Anchors are suppose to get "stuck" (or set) that is what holds your boat
against the current and wind. (A grapling hook is not intended for anchoring
unless you have a very rocky bottom, won't hold in gravel or mud.)

The anchor windlass is designed just to recover your anchor and rode. If
your anchor is properly set, it is doubtful that your windlass can break it
out, by it's self.

There are several ways to 'break out' your anchor. Some have already been
mentioned.

Even if you don't have engine power available, you can use the bouyancy of
the boat bow to break out the anchor... Haul in on your rode with the
windlass, until the rode or chain is 'tending Up & Down'. This indicates
your directly over the anchor (or if the rode is fouled, over the snag that
is fouling it). Now secure your rode to a stout cleat or Sampson Post. Not
the anchor windlass, could cause damage to the gearing or ratchet. (I've
even bent the shaft on an ABI manual). If there is any swell or wave action,
your bow will rise and fall. As the bow drops, take in any slack and snub it
off.. After a couple of times, doing this, the bouyancy of the bow will
break out the anchor..

If your anchor tends to get fouled or hung up on snags or under rocks, then
you should be using a trip line to pull it out backwards. You attach this
line (and bouy) to the crown of the anchor and when your ready to retrieve
your anchor and find it is fouled, recover the trip line bouy and pull on it
in the opposite direction from that which you used to set your anchor. Once
cleared, haul in on your anchor rode.


--
My opinion and experience. FWIW

Steve
s/v Good Intentions