I typically space mine 2 1/2 to 3 inches, I never measure, just eyeball it. I've been using #1 drop shot hooks for a few years now as my front/top hook, but I have soooooo many other hooks. I use #17 test mono, that requires eyelets that are larger than some of my older coated walleye hooks will allow the line to go thru. I've used #10, #12, #14 test and you can get by with those, but when an inexperienced person gets there fish of a life time close to the boat and rush things or horse the fish, it's gone. I've had it happen too many times, that's why I run the #17. but that's me.