Recs for anchor line?

[landlockedsailor]

Hi all,

Thanks for your anchor recs on an earlier post. I just bought a Digger Anchor but now am wondering what kind of line to get for it. There are all kinds of line, sizes and some come with floats (whatever those do!). Since I'm a newbie with anchors, would appreciate any input/advice on the line part. Help and Thanks!

[BoatCop]

Nylon braided or nylon double braid would be the best. Stay away from poly-propylene (plastic) line. 3/8" will be plenty strong. Be sure to get a 5' length of chain to attach the line to the anchor. This will prevent the rope from chafing on the bottom and help keep the anchor set.

As far as how much line you need, it depends on how deep of water you'll normally be anchoring in. Plan on a 7:1 ratio. 7 feet of line for every 1 foot of water depth.

[landlockedsailor]

Boatcop, great! Thanks!

[steveiam]

Actually look at the spec's on that digger anchor and they say to NOT use the chain.
I did a lot of research on that one before I bought it and I'm pretty sure that is correct.
I have had mine since summer and love mine in most lakes I've been too.

[landlockedsailor]

Steveiam,

No chain needed- one of the big bennies of the anchor. Thanks for the reminder, had forgotten that. But I'll also keep a close eye on the line for wear, etc. The Digger gets rave reviews for holding when other anchors haven't and supposedly really easy to pull up and go. Will read the directions for sure! Thanks for your reply.

[steveiam]

Steveiam,

No chain needed- one of the big bennies of the anchor. Thanks for the reminder, had forgotten that. But I'll also keep a close eye on the line for wear, etc. The Digger gets rave reviews for holding when other anchors haven't and supposedly really easy to pull up and go. Will read the directions for sure! Thanks for your reply.

Your very welcome!
There have been some bottoms it didn't hold well but I use a box anchor and the digger and by far I use the digger most often as my main anchor. The key is to use enough line.
I don't use the 5/1 ratio they recommend but longer line does help.
And I have gotten it hung up but it DID release as advertised.

[jimrs]

Double braded nylon 1/2'' line is what you want. It wont tangle and cause trouble and it easier on your hands when pulling up the anchor. It will also last you for years. I have had the same one now going on 20 years.

[curtiscapk]

wholly hell good price (not mine)

http://springfield.craigslist.org/boa/3690165423.html

[landlockedsailor]

Damn, I just paid $85. And still have to buy the line. Sigh...

[Mosnowman]

Tell me more about a "digger anchor"? I use a small box anchor which works great but am curious about this type of anchor to compare to the box?

[steveiam]

Tell me more about a "digger anchor"? I use a small box anchor which works great but am curious about this type of anchor to compare to the box?

http://www.basspro.com/Digger-Anchor/product/8740/
http://www.diggeranchor.com/
The reason I bought mine was I had been using two box anchors that I had built for $45.00 apiece- I got one hung up while fishing in timber. I knew a couple of guys i fish with that had these digger anchors and neither had lost an anchor since they bought one, one had one about 6 years and the other just over two years, and we fish year round.
I only use 150 ft of rope so sometimes I don't get a good grab on the bottom but most of the time I do. I use the box and the digger at the same time to cut down on the sway.
I guess the short answer is I'm not sure I get a better grab on the bottom with the digger but i don't use it at ratio they recommend, but more important to me I don't think I will loose it to stumps or other structure because of how it breaks down.
I hope the links above will help you to find out what you need to know.