I think it is important to have confidence that your set up is going to work. I was fortunate to have been taught by some damn good seasoned veterans, methods that catch fish. I am in no way saying my method is better, it just know it works for me. Cannot comment on steel line because I've never used it. Found that copper, although it catches fish is very speed sensitive, sinks very fast if you slow down, like on turns, and you will be farming mussels. Hate it for walleye fishing, finally took it off my reels. With 2 guys fishing I like 2 dipseys on each side and 2 leadcore out the chute. With 3 guys, I will add 2 downriggers and maybe a 50 TruTrip. With 4 on board I will go with the big boards, each with 3 lines of 5 color lead, In line weights added as needed, two dipseys, two downriggers, and two leadcore straight back. It is important to keep working with a method that is most comfortable for you, and sticking with it till your ability to adjust your setup to precise depth becomes second nature very quickly. Most important. Good luck.