I use both methods, and contrary to others beliefs, I feel a pole limit should be enacted. The biggest issue I see with trolling is that the fishermen are intercepting the fish before they make it to the spawning grounds. Where as single polers are catching them in the spawning grounds. In my opinion, many more fish would spawn successfully if given the opportunity to reach the spawning areas. Most tight liners use 8 poles out the front, where as the majority of good long liners use 12 to 16 poles out the back. Most larger tournaments limit poles to 8 per boat regardless of technique. I too would be in favor of an 8 pole limit. Until that time, I will continue to use 12 out the back when long lining. I will add that rod limits probably will never happen as long as striper and catfish guides are in existence. This is the single reason I feel creel limits were reduced in lieu of rod reduction to begin with.