Mooch, stealth. I want the plug cut to be as far away from the sinker as possible so the fish won't associate the two. I don't use a spreader either, just a split ring with three bead chains, one to the main line, one to the drop sinker and one to the leader. Its less obstrusive and gets down better with less weight. Boating fish with long leaders is harder. You need to have a good man on the net. When the fish is ready and up to the boat, you have to raise the rod tip high with your arms extended. But believe me, we get 'em. I'm convinced that lighter lines (12 pound test generally) and long leaders results in more bites, especially when fishing is tough. Another key to springer trolling is to keep that herring right on bottom all the time.