I'm one big, fat Mofo. So I have to use a 15 LB anchor and I haven't even tried to anchor in really fast current yet..... Probably need a 20 LB for that. As far as rod holders go, I haven't found one that I really like yet.... I'll tell ya what I did.... I just took a piece of 2" PVC pipe about 10" long and hose clamped it to my frame..... Problem solved. You were asking about what is necessary and what isn't and all I can tell you about that is "Lighter is better" just like with backpacking.
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If you get home and I'm not there, don't eat it.