In very light wind (when you do not need a anchor) over the side near you will work fine but when the wind kicks up pulling form the end is more desirable.  Either way  the anchor should be deployed and retrieved from the side near your seat.  To do this get a 1 to 2 inch metal ring ( split ring key chain works). Tie a light line to the ring long enough to reach from the drivers seat through something in the front of the canoe and back to the drivers seat and tie it near the drovers seat. Run the anchor line through the metal ring.  After deploying the anchor the ring can be moved to the front of the canoe by pulling on the light line anteing it off.  To retrieve the anchor release the light line and rise the anchor over the edge of the canoe.

This is pretty simple and could be easily adapted to a canoe.

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One thing he mentions is that with Paracord, you get line slack when wet and to taut when dry other times?
I think I would opt for some of that guy line cord I bought from Cooke's Sewing or similar for set-up.

I know from using it on my Dry-Fly and Pack hanging rig that it doesn't stretch when wet and is more than strong enough.