The general rule of thumb is to have out at least double your depth, but that is not always realistic in deep water anchoring. I usually like to have a 45 degree slope at the minimum. We did have a pucker moment this last time out, a huge dead-head came drifting over our anchor line, and I had to use my motor to avoid the log while on anchor....luckily that log was avoided. I thought for sure I was going to have to cut the line..it was that close. Everyone should always have eyes up and always watching for these hazards. I am fortunate to have a 10yr old son who is becoming one of the best deckhands out there. He saw the log coming, and also saw the rod getting slammed when I had my back to it. When you are in shallower water 5 to 8 times the water depth is recommended, or possibly even more. The extra line out takes up the shock of the w.aves, helps avoid your anchor lifting off the bottom, and it also gives your boat enough room to ride over the w.aves. After the anchor is set, feel your line, if your line is vibrating your anchor is most likely not holding and you are dragging the bottom. If your line is tight, then I would mark your position on your GPS and check it often to see if you are drifting. I also use a sea anchor to help control my boat, sometimes the wind will be blowing in one direction and the tide is moving in another direction...it helps to have one of these off your stern to help keep your boat in control with the varying conditions. Now, bringing your anchor up...make sure you are down current of your anchor when bringing up, the last thing you want to do is bring it up and then drift over your line...if you are using one of the anchor pulling systems with a buoy, don't be one of those hill-billy throttle jockeys, and put a lot of power into pulling that anchor up...if that anchor is jammed on a rock below...that could turn your bow swamp your boat, or break the line and really hurt someone. Good luck out there.
Nelly, when I type the word w.a.v.e.s that smiley face pops up, is there a way to override that?
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 9:05 am
Just find a pinnacle and anchor up...stick-and-stay, and make them pay. 
