It was a little more than a century ago when the U.S. Naval Academy’s first fight song came to the ears of Navy folk throughout the country.
In 1907, Lieutenant Charles A. Zimmerman composed the song.
A former bandmaster at the Academy, he got Midshipman First Class Alfred Hart Miles to write the lyrics.
“Anchors Aweigh” has since had a couple of additions and changes, but it’s basically been the same since pen met paper.
Often misspelled, the song’s name actually stands for the process of bringing a vessel’s anchors onboard in preparation for the craft to get underway.
Lots of folks think it’s spelled “Anchors Away,” which would mean that the captain was calling for the traditionally shaped weights to be lowered into the water.
Anchors back them were pretty much standard, with the lone difference coming in size to hold various sized ships.
When it came to the Navy, well, they were all huge and looked about the same.
Boy on boy, would Zimmerman and Miles be surprised at the variety and functions available today.
Depending on the boat and its size, where it might be used and what the conditions could be, or what the bottom is like, all are part of the equation in determining just what anchor you want.
While important year ‘round, this is an great time of the angling season to have the correct “hold tight” device.
Spot, croaker, flounder, triggerfish, sheepshead, sea bass, tautog, puppy drum and speckled trout all are providing good action in regional waters. Staying put when you’ve found willing participants is a bonus that a proper anchor can provide..
Throw in freshwater catches of largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie and you have even more choices to consider.
If you’re an avid angler, you might want to store a couple types and sizes so that you’ll be able to do what you want.
Nothing worse that drifting away from your favorite spot when a good solution is so available.
When getting am anchor, a heavier one than what might be required is never a bad thing.
If you’re just not sure, ask folks at your favorite angling club meeting or – better yet – ask one of the crew here at Lynnhaven. They’ll get your set up just right.
Boat rescue companies and other anglers also can help.
Either way, you’ll be much better off than if you just go out and buy one on the fly.
So, just what’s out there?
There is a fluke (Danforth) anchor, a grapnel folding anchor, a shovel (scoop) anchor, along with a mushroom and a claw. Wreck anglers often swear by a grappling hook style that features heavy rebar welded together ad curved to grab onto a piece of bottom structure.
Take a small grapnel, for example. The four hooks that extend from it are good for small boats, kayaks and canoes.
In usually calm freshwaters lakes and ponds, a mushroom usually does the trick.
The smaller the vessel the lighter the weight is a good rule of thumb.
Some folks wanting a really slow drift also will employ the use of old window sash weights that are a foot to 18-inch piece of heavy metal like cast iron.
Whatever kind of boat you have, and whatever you’re planning to do in a stationary position, make sure you have the kind and size you’re going to need.
Because as much fun as going somewhere can be, sometimes just staying put is the way to go.
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