Anchoring below locks?

[Fisherjoe]

I'm one of the few that does it. I'll motor as close to the red line as possible and throw anchor in the middle of the hydros. You need your anchor to catch because no reasonable amount of weight will hold you alone. I then tie 2 cheapo life jackets to the end of the anchor line because when you stick a pig it's impossible to get him to the boat in that current so I'll release the line and chase em down. I'll fish current where up to 24 oz of weight is needed to keep bait down. I never attempt this by myself.

I've seen enough money won in tournaments over the years by guys doing this that I decided to myself and it's yielded some of my heaviest one day baskets ever. Your arms will beg for forgiveness if you hook a 50+ in that kind of current.

I never tie the anchor line to the boat - I use anchor cleats and still keep a knife handy.

The biggest problem and where you can get into the most trouble is retrieving your anchor. You'll have to motor up to bring in the slack line and be able to pop the anchor. If you muck up and get the rope caught in the prop and the anchor doesn't dislodge you're done for. The back of your boat will be submerged before you can blink. If the anchor is really stuck consider it a small loss - I have to sacrifice one about 10% of the time.

I should also mention I have a 23 foot boat with high sides - I probably wouldn't do this in a small boat.

I agree with all Lowerider said. Never go it alone, always wear your PFD, and make sure your knife is very sharp. Instead of PFD's on the anchor line, I attach a couple empty jugs. I have also seen pool noodles threaded onto the anchor line. Just be sure the float will not slip off if you have to cut the rope.

An option to anchoring is to have one person hold the boat in place with the big motor and another cast. When you hook Mr. Big., put the boat in neutral and go the current. Land the fish, switch places and go again. This gives you a little more flexibility and there is no anchor line for the fish to tangle in.

Good luck and be safe.

[Riverfisher]

Guys he is talking about fishing on the KY RIVER not the OHIO. These are much smaller and no hydro generation. I agree with the advise to be careful around the dams, all good, but these dams on the KY are a little different than the OHIO. If the flow is low they are no problem you can use the trolling motor. Don't misunderstand if you get too close it can be dangerous but the ones on the KY are manageble.

[BurleyDog]

Thanks again for your advice. Like I said I don't have anyone else to give me this type of advice so I am reliant on you guys. Thanks.

I am going this weekend, I will post a report when I can.