Kayaking is not always all about moving forward. Of course, reaching the next amazing spot that has unparalleled level of natural beauty has its unique appeal but sometimes, you just have to slow down to relish the moment and this is exactly where a kayak anchor plays a prominent role. Kayak anchor is also must-have equipment for anglers so that they can spend more time fishing as these anchors allow them to stay stationary on the water for hours. Even if you have no such liking for fishing, you will need some rest sooner or later and, in such situations, a kayak anchor can prove to be handy.
Irrespective of the terrain, a kayak anchor will help you stay in place and that too without eating too much space. Kayak anchor also doubles as a safety device. It stops the kayak from drifting away and thus allowing you to focus on more important things in life apart from paddling like a madman just to keep your kayak in place.
Now, since the market is getting flooded with numerous varieties of kayak anchors, you might find it overwhelmingly difficult to find the one that suits your exact needs. To help you out, here we have listed some of the best kayak anchors that money can buy –
Best 6 Kayak Anchors
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site.
1. Best Marine Kayak Anchor
Best Marine Kayak Anchor is a highly reliable kayak anchor that will help you stay stationary on the water for a long period of time. It comes fitted with 40ft marine-grade rope and carabiner clip. The anchor is itself made from galvanized iron and that means, it is highly resistant to rust. Weighs just around 1.6kg, this Best Marine Kayak Anchor can be used with SUP paddleboards and kayaks. The buoy is small which is definitely one of its main drawbacks but other than that it works great and does not cost an arm and a leg. You can use it in salt water and it will come unscathed. It does not matter whether you are using it on Rocky bottom or sandy bottom, Best Marine Kayak Anchor offers superior performance.
2. Extreme Max BoatTector Complete Deluxe Grapnel Anchor
Extreme Max BoatTector Complete Deluxe Grapnel Anchor Kit is a great anchor for the price. You can use it with inflatable kayaks, SUPs, or with a traditional kayak and it will hold up well. The anchor is itself made from galvanized steel and that means, it will last a lifetime. The package contains a nylon storage bag, 25′ rope, steel snap hook, shackles, and a marker buoy. Extreme Max BoatTector Complete Deluxe Grapnel Anchor can be folded down when you are not using it and it is best suited for the rocky or coral bottom. The storage bag has got protective padding that will keep your kayak anchor protected from abrasion and impacts. The buoy is made from premium quality marine-grade foam.
3. Gradient Fitness Marine Anchor
Gradient Fitness Marine Anchor can be folded down effortlessly into a tiny 12’’ x 3’’ storage bag and this will help you keep your kayak protected from scratches. This lightweight kayak anchor is highly resistant to rust and that means, you don’t have to purchase another anchor for a long time to come. Designed for outdoor, Gradient Fitness Marine Anchor has got a snap hook which is made from stainless steel and this will facilitate fast connection.
Try this anchor in the midst of strong current and your kayak will not move an inch which is just incredible. You will get a massive 25 feet of green/black rope made from marine grade material.
4. Advanced Elements Canoe and Kayak Anchor System
Advanced Elements Canoe and Kayak Anchor System is made from galvanized steel and comes equipped with 60 feet long rope. Be it a rocky bottom or sandy bottom, Advanced Elements Canoe and Kayak Anchor manages to create enough friction to keep the kayak stable. The deployment process is simple. The anchor comes fitted with a sliding collar. The retrieval process of this kayak anchor is dead simple. All you have to do is to pull and stow!
Advanced Elements Canoe and Kayak Anchor can be used in saltwater but to stay on the safe side, you should paint it with rust-proof paint. It works perfectly fine in lakes and small rivers given the fact that the current is not that strong. You need to give it some time to dig in. Drag it a little to get the extra grip and you will be just fine. It works best on a rocky bottom.
5. MarineNow Portable Folding Anchor Buoy Kit
MarineNow Portable Folding Anchor Buoy Kit will hold you in place even when the current is strong. The red flotation device adds to its visibility. MarineNow Portable Folding Anchor Buoy Kit has got a no-nonsense compact design and weighs just around 3.5lb. When you are not using it, you can tuck it inside the storage bag that has got ample paddings to keep your kayak protected from scratches. MarineNow Portable Folding Anchor Buoy Kit is going to serve you well if you know how to use it.
6. BeGrit Small Boat Anchor Kit Folding Grapnel Anchor
BeGrit Small Boat Anchor Kit Folding Grapnel Anchor weighs just 1.5lb which is incredible if you think about it. Be it a rocky bottom or sandy bottom, BeGrit Small Boat Anchor Kit Folding Grapnel Anchor is going to stay in place no matter what. To get more horizontal drag, you should use as much anchor rope as possible.
BeGrit Small Boat Anchor Kit Folding Grapnel Anchor is made from galvanized Carbon steel and therefore, it is highly resistant to corrosion. Known for its long-lasting ability, BeGrit Small Boat Anchor Kit Folding Grapnel Anchor is best suited for paddleboards and canoes. The deployment process is super simple. All you have to do is to apply some force to open the 4 flukes after lifting the grappling anchor collar and put the collar right back to its former position to lock it down.
Best Kayak Anchor Buying Guide
Anchor style
Fluke Anchors
Fluke Anchors work well on the sand bottom or mud bottom. Fluke Anchors have got multiple small parts that are all clubbed together and then attached to a single hinge. The weight of the fluke helps the kayak to go down and touch the bottom.
Wing Anchor
Wing Anchors offers superior performance irrespective of the surfaces. However, on rocky surfaces, their performance level takes a nosedive. As the name suggests, Wing Anchors share some resemblance with bulldozer’s digger. The wings are attached to the shaft and thus allowing it to bite into the surface firmly.
Claw Anchors
Claw Anchors are usually used for lakes. Also known as Bruce Anchors, Claw Anchors have got a long shaft and three large claws that ensure excellent grip against all odds. Easy to deploy, Claw Anchors don’t have enough holding power to keep a standard size kayak stay in place for long. So, that means, you might have to purchase a large claw anchor if you really want to keep the kayak stable.
Mushroom anchors
Mushroom anchors are ideal for those situations when you want to deploy the anchor for a long period. As the name suggests, Mushroom anchors bear some resemblance with Mushroom. As the anchor drags on the bottom, it accumulates dirt and debris and this is what helps it increases its holding power. Mushroom anchors are best suited for anglers.
Grapnel anchors
Grapnel anchors have got a traditional look and feel. Extended from the base of the shaft are three arms that bite into the floor of a lake or river and thus creating an ample amount of friction. The best thing about Grapnel anchors is that they are foldable by nature and that means, they will not take up much space on the kayak. However, unless and until they have got something to latch on to, they might not prove that effective in holding the kayak.
Plow anchors
Plow anchors are best suited for lakes and large ponds. Plow anchors have got sharp edges that allow them to dig deep into the bottom of the lake and this is what helps to increase their holding power.
Carrying case
Having a carrying case to carry your anchor around is quite convenient because some kayak anchors have got pointy edges and that these edges can cause some serious damages. So, keeping them in a case can save you from this hassle. No need to look over your shoulder all the time.
Material
Galvanized steel and stainless steel are the two most popular choices when it comes to purchasing a kayak anchor. Contrary to what most people believe, Galvanized steel is not resistant to erosion and saltwater can damage them over time. But stainless steel on the other hand is known for its durability. Kayak anchors made from aluminum is also another option that you can try. Aluminum kayak anchors are lightweight and are available for the cheap.
Weight
The weight of the kayak anchor should be ¼ of the weight of the kayak otherwise it can jeopardize the stability of the kayak when not in use. However, it should be lightweight too because in that case, it might fail to create enough traction when deployed and thus, your kayak might start drifting away even when the kayak anchor is deployed. So, that means, you have to hit the sweet spot in between otherwise it would defeat the very purpose of using an anchor.
Buoy
Having a buoy attached to the rope of the kayak anchor can prove handy when you are out in the water. It will help you spot the anchor easily. This will simplify the retrieval process of the anchor to a great extent.
