I have never used a Kentucky rig and not sure how it really looks.

This sounds similar to how I use a weld rod. I use a medium heavy bait caster with braid not sure of the test of the braid. I use 12 to 18 inches (the length varies) of weld rod and at times will have aberdeen hooks on both end of the weld rod and lower it straight into the brush. Once hooked the fish won't wrap because of the length of weld rod. The weld rod probably won't be lost on hang ups if there is any up down free play action. It will tend to free its self with the lifting and falling action. If it hangs up with no free play is where I have lost the rigs in the past.
I usually like to use the rig with the tandem minnows being dropped into the brush thinking I'm offering them a second shot, going up or down, if they have let the bottom minnow go down past them with out taking it. Maybe they will grab the other minnow as it goes by them. Invariably the other minnow will be knocked off the rig when pulling the fish out of the water with this rig.
With this rig I also FEAR NO BRUSH-PILE!!!!





This is not a Kentucky rig but what I use in a similar situation you describe.