[irishc]

Another option to consider is a capstan. I fish by myself occasionally so that made more sense for me. With a capstan you are not limited to a specific length of rope but you need to go to the bow to use it. Either or, they both really save on the back and if your like the rest of us, not getting any younger, I would recommend making the investment! Also, more than once I have hooked a pot line, large pieces of the wreck, misc. gear others have lost, and 99% of the time I have been able to safely get my gear back. That said, whatever you buy, if wreck/bottom fishing, I would not rely on it to pull the hook off the bottom by itself. Use it to pull in the slack, tie the rope off, then use the boat to break the anchor or grapple free. The unit I brought is from a non sponsor. It is a referb for under $300 w/a 1000 lb. deadlift. I installed it myself. snaking the wires and installing the footswitch were a real b***h but the hook up itself was a piece of cake. PM me if you want more information.