Anchoring during generation? Safe?

[Greg]

I was fishing Taneycomo on Sunday. I was on the extreme upper part of the lake and an older gentleman and his wife motored up in a small pontoon type boat. There were 4 generators going and they dropped anchor. I had always heard that this is not safe? I'm just curious is that true? In fact once he dropped anchor he had a heck of a time getting up to his anchor and getting it undone. He looked a little panicked for a minute or so. I just seem to remember several years ago when I took a guided trip on the White - the guide saying he didn't ever anchor during generation - that several folks had drowned on the white when their boats swamped after anchoring. But I don't fish from a boat much so I don't know.

Greg

[Phil Lilley]

Sounds like you have it... if everything is right, an anchor rope will pull a boat under in a flash. If you have to anchor, tie the rope off the front of the boat and have a knife ready.

[Greg]

Thanks Phil. I was just curious. Also glad this particular boat didn't swamp.

Greg

[Wayne SW/MO]

If you must, a buoy placed the proper length up the line will make it somewhat safe. The buoy serves 2 purposes, 1) it changes the angle to a point that prevents it pulling the bow down. 2)it gives a better uplift on the anchor when you retrieve it.

[WebFreeman]

I was almost swamped below Powersite once when my anchor got stuck. You'd think the 3 crosses painted on the dam would have been enough of a warning. I can't imagine anchoring below Table Rock dam.

[TwoJay]

I wouldn't say it is ever safe to anchor in heavy generation, however, a pontoon is certainly the best option given the nature of the floatation of a pontoon versus that of a v-hull or tri-hull boat.