Wow!!! That's some good information.
I checked out the #2 tadpole sinkers, nice looking sinker. They even offer that style for different trolling speeds!!

I did pick up a couple, Okuma line counter rod reel combos, last year and will probably grab a couple more. Glad you mentioned mono, thats my choice for fishing.

I tried the small inline planer boards several years ago, I don't remember the brand. Maybe it was just me, but I never got into the process. Lack of knowledge on my part, maybe. However, with all the different styles now, a revisit is possible.

I like to use spin reels, to cast and troll and I like to hold them. Something about the feel of the bite, and the thrill of the fight. just gets my blood pumping . I even go lite on my line so I need to run lite drag, so I don't lose a fish. Call me crazy. However, if the bite is slow, I'm looking for options.

I guess the big planer board thing is a quest, not a burning desire. A weapon for the battle to find and catch fish. And, if my arms give out from casting and landing all those monster fish. Grandson takes over, Pa drives the boat.

Sure is different from when I was a kid, using my green Johnson Model 60 reel, with solid fiberglass pole, bluegill fishing with my granny, from a wooden flat bottom boat. God, I miss those days.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I appreciate you for that.

Johnny D