Larry,
If you were going to liveline eels in a rip - Middle Ground or whatever - why would you anchor? I always found drifting to be more effective.
Besides probably not being too effective, it would be foolhardy for the reasons you mentioned and a few more.
If you think the Middle Ground is scary at night, you probably wouldn't want to tangle with Wasque or Mutton Shoals at night.
Certainly not Devils Bridge. But thats where and when the big stripers used to play.