The first option on any and all stillwater fishing craft must be a foolproof, simple to operate anchor system. This allows you to work your fly exactly how the bug you are imitating moves in the water. There is nothing more frustrating than retrieving your fly and having your pram, boat, pontoon boat, etc. "tailing" in the wind or drifting down the lake. Ok, at this point the fish are actually laughing at you (and you thought those bubbles were coming from the bottom)We now carry two different anchor systems both of which are very serviceable and pass the Spring Creek Prams "it has to be great" test The most popular has been our exclusive Pocket Puller anchor system. The new kid on the block is from a long time player in then marine accessories market and a trusted name for years. You can see both of these below and make up your own mind.
Spring Creek "Pocket Puller"
The most popular option on our
prams! Portable and powerful, this anchor system fits into an existing oarlock socket or
more commonly, an added oarlock socket in the bow, stern or both. An absolute must for
nymph and chironomid lake fishing. The built-in jam cleat allows for quick and easy anchor
line adjustment from the center seat of most boats. Virtually indestructible (really!) the
Pocket Puller has proven to be the best anchor system for our
prams, as well as many other types of watercraft. Strong? We have yet to have one break.
Adapters are available for use on pontoon boat frames too. Our Pocket Pullers
are made from "mock rock" gray powder coated 535 marine grade aluminum with a
stainless steel pin and nylon roller there isn't much to wear out either. We suggest using
solid braid rope between 1/4" and 1/2." We find and suggest using 1/4" or
5/16" rope which we carry. The Pocket Puller Kit includes
the Pocket Puller, a brass oarlock socket and mounting hardware.
This is our Stillwater Classic
Extension Arm option. This option Includes the base and an extension arm
that accepts our Pocket Puller. This allows you to use a Pocket
Puller on a pram or boat with a very vertical transom angle. Otherwise the
anchor comes up "under" the boat or pram instead outside the transom. Both bow
and stern Pocket Pullers, if mounted correctly can be operated
from the center seat which is a real advantage when you are fishing or landing a fish.
So, this should answer
the question "can I put one of your Pocket Pullers on my pontoon boat?" It did
take a bit of ingenuity and some EMT (electrical conduit material available pretty much
anywhere) and a nylon insert from us but it worked great. No more having to contort your
body to find and manipulate the anchor rope. Although this photo is showing the Pocket
Puller actually backwards, you get the idea. Hey, I didn't take the pictures.
Pocket Puller $48
Pocket Puller Kit $55
Stillwater Classic Pocket Puller Extension Arm Kit add $42
Scotty "Anchor Lock"
Scotty Fishing, Marine & Outdoor Products Company has been around since 1952 and are very well respected in the industry. We decided to pick up the line because of the few differences listed below that make it versatile and easy to use. The huge difference between the Scotty Anchor Lock and the Pocket Puller is that the Scotty is made from plastic and the Pocket Puller is made from powder coated aluminum. The Scotty Anchor Lock is available in two styles listed below.
w/Removable Mounting System
The
two advantages of this system over our Pocket Puller Anchor system is cost and the ability
to use other Scotty products such as their Fly Rod Holder. The Anchor Lock is designed to
be inserted and removed from the standard Scotty mounting bracket and can be locked in
place at various points. Works best when mounted level horizontally so some minor
modification may be required. Comes complete with standard base.
Permanent Deck Mount
Usually mounted on the bow the Fixed Deck Mount Anchor Lock is designed to be permanently mounted to the deck of a boat by way of three 1/4" x 20 bolts. Not removable, the Fixed Deck Mount will take up some room and may get in the way. Like the Removable Anchor Lock (above) the Fixed Deck Mount Anchor Lock works best when mounted level horizontally.
SCOTTY Removable Anchor Lock w/base $34
SCOTTY Permanent Deck MountAnchor Lock $37