Most of the guys in the midwest use a fixed rig.We generally start out with an 18 inch leader, and adjust accordingly depending on current and clarity. You can still probe different zones with a fixed rig by moving the location of your weight. There are a lot of times I'll run a drift at three or four different leader lengths to prove to myself that the fish are in the run. I think a fixed rig is alot easier for a new guy to keep in contact with his drift. Just an opinion. With no fish heading up our rivers for a few more weeks, all I can have is an opinion. Hey Bob, keep pounding them up in Alaska. I love the pictures. Can't wait to have the boys at Teds' Fed Ex me some live sand shrimp this winter. These great lakes brats are going to blow their melons when they see those "alien" creatures coming through the run. They'll either pound them, or head straight back to the lake looking for their mother. Tight Lines.