As far as leader legnth goes I am with Mad Max in that I prefer a longish leader. Keep in mind that when the fish picks up your bait you aren't going to feel him until the lead drifts by and the line tightens up. So I would reccomend that you use as short a leader as the conditions will allow for.

As far as the bite goes. I would say that with most of the fish that I catch all I ever feel is the weight come off the bottom, or the line stop. If you feel that rip lips!!!

Good Luck