Just a suggestion, if you go to wire take a look at the Tropedo brand 19 strand wire. It does not kink real easy & you can tie knots in it almost as easy as mono. Maybe someone else will chime in here.
As of this past week green, nuclear green, purple, purple /black. Willow & Colorado blades. We did better at sog 2.2-2.5 mph. Along the fence at 53-55 fow. out of Buffalo SBH. good luck!
I would think a boat that has planer boards out 150' on both sides of the boat does have restricted maneuverability along with dipsey's & trolling lines, it sure can't turn on a dime. I always stay outside the crowds as much as I can. I have also had trouble with the Cig. speed boats not seeing my boards until the last minute too and almost going between the boat & the boards & I always put flags on the boards.
I believe the law reads, the boat that has the least maneuverability has the right of way which would be the boat trolling with boards & other equipment out. This was told to me by a US. Coast Guard a few yrs. back. We have also had arguments with sail boats in the past!
Not sure which is worst, the sail boats or the guy going east & west & looking out the back of his boat not paying attention when everyone else is trolling north & south! Geeeeeze!
FYI,They just did a study of the Hellbenders in the Allegany river in the Ellicottville NY. area. It was on the CRCS Outdoors tv show on one of the outdoor sports channels. They are a special thing to the Native Americans in the area. They live under flat rocks on the river bottom.
Cfindlay, FYI, go to "Madsdocks.com" site & check out their outdoor products poor man tree rod holders. They look good for the money, not to pricey, maybe fit your budget. Disclaimer; I have nothing to do with these products!