Sideplaners are extremely effective. I've caught a half dozen summer-runs and a few winter brats using them and haven't spent that much time at it. I would recommend about 10-12ft. of leader depending on water depth. I always actively work the planer/plug combination down-river when space allows. Work it in and out while you gradually move downstream. I wouldn't recommend using one in a drift where there are drift fishermen downstream for obvious reasons. I can see where boaters wouldn't like them cause you can pretty much plug a drift like they would. Rod tip up and the planer moves away from shore...rod tip down and it moves toward shore. It's like flying a kite! Good luck.