A buddy of mine got me to try lead core a couple years ago and no matter what else I do now I always start out with one bottom bouncer and one lead core rod. I usually don't fish in over 30 fow on the michigan side of erie so I have one rod with 3 colors so that is the max I use and it has worked out. I sometimes start at 2 color if the fish are up and adjust if needed. I have no idea why but some days we end up pulling 6 or 7 on lead core when 1oz on mono won't work . like you I put the lead core and BB off the back of boat and use my boards on mono with spoons, lures, spinner baits whatever

good fishing
Rick