All of the suggestions above are good for dropping and hooking the anchor. I am considering installing a bow pulpit with a windlass to make dropping and hooking the anchor alot easier. Phatdaddy is spot on with his anchor ball (ring type) to pull the hook. It makes pulling the anchor very, very, easy. Almost effortless!! When pulling the hook, you power slowly forward at an angle to where the hook is set and the anchor ball slides down the anchor rode. The hook pulls loose and it just floats to the surface next to the ball. No effort at all. The size of the ball is determined by the weight of the anchor. The only problem with this setup is stowing the ball however a v20 with 13 to 20 lb hook doesn't require a huge ball. I am going to try a 10"x 28" fender instead of the ball to save some space. I will post the results when I am back in the water. Check in at the following website for a better explanation of an anchor ball than mine. They have a video that explains how easy it is and I can vouch for the video. I don't work for Ironwood Pacific or sell their products!
www.ironwoodpacific.com