As far as where to mount your rod holders, get in the seat of the boat that you'll be fishing out of and adjust location so it's comfortable for you to reach a pole and grab it from the seat. Make sure your rod holders are far enough back to allow you access to the trolling motor and so it won't impede you from putring the motor in the water and taking it out. Another consideration is allowing yourself a way to step into the boat from the front with rod holders up and any electronics you have on the front of the boat. I run 8 rods out of the bow of my boat. I live in Madison and if you want to come by and see my set up, give me a PM. Recommend 6 lbs test on all your reels so it's consistent throughout your set up. Trolling speed for long lining I go between .7 and 1.2 mph depending on what the fish want. Baits, I like southern pro hot grubs, BG baby shad and Jiffy jigs in all kinds of different colors depending on where I'm fishing. I also troll rods out of the back of the boat at the same time I have rods up front. I like to keep about 3-4' between rod tips. Longer poles up front straight out and then sweep back with shorter rods in succession. Hope that helps.
