What is the proper technique for anchor?

Depending to a certain extent on the boat, but the general rule is to consult your charts before you ever drop anchor anywhere. Next, point the boat against the tidal flow if any and hold the boat stationary over the ground as you pay out the chain. Once the anchor has struck let the boat away with the flow until it stops and holds fast. Remember that every six hours the flow reverses and the tide either lifts or falls by its range. The amount of chain out should be about three times the depth of the water you are anchoring in and if staying for more than one tide (especially if the half-tide current is strong, you should really anchor fore and aft.