stick to conventional. it's easier to fish bottom with a flick of a switch like you said.
that opening/closing of the bail kills the action your looking for. up-down...up-down..up-down....
you want the jig slamming into the bottom and then instantly raising up, thats where you'll get the most hits.
plus you wont look like a googan
8' is a little long unless your on the bow of a 60 foot party boat that wont allow braid. make sure it's a light rod if your going to be jigging an 8 footer all day
