Tip: You MUST have enough chain to equal your boat’s length. However, 1 ½ times to 2 times the length works best. 

Anchor Line (Rode) Scope Rule of Thumb:

You need a minimum of 1/3 more line than depth. For instance, to anchor in 300-feet of depth you will need at least 400-feet of line, depending on winds & currents. Remember, safety first. If your anchor drags bottom, play out more line to increase the scope. You can also use your trolling motor to move your boat side to side and too reposition if wind or current moves you off your hotspot. Additionally, if current or wind shift your boats position try cleating your anchor line to either the port or starboard bow cleat. This will swing you in the opposite direction of your cleated anchor line.

If the bite dies off, before moving play out 50 feet of anchor line and give it an additional 30 to 60 minutes fishing time. This technique has produced dozens of halibut for me. This technique puts your baits and lures down current, and into range of halibut moving into your scent field.

Danforth