I use 20-50 lb dacron (black or green) and position my smelt 1 foot off the bottom of the weeds during the day and about 2-3 feet up evening and morning when their more active. I catch a lot of pike using these methods on the southern reservoirs. And generally, 6-8'' bait morning and evening, 4-6'' during day. Smelts or big suckers. Up to 12'' suckers if theres big pike around. (i use a steel leader, black or silver as well)