I tie my hootchies to 50LB leader now and use 20LB for spoons. For BM, I start with 30 to 32 inches and for Summer Kings I start with 42 inches on the hootchies. If I am over fish and nothing is working I start shortening up the leaders.

I have hit Kings with leaders as short as 20 inches when longer wasn't working.

I have taken a page out of Captain Downriggen's book and started experimenting with the hootchies. I gave some a custom hair cut last time I was out. The custom hair cut hit most of the fish. I am going to start experimenting with dyes too.

Flexibility is the key, in my opinion. Don't get too locked into on one thing. Some days, who knows, the mood of the fish is just different. A little change in the profile or action can be the key to getting that fish.

Oh, and my money is on Captain Downriggen if Stlhead is serious about the challenge.