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Posts: 773
Sun Aug 12, 2018 1:57 am
Whenever I bottom fish, I like to drop a marker buoy down to mark the area I want to fish at. This makes it way easier to drift back in the right direction before dropping the anchor. The problem I would always have though is the marker would seem to go under the water when the waves would pick up a little. This would sometimes cause me to lose my buoy and rope/anchor. I use a 10lb mushroom anchor and a little extra rope to account for the depth but for some reason the buoy will still go under after the line gets tight from current. The last time it happened I was using a Medium sized boat fender/bumper as a buoy and it still went under. Before that I always just used a bleach bottle or jug but that didn't work either because when we went to retrieve it with the gaff, it ripped the handle right off the bottle and the rope sank. Can anyone tell me what they normally use? Do I need to lighten the weight of my anchor or maybe increase the size of my buoy or type of buoy I am using? Tired of wasting money having to buy new and I also don't like putting all that rope in the ocean. On top of that when the buoy eventually surfaces, someone may either get the rope in their prop or just found themselves a new bottom spot. Any Suggestions? Thank you
Posts: 565
Location: Winterville/Pamlico Sound/Atlantic Ocean
Location: Winterville/Pamlico Sound/Atlantic Ocean
Sun Aug 12, 2018 8:42 am
That’s a good question. I’m no expert but do you think a trailing float would work on a tag line from the main float?
Following this thread as well.
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Key West 2020 Bluewater WA
Following this thread as well.
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Key West 2020 Bluewater WA
Posts: 262
Location: Trenton NC.
Location: Trenton NC.
Sun Aug 12, 2018 8:55 am
I bought a bouy for this I will have to look can not remember what the name is. It has a bag weight that is 4 lbs. Just drop goes to bottom retrieve and has a crank to reel in. It works very well but sometimes drifts a bit. I wait till it settles then ride over to get spot it give me reference to where I need to be. I'll look for name and get back.
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Wellcraft 32CC
\"Double Play\"
Scout 200 Bay Scout
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Wellcraft 32CC
\"Double Play\"
Scout 200 Bay Scout
Posts: 29
Location: Beaufort, NC
Location: Beaufort, NC
Sun Aug 12, 2018 9:10 am
Try using the large plastic bottles that Kitty Liter comes in. Paint them orange.
They are a lot stronger than bleach bottles
They are a lot stronger than bleach bottles
Posts: 262
Location: Trenton NC.
Location: Trenton NC.
Sun Aug 12, 2018 9:15 am
Google suremarker anchor bouy. Stow in rod holders no loose rope get right depth up to 200 ft.
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Wellcraft 32CC
\"Double Play\"
Scout 200 Bay Scout
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Wellcraft 32CC
\"Double Play\"
Scout 200 Bay Scout
Posts: 58
Location: Myrtle Beach
Location: Myrtle Beach
Sun Aug 12, 2018 10:00 am
I've used 2.5 gallon plastic jug (heavy duty like a shell rotella one). I prepare the jug, in the following way, by mixing up a little liquid epoxy and pour it into the jug positioning it so it goes into the hollow handle and about a silver dollar size pool at each opening. Then put a chafing collar like an old 5/8 in. hose on the outside handle, either glueing or tie wrapping it. Tie your line to the handle (I use a 1/4 in. Nylon braided line) leaving a little slack in the knot for it to move. I usually bring 2 or 3 line set ups in different lengths. On the line itself, take tie wraps or wire ties and make a loop of about 10 to 15 ft holding it together with a bungee cord as a shock absorber. Now this will be the hard part, I have window weights as my weights. For anyone who doesn't know what they are, they look like a huge trolling weight that use to balance double hung windows. Lastly tie a cord on the bottom of the weight because, even though the shape usually doesn't hang up, you can dislodge it if is stuck. Wire tie the cord just above where the main line ties to the weight and a few places up the line. A quick yank usually pulls it away from the main line. It's been in use for several years with only changing main lines a couple of times as needed. If you're going to be in white caps, carry a can of orange chalk marking paint to coat the top (biodegradable and non toxic). Hope this helps.
Posts: 471
Location: Oak Island
Location: Oak Island
Sun Aug 12, 2018 10:35 am
Sure mark marker buoy, I have one that has only been used a few times by a friend. Sold at Capt Harry's for $100. Let me know if you are interested in it as I am willing to part with it.
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Capt Ryan Jordan
Fugitive Fishing Charters
\"The Fugitive\"
33\' Sportfisher, Oak Island, NC
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Capt Ryan Jordan
Fugitive Fishing Charters
\"The Fugitive\"
33\' Sportfisher, Oak Island, NC
Posts: 124
Location: se NC
Location: se NC
Sun Aug 12, 2018 1:28 pm
Float is not problem,your connection to the weight is the problem. You don't need rope or anyting made of cloth or Fiber. Use 30 lb cheap mono, and whatever form of cheap weight. Get you a handline reel for three bucks at Dicks or intercoastal
Posts: 3003
Location: Wilmington NC
Location: Wilmington NC
Sun Aug 12, 2018 2:52 pm
I use left over 2 1/2 gallon oil jugs from my old 2 stroke motor. I have them made up in different depths 100' 150' and 200'. I bought mason twine from home depot. I tie one end to the jug handle wrap the line around the jug tie a snap swivel to the end of the line. Then mark the jug with the line depth. If you can find sash weights from old windows. Put a loop of bailing wire around the end of the sash weight. When you are going to use it attach the snap swivel to the wire. Drop it over the side and it will unravel. Easy to locate because the Penzoil jugs are bright yellow. If you cant get sash weights get 3 or 4 large singers (12 to 16 ounces) wire them together with bailing wire and wrap them with electrical tape. Wrapping them with electrical tape prevents them from "helicoptering" when they start sinking. Stow the whole mess in a milk crate. Make sure you write the depth with a sharpie on each one. One last thing, I always add about 8 feet of extra length as a little insurance. Sometimes 100 feet becomes 105 feet of depth.
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La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life)
Sailfish 2660
USN Submarine Veteran
Knight of Neptune
USS Corporal SS346
Death From Below
There are only 2 types of ships.
Submarines and Targets
Coastal Carolina Submarine Veterans
Cape Fear Anglers
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La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life)
Sailfish 2660
USN Submarine Veteran
Knight of Neptune
USS Corporal SS346
Death From Below
There are only 2 types of ships.
Submarines and Targets
Coastal Carolina Submarine Veterans
Cape Fear Anglers
Posts: 773
Sun Aug 12, 2018 3:32 pm
Thank you for all the input. I am going to experiment and see what works best. Seems like I just need to use some lighter line and maybe something with more buoyancy.
I can say though for those of you who have never used a marker buoy, you should definitely try it out. Before using it, I would sometime miss my target by several feet. This makes a big difference when catching fish. Especially if you are going after Grouper.
Pin- Thank you for the offer. I will not be back from deployment until around the end of Sep. If I cannot figure it out when I return, I will contact you to see if you still have it. If not then no problem.
I can say though for those of you who have never used a marker buoy, you should definitely try it out. Before using it, I would sometime miss my target by several feet. This makes a big difference when catching fish. Especially if you are going after Grouper.
Pin- Thank you for the offer. I will not be back from deployment until around the end of Sep. If I cannot figure it out when I return, I will contact you to see if you still have it. If not then no problem.
Posts: 983
Location: Holden Beach / Hamlet. NC
Location: Holden Beach / Hamlet. NC
Sun Aug 12, 2018 8:03 pm
I've got two of these and they work great. I have them attached to 6 one pound bank sinkers
https://www.amazon.com/Ocean-Rhino-Marker-Freediving-Diving/dp/B06XCZ9L5T
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Parker 2510 DVWA
https://www.amazon.com/Ocean-Rhino-Marker-Freediving-Diving/dp/B06XCZ9L5T
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Parker 2510 DVWA
Posts: 793
Sun Aug 12, 2018 10:07 pm
Just use a track line if your gps has it, been doing it for years.
Posts: 4300
Location: 212 Miles too far to the West
Location: 212 Miles too far to the West
Mon Aug 13, 2018 1:32 pm
Orange tide detergent container, cheapest rope available at a hardware store and an old windows sash weight
Never had an issue with the container submerging.
Keep it simple
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Squid Row III - Grady White 258 Walk Around, 225 HP Yamaha
Flounder Pounder II - 16 Sandpiper Skiff, 40 HP Yamaha
Never had an issue with the container submerging.
Keep it simple
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Squid Row III - Grady White 258 Walk Around, 225 HP Yamaha
Flounder Pounder II - 16 Sandpiper Skiff, 40 HP Yamaha
Posts: 773
Mon Aug 13, 2018 5:24 pm
Thank you all for the suggestions. I cannot wait to get back out there.
Posts: 1149
Location: Beaufort, Nc.
Location: Beaufort, Nc.
Mon Aug 13, 2018 7:53 pm
The absolute best marker buoy you can get is called the "Cursor". I anchor my boat thousands of times a year and this "Buoy" has been flawless. The best place to get one is in a place called your " Chartplotter" .
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Captain John Cawthern
Procastinator Sportfishing
www.procastinatorsportfishing.com
email procastinatorsportfishing@gmail.com
We specialize in vertical jigging and trolling combo trips! Call today for the trip of a lifetime. 252-838-1228
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Captain John Cawthern
Procastinator Sportfishing
www.procastinatorsportfishing.com
email procastinatorsportfishing@gmail.com
We specialize in vertical jigging and trolling combo trips! Call today for the trip of a lifetime. 252-838-1228
Posts: 1433
Location: Wallace, NC
Location: Wallace, NC
Tue Aug 14, 2018 3:52 pm
| Capt_John_C wrote: |
| The absolute best marker buoy you can get is called the "Cursor". I anchor my boat thousands of times a year and this "Buoy" has been flawless. The best place to get one is in a place called your " Chartplotter" . |
That’s what I was thinking. A marker buoy might be useful for one small spot, but I think it would get in the way if you fly the anchor to reposition on a ledge or larger structure.
Posts: 984
Location: wilmington
Location: wilmington
Tue Aug 14, 2018 5:00 pm
| Capt_John_C wrote: |
| The absolute best marker buoy you can get is called the "Cursor". I anchor my boat thousands of times a year and this "Buoy" has been flawless. The best place to get one is in a place called your " Chartplotter" . |
Yep,The only one ive ever used!
Posts: 2141
Location: Hampstead
Location: Hampstead
Tue Aug 14, 2018 8:30 pm
Titan-
Lots of different ways to do things. Some use a marker buoy, some don't. Don't let people talk you out of doing something that works for you! I think a marker buoy helps most people double check themselves on position when they are getting the anchor thing dialed in. Sure, you can use a cursor/icon on your chartplotter, but it can be misleading if you are zoomed out to 120'! Sometimes nothing beats real life visual on the horizon! I personally don't use a marker buoy any more, but I sure as hell did when I was learning. Helped me a lot. One thing I found frustrating is the line would slip off the milk jug/bleach bottle/whatever when I didn't want it too. I took a full size pink buoy (cost about $3) and cut a groove in the middle for the line to go. That way it won't slip out. Same premise as the plastic dumbell type things that sell for $50, but a lot cheaper. Hope this helps.
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Capt. Chum
USCG OUPV
Shenanigans Sportfishing
Onslow Bay 27
https://www.facebook.com/chum.bucket.90857
Lots of different ways to do things. Some use a marker buoy, some don't. Don't let people talk you out of doing something that works for you! I think a marker buoy helps most people double check themselves on position when they are getting the anchor thing dialed in. Sure, you can use a cursor/icon on your chartplotter, but it can be misleading if you are zoomed out to 120'! Sometimes nothing beats real life visual on the horizon! I personally don't use a marker buoy any more, but I sure as hell did when I was learning. Helped me a lot. One thing I found frustrating is the line would slip off the milk jug/bleach bottle/whatever when I didn't want it too. I took a full size pink buoy (cost about $3) and cut a groove in the middle for the line to go. That way it won't slip out. Same premise as the plastic dumbell type things that sell for $50, but a lot cheaper. Hope this helps.
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Capt. Chum
USCG OUPV
Shenanigans Sportfishing
Onslow Bay 27
https://www.facebook.com/chum.bucket.90857
Posts: 118
Location: Wrightsville Beach, NC
Location: Wrightsville Beach, NC
Wed Aug 15, 2018 7:56 am
| Wes wrote: |
| I've got two of these and they work great. I have them attached to 6 one pound bank sinkers
https://www.amazon.com/Ocean-Rhino-Marker-Freediving-Diving/dp/B06XCZ9L5T |
What he said
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2011 SeaFox 256 Commander
A bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work!
Posts: 825
Location: Chapel Hill/Pine Knoll Shores, NC
Location: Chapel Hill/Pine Knoll Shores, NC
Wed Aug 15, 2018 9:45 am
| Chris Phillips wrote: | ||
What he said |
What he said was 6 pounds of weight, which I figured was really 6 ounces. Which is it?
Posts: 773
Wed Aug 15, 2018 6:39 pm
Prob 6 pounds. 6 ounces is not enough. While bottom fishing we usually use 12 oz and up just to keep our lines from drifting. A buoy would need more then that.
Posts: 988
Sun Aug 19, 2018 10:45 am
It's all about what works for you.
My process is as follows:
I run to the are I'm working, slow down and read my sounder. I usually will set a few marks that I like. Then I'll go up,course in a general direction that I feel is the anchor course. I'll usually go a couple thousand feet or so. Drop the anchor and let it come tight this provides the information I need. I'll note the anchor course, then we'll fly the anchor and come around 180 degrees. The key for me is getting in line with my mark, this allows for minor course correction as you approach the mark. The key is making sure the anchor line is straight behind the boat as you approach. Once I get within 100 ft or so, I'll pull back to around 3kts. This speed generally puts the anchor flying about 3-6 feet from the bottom. Once the scope starts showing what I'm looking for, I'll go,to neutral. Bump it in reverse and drop the anchor. I'll let the boat settle in place. 9/10 Times we'll nail it.
this isn't the only way to do it, but it works for me. We can drop back or pull up if required, which generally isn't needed. It's all about using your electronics and compass for me.
Hope this helps
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2012 Key West 211CC
F200 (sold)
2006 Regulator 24FS
My process is as follows:
I run to the are I'm working, slow down and read my sounder. I usually will set a few marks that I like. Then I'll go up,course in a general direction that I feel is the anchor course. I'll usually go a couple thousand feet or so. Drop the anchor and let it come tight this provides the information I need. I'll note the anchor course, then we'll fly the anchor and come around 180 degrees. The key for me is getting in line with my mark, this allows for minor course correction as you approach the mark. The key is making sure the anchor line is straight behind the boat as you approach. Once I get within 100 ft or so, I'll pull back to around 3kts. This speed generally puts the anchor flying about 3-6 feet from the bottom. Once the scope starts showing what I'm looking for, I'll go,to neutral. Bump it in reverse and drop the anchor. I'll let the boat settle in place. 9/10 Times we'll nail it.
this isn't the only way to do it, but it works for me. We can drop back or pull up if required, which generally isn't needed. It's all about using your electronics and compass for me.
Hope this helps
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2012 Key West 211CC
F200 (sold)
2006 Regulator 24FS
Posts: 143
Location: Onslow County, NC
Location: Onslow County, NC
Sun Aug 19, 2018 12:17 pm
Posts: 983
Location: Holden Beach / Hamlet. NC
Location: Holden Beach / Hamlet. NC
Sun Aug 19, 2018 5:25 pm
| glacierbaze wrote: | ||||
What he said was 6 pounds of weight, which I figured was really 6 ounces. Which is it? |
That is 6 pounds. I could probably get by with 5 pounds but I use 6. I also use the GPS but I like having a visual reference especially when I've got divers in the water
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Parker 2510 DVWA
Posts: 42
Fri Aug 24, 2018 10:07 am
Agreed. Suremarker anchor buoy. I will also place a waypoint on my gps or boating app exactly where I drop it.
Posts: 1
Mon Aug 22, 2022 9:46 pm
If you encounter a red buoy and a green buoy on your way back to the home port from seaward, your boat is entering a channel. Both red buoys and green buoys are known as lateral markers and assist you in determining which side you should pass on to stay in a channel: Based on general guidelines, regardless of whether you are moving from waterways to inland water or a river’s upstream in a river, keep the red buoys to your right and the green markers to your left.
Last edited by Zoelakin on Mon Sep 05, 2022 11:15 am; edited 2 times in total
Last edited by Zoelakin on Mon Sep 05, 2022 11:15 am; edited 2 times in total
Posts: 773
Tue Aug 23, 2022 1:11 am
Lol this post was resurrected by a spam Bot. I think I have it figured out by now. Here are some pics from this past Tues out of BI.
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