Anchor question from a newbie

[Tommy36597]

Will a 7lb grappling anchor work for my 13 1/2 foot aluminum boat? Or should it be heavier? I'll be fishing mostly in lakes but might take it into the bay to do some crabbing. I'm not sure what kind of bottom the lakes will be. I'm guessing mud and maybe some rocks. I'm in New Jersey. Also, I've read that I should have a chain between the anchor and the rope. If so, how long? Should I have 2 anchors off opposite ends of the boat to stop from spinning?

By the way, thanks to everyone who commented on my other posts and answered my questons. You've all been a great help.

 

[arks]

Re: Anchor question from a newbie

Depends on the bottom. Grapplings work in rock and stumps but can easily get hung up, and they won't hold in sand or mud. I'd suggest a 7# mushroom anchor.
If you're anchoring in relatively calm conditions a chain won't be necessary- but a little chain helps pull the anchor shank down, helping it dig in and hold.
Anchor ONLY from the bow if you have 1 anchor. You can set another (smaller) one off the stern if conditions warrant it.

 

[harley31]

Re: Anchor question from a newbie

Use caution with a stern anchor. If you get hit with a big wake or wave, your boat may be swamped. It happened in the C&D canal 2 years ago and the boat sank. Like arks said, if you use a smaller anchor at the stern, it should pull up before the transom goes under (depending on the weight of the boat and bottom conditions.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Anchor question from a newbie

Most bodies of water in NJ are sand/silt/dirt. Fluke type anchors are best for these. What water in NJ do you plan to use your boat?