Hey Hog! We just freelined a cigar minnow on a steel leader, no weight. Pulled out about 40 yds. of line & drifted behind the boat, while we bottom fished. Caught it on a spinner w/#30 test. Travis just eased it to the boat, by the time we sunk the gaff, the fish was worn out. When I took the pic of the hoo (3rd pic), the hoo was still alive, just wasted. Slid her into the fish bag w/ease, & iced w/saltwater brine. I love dragging lures for hoo, just happened to catch this one on a floater. I think the best placement in your spread is 20-40 ' back, right on the edge of the prop wash.