Why Is Anchoring On Taneycomo Dangerous?

[Seth]

I do a lot of catfishing on the Missouri and Osage River's in some heavy current and I anchor all the time in deep holes with currents pushing 50-100k CFS. That's much faster than anything Taney pushes. I've always heard people down there preaching about not anchoring in the current or you will sink the boat. In my opinion, anchoring is perfectly safe if you know what you are doing. Here's what I do on the big rivers catfishing.

1. Never anchor from transom, only from the bow.

2. Let out plenty of line. I've always heard 7 feet of line per 1 foot of depth. So if you are anchored in 10 foot of water, let out 70 feet of line.

3. Always keep a sharp knife on hand in case a big log get's caught in the anchor line and you need to release it quickly. There's also a product called an anchor lift, which is a big rubber ball that slides up and down the line a lot of catfishermen use. This prevents you from losing your anchor if you need to unhook it quickly and float down river and also makes pulling the anchor up much easier.

Just follow these three steps and you shouldn't have any problems anchoring in heavy current.

[Bman]

Taney is a tailwater. Big difference. Lets say you have an anchor out and the Dam is running 1 unit, they suddenly go to 4 units. You are fishing, maybe really catching good, having a great time and don't notice the rising water. Keep that sharp knife handy, just in case.

The issue isn't heavy current, the issue is the Drastically rising water level. In addition, you have to watch when fishing the upper end during high flows because when they shut the generators off...there is no warning horn. I've seen boats get stranded. There's lots of tricky stuff to get hung up on. Rootwads, rocks, REBAR, gravel bars...

Trick is, be constantly very aware of your surroundings.

[Phil Lilley]

Seth-

Your list is perfect- right out of the USCG manual.

I anchor in heavy current here when I want or need to. It is relatively safe IF you know what you're doing but nothing is 100% safe. Depending on what kind and shape of boat you're in, a large wake could swamp an anchored boat. Leaning to one side quickly could lead to taking on water. I've seen people get their anchors lodged on the bottom, then try to maneuver their boat by running it back upstream to dislodge the anchor just to have the boat's bow dive down violently when they hit the end of the rope, swinging back down and then whipping back into position.

As for here at the marina, we take the safe side and say don't do it, especially in our rental boats. When dealing with the general public, you have to assume the worse - that they are ignorant and will do stupid things if not told otherwise.

I do try to instill a certain amount of fear when talking about the subject. I've seen what it can do first hand. If we say just "Don't Do it!", then it's choosing to stay on the safe side of the issue.

[twosets]

I do not know if the rocky bottom factors in but I have seen people in fishing seats and the anchor comes loose, then catches on the next big rock and it comes close to throwing them into the water

[bubbaray]

Over the past few years I have donated 5 anchors to the Taney gods. I guess I'm a slow learner. Now i just tie up.

[Seth]

Losing anchors is just part of the game. It happens on the big rivers every now and then also.

I didn't think of it that way Bman, but you do bring up a good point. Bagnell Dam tailwaters is where I do a lot of fishing and always anchor, but I never paid it much thought because where I anchor is still going to be under water if it does drop a lot.

Boat wakes can be a bit "hairy" at times, but I only run a 1648 and you just have to pay attention and be aware of when a big boat comes by. I always have to fight with the big slow moving ski boats up on LoZ, but it hasn't been too bad. The guys who fish the Mississippi have to contend with the barges, but they also generally run a 72" wide bottom boat too which makes a huge difference. If you have a bottom of 42" or less, then it's probably smarter not to anchor if there's a lot of boat traffic.

I'd do the same if I was in your shoes Phil. You have the responsibility of your guests to take into account. I'm sure if it's somebody with a lot on the water experience, they will know how to go about doing things the right way anyways and they won't be asking for help to begin with.

[Bman]

Seth , Do ya run your jet boat on the Meramec much? If yes, where? I'm close to the Pacific area, so thats where I run most(close to home) or over on the Big River.

[taxidermist]

I dopnt know ho wmany boats took the plung on White river last year but I know of seven all due to anchoring in the swift water.

Yea, if you know how then go for it, I dont see any need to anchor, nor do I see a need for a drag chain.

[Seth]

Seth , Do ya run your jet boat on the Meramec much? If yes, where? I'm close to the Pacific area, so thats where I run most(close to home) or over on the Big River.

I'm never on the Maramec, but I got a buddy from Cuba that gigs it every fall up around Steeleville. I'd like to try it down there on the Maramec close to your homestead for some flatheads sometime. I've always heard that area is good for them.