Plum, your not going to learn all there is to know just by posting questions. You will get some great ideas, which you have already
...but the only way to really learn is by "practice". Try all of the suggestions you read on here and see which one works best for you.
..I've designed some of my own ideas and practices so that maybe these fellows can use to either modify or describe a little better in detail for you....in order to further assist you.
...#1:....This is the Egg-Sinker set-up, which is used alot in the Canal while drifting chunks of Herring or Pogy...or even Eels. (there are two types of egg-sinkers that I use, rubber core and rubber-less. The rubber core will not slide on your line, as the rubber-less will)...When I use eels, I like to use a swivel to help control the twisting. I sometimes use an egg sinker with a topwater/floating lure to get it down to a different level. I haven't seen much of this...so use your own judgement. It has worked for me.
...#2:...This the way I setup my "Fish-Finder" rig. (only with chunks that will be heaved, not casted)..if I'm casting, I'll use an egg-sinker...or nothing at all....depending on how strong the current is and the depth of the water.
...#3: ..This is a direct tie up...the jigs will vary from many sizes. (3/8 - 5oz.)...Most of the times I will use a swivel, but sometimes I'll variate.
...#4:...This is my typical Bluefishing Setup. YES, I LOVE FISHING FOR BLUES TOO!!!...
...whether I use a hook or a lure, I like a leader. I've had times when using squid, that after the first blue grabs hold, the squid will loosen up off the hook and travel up the leader...and the pursuing bluefish will hit the squid again...but this time its off the leader...so keep that in mind. (I've doodled up a quick picture to clue you in on what I'm talking about)
...I hope this helps. Please feel free to make modifications or suggestions, as I'm always willing to try or at least listen to new ideas....