MikeFerrara:I never had trouble finding the line at Roubidoux but I saw some divers who went in and ran a line all over the cavern and never found it. I'm not sure about the distance (40 or 50 ft maybe?) but if you go in, straight ahead and down hill you see it.
If you find the spring at cannonball you'll find the line. I don't tie off on shore. I know where to start from and I go straig out along the bottom down hill. When you get to the ledge (about 20 ft) you see the water clearing up. Drop straight over the ledge and you're there.
Whether or not you tie off to shore, do use a dive flag since you are in Open Water and the local patrol will ticket you if in a sour mood. The local fishermen and boaters are typically very good about leaving your float and stuff alone. Unfortunately, they are also darned good at littering the shore!
theskull