When we received our new North River Scout Sled I was looking for an anchor system that would work in NW Rivers and that I could also run a CR anchor nest. After a quick call to legendary river guide Rob Endsley he told me don’t me not to screw around and call the guys at Lee Lock Anchor Systems in Bellingham, WA (360-380-1864). Lee and Eric, owners of Lee Lock are hard core anglers themselves, and they built a great product.

Lee Lock's patented anchor lock is the answer to the traditional jam cleat you'll find on most anchor setups. Lift up on the lock to pay out line and either lower the angle of the anchor line or simply let it go and the lock immediately catches.

Traditionally, jam cleats have been used to lock an anchor into place and hold it while motoring up and down the river. If the grooves in the cleat wear out or the line isn't jammed into the cleat far enough you can kiss your anchor good bye. This safety concern is where the Lee Lock comes in. As long as there's tension on the line there is no chance of the anchor coming loose on its own.

Lee and Eric designed the lock to be used on smaller jet boats like ours so that an operator fishing alone could pull and release the anchor from the stern of the boat without having to constantly walk forward to press line into a cleat. The result, however, was an improved anchor system that could be used on any river boat.

Lee and Eric also made improvements to my existing can system. Instead of having to kick or push the can off the bow when the anchor is released they shortened the pivot point so that the can would tip immediately upon releasing the line. This feature also ensures that there is constant tension on the anchor lock.

The can is held in the channel with one bolt that is easily removed to allow the addition of a Columbia River anchor nest, making the entire system as versatile as possible. The pin slides thru a UHMW bushing that allows the can to slide more smoothly and quietly as the anchor is being dropped or pulled and the UHMW runner pad also helps the can to slide on the channel when pulling the anchor. This system works slick and makes the anchor easy to pull. There is a safety pin for transport but as long as there is tension on the line the anchor will not move out of the can.

The swap out to a Columbia River style anchor nest is fast and easy when you want to fish salmon or sturgeon on the big water.

All in all it’s the best anchor system of its type. Lee and Eric are always looking at anyway to improve their systems. Give them a call if you’re in the market for an anchor system.

SP Staff