rickybobbybend said:
I may be misreading RiverBottomOutdoors, but I never anchor cross-current (or cross-wind for that matter); both for comfort and safety.
If sway is a concern, then use a stern anchor in addition to the bow anchor. So given that, I fished a couple of times to be sure of location. Then I decided to place a couple of rod holders along the transom (one on each side of the OB) and one on each of the gunwales, one for the use of the driver and one for the guest. I really believe in taking a trip or two before finalizing locations.
I'll try to elaborate as best I can. I don't want anyone to be confused or cause anyone to do anything unsafe. With respect to current and anchoring the boat sideways, this would be for moderate to slow currents that are typical of catfish (big catfish) waters. It's a pretty common setup for catfishing from a small boat and even tinnys in the 18 to 20ft range.
Even when anchoring a small boat from bow and aft, shifting weight in the boat when anchored with bow into the current will cause the boat to list and the water will push it in the direction of the list if both anchor ropes are not banjo string tight. It can actually be a little tricky getting the banjo string with such a small boat because chances are you will not get your anchors to completely line up or even taught with the boat swaying in the current. Every time you move in the boat, it will respond. Kinda like that Newton guy's 3rd law of motion. I actually use this affect to my advantage sometimes to drive my tiller steer by tightening the steering, locking the throttle, standing up and shifting my weight in the direction that I want to turn. Almost like surfing your boat.
For my catfish setup, I choose to fish my 1448 off the back. I think it's just wide enough to make it practical and I took lots of time planning and saving to perfect the setup. But I've been fishing for big cats for sometime so I've seen lot of setups. I think Mac is just looking for some ideas to kick around.
I hope that helps paint a better picture of what I was trying to say.
Take care,
Jonah