I agree that technique is nearly as important as selection. I prefer a
Danforth in the muddy bottom along the New Jersey intercoastal. But, I had to learn the hard way on a charter boat in Greece how techniques vary by
anchor types. My charter boat only had a single
CQR. When we first reached the island of Kithnos, the wind outside the harbor was strong. Inside, the water was flat but much to my surprise, the wind was actually stronger than outside. It seemed to boil down the lee of the island and pick up speed. The harbor bottom was white sand and grass. After several failed attempts (I was the afternoon''s entertainment I can tell you) I adjusted my technique - I began taking very soft sets almost immediately after the
CQR hit the bottom, letting the boat drift back a boat length at a time then repeating the soft set. Otherwise, the
CQR simply fell on its side and dragged along. Once set, it buried deep and held perfectly for two days.