This Is The Amount Of Anchor Chain You Need For Your Boat
- By: Capt. Peter Deeks
- on
- Found In: Boat Anchoring, Boating Tips, Fishing Tips, Weekly Newsletter: 8-22-21
Anchor chain is very important!
If you have too much, you’ll make a ton of noise and spook fish.
If you have too little, your anchor may not be very effective.
So in this video, you’ll learn the standard amounts of anchor chain you need based on the conditions you fish in.
Check it out!
How Much Anchor Chain Do You Need [VIDEO]
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When selecting an anchor chain for your anchor, factor in the depths and types of situations you’ll mainly be fishing in.
Are you fishing in heavy current, no current, or against bridges?
Make sure you get stainless steel or galvanized anchor chain.
Here are the rules for how much anchor chain you will need for your boat:
- Heavy current and heavy wind = 10-15 ft of anchor chain (Think offshore or nearshore)
- Light current = 6ft of chain (Inshore)
- No current = no chain
Remember the least amount of chain you use, the quieter you’ll be so as to not spook fish.
But the less effective your anchor could be!
So it’s a balancing act in order to have the perfect amount of chain.
And don’t forget to check out “The Best Boat Anchors Of All Time (Ranked Strongest To Worst…)” to see where your anchor ranks!
Have any questions about determining how much anchor chain you need?
Let me know down in the comments!
And if you know someone who needs anchoring tips, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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Great that you are working at educating newer boaters
Your advice on chain for anchoring is poor however
Minimum chain is generally accepted to be at least 1 boat length and rode to be at least 7 y to one’s max depth you plan to anchor
Strength of system is contingent on vessel size weight and windage
Hey Thomas,
Thank you for your feedback. The accepted rules for anchoring are not good for fish catching.
This course is for setting up your boat with the right anchor system to catch fish. The goal for anglers is to have the shortest rode and chain while still maintaining secure and safe anchor. I have put in much time experimenting and using different anchors and chains while fishing. The “rule” that is generally accepted is not for fishing….and the chain length is overkill in almost all fishing situations and that amount of chain is loud on the boat and loud under water which spooks fish. We have found that an oversized anchor like a Bruce can offset need for long loud chain and much shorter rode. You can anchor with less rode, (more accurate spot location), much quieter, and ease of use.
For example, if one was to fish the jetty off of Sebastian inlet in strong current in a 24’ boat. If you let out 24’ of chain the school of snook and redfish would be scared away and if the proper amount of line let out, the boat would swing into the other boats. What is required is a very strong hold with minimal chain (minimal clanking), and minimal rode. This is the goal for most anglers.