How to Anchor on an Oyster Bed
Oyster beds, oyster reefs, or oyster bars are great fishing areas loaded with oyster loving fish such as Sheepshead, Striped Bass and Black Drum.
Anchoring on an oyster bed can be tricky if you don't have the right anchor and use the right technique. Trial and error throwing your anchor into an oyster bed can spook fish and cause damage to the fragile bed.
Oyster Beds
Oyster beds are usually located inshore in shallow water and are made up of thousands of oysters. This community of oysters creates structure and habitat for aquatic life. Bait fish congregate in oyster beds drawing in larger sport fish to feed making the beds great fishing spots. Most anglers look for oysters growing on mangrove roots or oyster beds close to land then abhor on the beds or just past them in casting distance.
Oysters are invaluable filter feeders that keep the water clean. I don't hear of many people actually eating the oysters around Florida probably because they are small.
Oyster shells are very hard and sharp as razors posing a hazard when motoring over oyster beds. It is always best to bring your motor up when approaching an oyster bed. If your hull hits the bed, slowly back off to prevent damage to your hull. If you feel inclined to get out of the boat, always wear thick shoes like sneakers, the sharp shells can easily penetrate soft flip-flops or common water shoes.
Oyster beds are best fished during high tides which brings in game fish to feed. During low tides the oysters can be just under the surface presenting a hazard to your boats equipment.
Anchors
Because most of Florida has a sandy bottom, we use the Danforth Anchor as our main anchor.
A 2nd anchor is always recommended. 2nds are usually much smaller with line only attached. Commonly used 2nd anchors are the claw type and cup mushroom type anchors.
If you fish oyster beds often it is recommended to use for your main anchor one that is one size bigger than the size recommended for your boat length.
Chains
Now the most important part of the anchor to have when anchoring on an oyster bed is a 6 to 10 foot chain attached to your anchor. The chain's weight helps to set the anchor and keep it in place. Most times you can drop the anchor and chain on a spot and it sets immediately.
Galvanized 3/8" chain is best as it does not rust and is less expensive than the newer stainless chains that actually do rust over time. The heavier 3/8" chain works best, do not go for anything lighter. 3/8" galvanized chain costs roughly $5.00 a foot and is worth every penny! Vinyl coated chains are nice but the coatings don't last long in saltwater and the underlying chain will rust through making a mess of your anchor locker. You can buy the chain here from West Marine (click the picture) or at your local marine supply or hardware store.
Attaching a small cup or mushroom anchor or even a brick to the end of the chain where the anchor line attaches to the chain. This extra weight helps keep the whole anchor/chain in place on an oyster bar. This setup also works well on muddy bottoms.
Rode and Scope
Rode is the length of the anchor line and chain from the bow to the anchor. Scope is the ratio amount of line you let to the depth of the water you are anchoring in. The recommend scope for anchoring is usually 6-1 to 8-1 meaning if you are anchoring in 10 feet of water you should let out 60 to 80 feet of anchor line.
Setting the Anchor
The key to setting the anchor and catching fish is all about not spooking them when you find your spot. Using your trolling motor or push pole when approaching the oyster bar and to set the anchor is the best method, that is, if you have a trolling motor. Troll up current and set your anchor.
For those folks who don't have a trolling motor or push pole, first get your anchor out and ready then bring your outboard motor up a bit so you do not scrape the oysters as you pass. Next, slow your speed way down to a crawl as you approach the oyster bed. Now pick you spot to anchor and gently drop your chain/anchor setup. Slowly let out a few feet of anchor line, then give it a tug. Now let out about half the scope of anchor line and give the anchor another two quick tugs; you should feel the anchor grip. Once you feel confident the anchor is holding let out the rest of the anchor line to your desired scope.
Now have fun fishing.
