Some anglers choose to use Lead Core line.  This line is much more forgiving than wire line, but does not provide the same sink rate due to its larger diameter and lower density.  However, it can be used effectively provided the angler is very careful when making turns (more line means more "sag").

The main line, regardless of its type (wire, braided, or lead core) must be connected to a length of 80lb or heavier fluorocarbon or monofilament leader.  The leader must be long enough so that the angler can get a few turns on the reel when a fish is being handled at boat-side.  Fluorocarbon leaders are more expensive, but are very tough and virtually invisible in the water.  There are many manufacturers of fluorocarbon, but many pros have recently switched to Yo-Zuri Disappearing Pink Fluorocarbon because of its durability and ability to maintain low visibility even after being scuffed.

The leader is connect to the main line using either an Albright knot or a small swivel.  SPRO manufacturers the smallest, strongest, and most durable swivels.  130lb SPRO Power Swivels provide an easy and functional connection (eliminating any chance of twist from inadvertent spinning).  These swivels are tiny enough to fit through even the smallest guides. 

Be careful, other manufacturers have attempted to imitate the SPRO Power Swivel with clearly deficient products.  The imitations look good out of the package, but simply they do not stand up to the rigors of trolling use.

Captains note: There is really no need to spend all your time trying to puzzle out the right speed to run your boat. Experienced captains almost never look at their instruments for speed information when pulling spoons. Instead, they simply watch to rod tips and adjust their speed until they see the distinctive pumping action. when the rod is pumping with big slow pulses, the spoon is wobbling back and forth and not spinning. 

Captains note: We get dozens of questions every week about how deep to fish bunker spoons. Though there are many times when the fish are very high in the water column especially when actively feeding on schooled up bait like bunker (menhaden, pogies, etc.), most of the time the biggest fish are found in the lower third of the water column. If you are fishing in 60ft of water, you need to get your spoons down to at least 40ft.  This is why Secret Spoons are made so heavy!  At 1lb-9oz these spoons are nearly 1lb heavier than an other spoon. They require no trolling (drail) weights to get down deep.  At the proper trolling speeds the Secret Spoon sinks between 1.5ft and 2.0ft for every 10 feet of wire. At the slower speeds you will need to put out only 200ft of wire to get down to 40ft. 

The spoons should almost never be pulled down-tide (with the current coming from behind the boat), as the current will drive the spoons into the bottom.  The only way to to maintain depth would be to increase the speed over bottom (as seen on a GPS).  Thus to keep the spoons at the same depth in a 1 knot following current, the boat speed would have to be 3-3.5 knots over the bottom which would hurt the presentation.

When trolling in significant current all turns should be made up-tide (into the current) and never down-tide (current from behind), or the spoons may sink too deep and hit the bottom.

Whenever using these fixtures it is critical to use a safety line on the rod and all anglers aboard need to know the exact routine for getting the rod out of the holder when a fish is hooked.  It is much easier to "sweep" the rod out of the holder when coming from the stern toward the bow, as opposed to attempting to pull the rod out of the holder from the other direction.