sold by Max Gain. I was familiar with them because they a fiberglass manufacturers they make collapsible fiberglass poles we use for putting up temporary antennas, as well as some fiberglass pieces to assemble some amateur radio beam antennas. 

[Avalonjohn44]

Yes, the one I wanted was from Max Gain, with a cleat hook up from Neptune system. I liked the Max Gain one because you can make it longer/shorter and there were attachments.

[fishnkamp]

It is funny because i used Max Gain parts to help assemble an amateur antenna years ago.  They make nice stuff.

[tander]

I looked at this system before. I am just wondering if it would be in the way of certain casts or even fighting a fish, leading him around the other side of the boat.

[webertime]

I'd worry about the strains on the bow/top cap since you are putting a whole lot more strain on the TM mount than a TM would normally put on it.  I think one of the cleat based mounts would be better for sure.

 

[fishnkamp]

  Since my boat is aluminum and my trolling motor is thru bolted with a plate underneath it I do not expect to do any top cap damage. Right next to my trolling motor is a Minn Kota electric anchor winch and I run a 15 pound river anchor. I have used it in some heavy tidal current.  My main interest in this arrangement was to quietly park the boat in order to dissect the docks better. Now I have to rely on the trolling motor which is not great fishing for shallow dock fish.

[dman]

On 6/20/2016 at 10:09 PM, Avalonjohn44 said:

Yes, the one I wanted was from Max Gain, with a cleat hook up from Neptune system. I liked the Max Gain one because you can make it longer/shorter and there were attachments.

I just got the Neptune cleat loop last week, exactly what i was looking for. Works great, and only $30 as apposed to $160.  Seems a lot more convenient to me as well as apposed to the Venom unit. If i come upon a spot I just grab the pole and anchor in using the cleat, dont even have to put my fishing rod down. With this unit you have to pull out the trolling motor and loosen the knob to release the anchor pole. Really good communication from the Neptune team and fast shipping - had the cleat in 3 days.     http://www.shallowwateranchors.net/products.php

[fishnkamp]

The Neptune cleat  idea is great if your cleats are on top of the cap of your boat. Lowe has moved them to the inside a bit so that wont work for me,  If I see a spot I drop the trolling motor anyway. My transducer for my electronics is on the bottom of the trolling motor, so if I am fishing more than likely my electronic eyes are in use as well.  Did you get the poles from Neptune?  They are a bit less expensive from there which is good.   Also someone asked if it would get in the way of landing a fish. I am not sure, I have not seen one in person yet, that is what I was hoping i might find out by posting here.  It looks like the bracket and pole sit about 8 inches in front of the trolling motor so it could get in the way I guess.  If I am on deep structure I would store the pole in my rod locker.