Merrill Creek Hazard

[Jetdrive]

Just a heads up for anyone who trolls with down riggers at Merrill Creek. Out near the main dam in 130-150 foot of water there is a hung anchor with a yellow nylon rope four feet under the surface.

I caught it while trolling this evening. I was fishing at 25 feet down. It was all I could do to get back to the ball and rope after realizing the problem. I used my boat pole to try and get the ball unhung and lost it in the process. Of all the luck I managed to open the snap. Couldn't do that again in a million years. Anyway I taped my knife to the pole and had to cut the rope below the cable. At least I go the release back.

Why someone would anchor in that deep of water to start is beyond me. If you have to cut the rope to your anchor on a lake you should sink it by tying on some lead. You could also try and make a float keeping the rope on the surface . A water bottle would work in that instance. At least people would be aware of the hazard.

To say tonight's episode sucked would be an understatement.