I troll with my poles wrapped around the front of the boat, usually 8 to 10 poles. I leave a little line pulled out, maybe 2 foot of line or so. I troll with 14 and 16 footers bnm pro staff trolling poles. As far as spooking fish I really havnt noticed it spooking fish but I am fishing in a fiberglass boat also. Wear ever you fish when its cold don't be afraid to go shallow.