I'm with you Hoh Humm. Straight 15 lb Maxima Camelian works just fine for Steelhead. Too many knots, swivels, and different line types can ruin a good day of fishing!
Setting the hook is really only needed when the steelhead picks up the plug and runs toward the boat. Otherwise they hook themselves. By setting the hook hard you are only tearing a bigger hole in their mouth, as well as increasing the chance of breaking your line.
Neal
Neal

I don't know about your Kenai advice. Generally when a fish hits a Kwik, the rod is in the drink and by the time you get up, and are able to pry your rod out of the holder, the fish is either on or off.

Here is a list of Guides that Spend 99% of our time pulling plugs. Mind you it's a short list with the following side drifting has now days.
Don Glazer- Barrier Dam Campground
Nolan Smith- Nolan's Guide Service
Jay Patie- Red Neck Guide Service
Cris Leen- CML Guide Service
Claude Anderson- Sport Fishing Washington
And myself Rod's Guide Service
If you ask anyone us to reach in our boat and hand you a rod you'll see everyone of us fish 20lb. Izor line tied to the clip.
Why take the chance of having 3 knots in your line insted of just 1 when the 20lb.'er comes knocking.