Quick Response:

Line Counters - Great! if they are built in. Otherwise, mark your line every 25 feet with good nail polish or paint for now.

Divers - Fantastic idea... however many of us that use divers also run in line weights (ie.. 2oz inline) on worm harnesses anyway so in-line weights are fine too for worm harnesses. You can google in-line weight depth charts and get depths based on weight and speed and line length... If you do use divers, i recommend 40 Tru Trips. Most reports you hear on the radio will be for 40 Tru Trips, or will be for something that you can easily convert to work with 40 Tru Trips. Dipsy Divers are a good alternative if you only have 2 guys and are running 4 rods as they are directional and you can set them to run away from the boat, and 2 to run straight behind, or slightly offset.

If you are going to use offshore boards, you will have to get advise from someone who uses them. I went from your situation of drifting and being gone for a couple years, straight to the big outrigger boards. I love them!

I'd recommend that you go out with Skipper9 (Eye Hunter Charters) for a trip. He has spots open for a walk-on every once in a while. Tell him that you only want to go with him to learn how to troll. He will give you more knowledge than you can absorb in a trip and give it freely. Well... for the price of the charter. He won't hold anything back, and he will even give you a couple good baits that he or his first mate have custom made and painted... (Now watch, I'll get an invoice for 2 lures) lol I don't have any connection with Skipper9 other than I leach information from him whenever I can. He hasn't stopped taking my calls yet.