crappiefarmer, I have been using a chain for years and this is what I use. 10ft of 1/2 in chain with 50ft of rope. I store it in a 5gal bucket with rags in the bottom soaked in WD 40. I have a cleat next to the motor as close to center as possible to tie the rope to. Let out enough to slow you down to the speed you want to go with just a little help from the trolling motor. The lenght you let out depends on the depth, wind, and speed. It will hang-up at times but a jerk and it frees its self,,,even in rocks. Piles, it drangs thru easily. I ALWAYS run it behind the boat so I've already fished the areas it has dragged thru. You'll be amazed, as I was, how well this works.. It's pretty cool, trolling with the wind, when others are struggling against the wind. As you use it you'll get better of how much chain to drag. I would, to start out, let out enough to almost stop the boat, then pull some rope in to adjust the speed. Hope this helps ya! <*)}}}><