Hi guys,

Sorry to reply so late, but I just got in from a motorhome trip to San
Diego (from the Central Valley near Stockton) to see the grandsons
(age 8 & 5). I need some serious fishing and beer time to regain my
sanity! But first a motorhome trip to Denver.

100' of chain does sound a bit much, but on the delta I'm anchoring in
no more than 30'. 2:1 scope is all I really need for serious anchoring
even in the fast currents of the Sacramento and San Joaquin (which is
much of the delta). For foothill lake fishing, I can anchor in up to
80 feet just fine as there are no currents to deal with. The main
reason for chain is the drop - as Gene said - and of course, the
reduced scope required.

The weight of the chain is just 75 lbs., not a real issue considering
the advantages. And if I ever get an anchor stuck, I have a shackle at
the bitter end to keep the chain from going overboard. (I mark the
chain so I don't let out too much.) I'd have to remove the shackle and
kiss the approx $350 of chain and anchor good-bye. But in several
years of using the same set up, I've never had a problem. And I may
consider just staying put if I ever do really get hung up!

Hey Don, 65 is old when you have to stand on a rockin', rollin' bow
with no bowrails, the wind howling while pulling 100' of rode in hand
over hand against a current - especially when fishing alone. We lose
fishermen most years out on the delta, and that's one of the more
popular ways to make the final mistake!

Re fishing, NotNow, I gave up lake fishing a month ago as it has been
so poor this year. But as soon as I'm back from a some motorhome
traveling I'll be planning delta trips for sturgeon. I am so overdue -
and I have two sturgeon tags left of the three allowed per year to
attach to some big ol' hawgs. I can't wait!

Dale
www.FishWisher.com