As far as boards go I run offshore's and just switched all my front releases out with Sam's Pro Releases. They are absolutely awsome. They release just like a blacks downrigger would. They are fully adjustable so even a light Walleye bite will release the board like they are interested to do. Line size or style does not matter either with them. And make the long drag in much easier with no resistance of the board fight against you. Also much less tangles occur since they pop so easily.