i put together a new rig for trolling this winter, its something like this: main line going through 5 oz egg sinker then the main line attached to a swivel. after the swivel a 4-5 leader, the leader line then goes through an orange bobber and ties onto another swivel, then another 3 foot leader with either rigged bait for trolling or unweighted plastics. yes i know its complicated but i think it will bring the bait down 2-3 feet off the bottom at all times while trolling for nice fish. i think it will be good with eels because once the fish takes it the main line will slide through the sinker without the fish feeling it and so you can wait for the fish to have it all. i will try and put up a drawing of it. i was just wondering though if anyone else has used or seen something like it and if they think it will be any good.

I don't like it, you are better off three waying.

What Slip said

yes, 3 waying is probably simpler and easier

Looks like a good rock snagger. Also, the main line is going to take a beating along the bottom like that. I think it might work OK on a drift but 3 way'ing seems more direct. Give it a try and let us know....

I am seriously thinking of getting a cannon digi troll IV downrigger. You can outfit it with a depth transducer which allows automatic bottom tracking. You can set your weight to track the bottom X amount of feet off the bottom. You can then keep your bait/lure right where you want it. (in theory)
I don't know anyone who has used it but it sounds like exactly like what I want. The nice thing about this is there is no weight on the rod...just a hook or plug
It could be an expensive experiment....