There are serveral ways to rig for spider-rigging. I use mainly 10ft rods, 6lb test line an 1/8 oz or 1/4 oz jig head and size "2" split shot about 18" above the jig. I also tip the jig with a minnow. The weight enables your bait presentation to remain verticle for the most part. I prefer to move slow (.2 to .5 mph) and work all the different areas you mentioned based on the water temps and time of year. The technique also allows you to gauge the depth of your bait more precisely.