Leaderboard

Usual rule of thumb is to have a length of chain at least as long as the boat. The chain acts as a shock absorber so as the boat rises and falls it lifts the end of the chain (where it joins the rope) but leaves the anchor lying flat on the bottom hence still dug in. If you change anything in the setup and try it out its worth just doing one thing at a time so you can tell what is having the most impact. Good luck!

Go 5kg Bruce and chain. Chain "length of boat" is a guide, but it need to weigh more than anchor, to help with Alderney ring lifting, so get 6kg of chain. Set it all up to trip, and you'll be golden. Perhaps we can pop out one evening and do Alderney practice? R

Charlie - apparently it was just like years ago plenty of turbot to over 19lbs and plenty of big brill. My mate had 3 cod and several pollock on the way back too.

What type of anchor are you using? The usual one chosen in our area is a Bruce (type) as this seems to be a good compromise on our mixed ground. In case you're not familiar with the terminology, an anchoring set up comprises the anchor and rode which is made up of the rope or warp, chain, shackles etc. Apologies if you already knew this. Terry.

There you go, Rob's sorted it. Terry.

BTW always use a fishermans trip when connecting your Anchor, that is cable tie through the chain on the upper shank and at the hook end connect the chain with a shackle so the anchor can be pulled out backwards when the cable ties break under pressure. When dropping your anchor over roughish ground don't be hasty, it is as common to trap the piled up chain as it is the anchor, so lay out your chain with a little bit of engine reverse.

Ideal for sand, not so good on mixed or snaggy ground, being sharp and pointy they can easily become jammed. Definitely get a Bruce! Also consider an Alderney ring set up for retrieval, if you're not sure how it works, bag a ride on another member's boat and they can share the technique. What length is your boat for weight purposes? Terry.