After listneing to James last night, I need to get my Waterspike ready to roll, errr should I say dig. I bought the biggest one from Dean last year. How should I rig it to cover myself on pool 4? Just rope? Caribiner, chain, rope? How much chain if used, how many feet of rope? What size rope? Thanks guys?
3 to 4 ft. of chain than the rope….I use 150 ft. but I am sure 100 ft. will do fine. 
What is the right way to attach chain to anchor, and rope to chain?
I know it varies on the amount of flow/depth of water, but is there a “guideline” on how much feet of line, needed per foot of water depth, for a good hold, in the sand? Thanks guys. WTA
Sorry to hijack this WTA, but what is the big advantage of the chain?
My thoughts also, why the chain? 
keeps the front of the anchor down rather than straight rope and I had lots of problems with my anchor popping loose that way. Also keeps the rope from rubbing rocks, wood ect. when achored up as well. It helps keep the spike burried though is the answer to your question there.
The chain adds extra weight in front of the arm of the spike, which helps the spike dig in and hook up.
Sorry Big E we must have been typing at the same time. It was nice to see ya agian down there last weekend!
All I can say is if you set it up like the above posts you won’t be disapointed. I wish I had bought one years ago. 
It was one of the best purchases I’ve made for fishing. 
Still waiting on the suggestion of how to attach chain to anchor, and rope to chain?
Anchor shackles, like this one.
Thanks Jason, any suggestions on a ration of anchor line to let out per foot of water depth, to hold well on pool 4. I know it depends on flow, bottom content, and depth of water, just trying to get an idea. Thanks and good luck tomorrow, maybe see ya down there.
That’s an extremely tough question. One that has to be answered each time I put an anchor out. I hate it, but it can take several deployments to get the anchor to stick and for my boat to be in the position I want. Maybe I’m terrible at it, but it always takes me several tries to be satisfied with my position compared to the structure I’m targeting.
Another connection to consider is at the boat end of the rope. In the river it isn’t usually a problem because you are not letting out all of the rope. But, out on Mille Lacs when the wind is blowing and you need to let all of the rope out it is tempting to attach to the bow eye. Usually there is a caribiner or similar at the end of the rope for this purpose. If you choose to do that you should really consider having another smaller diameter rope woven into the main line a few feet ahead of this clip. This helps in two ways. First, it makes it much more convenient for the guy that gets stuck with the job of pulling anchor. He can pull on that convenience line which is usually tied off to a boat cleat without having to reach over the side of the boat. The other benefit comes when the waves bounce the boat just right that the caribiner clip pops out of the bow eye. You won’t lose the whole shootin’ match this way.
It may be just me… I have lost two anchors using those shackles. I run a Deck Mate, and had just checked tightness of the shackle the outing prior because of having one come off earlier. Now I use a regular screw closed chain link… and have had no problems.
??? if I may. I’m on my way next week for the first time. I have a 30# river anchor, and a heavy richter I use on Lake MI. Any advice on what is going to be better here? Are there a bunch of snags to worry about?
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Anchor shackles, like this one.
Also known as a clevis, You can get them at home depot. Not necessarily stainless, but alot cheaper than any product that is specific to marine use.
To answer another question. Scope ratio: Its good if possible to use a 5 to 1 ratio with your anchor line when able. It will allow you to get a good grip and to hold better in current.
Here is an article with some basics you might find helpful. Explaining in detail about “Ground Tackle, Rope, Scope and technique”
http://www.anchorbuddy.co.nz/anchoring.html
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I have a 30# river anchor,
I’ll take a 30# river anchor over any anchor, on any body of water in any weather condition. Just wish my back could still handle them.
-J.
30 lb. river anchor is the best to hold in any condition that I have been in.
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