Hi Rob sounds like you got a great offer their!
Some nice tips there too.
The technique you describe with the flowing trace is spot on and will work fine providing you have enough of a drift but at the same time not too quick a tide.
You may find yourself shortening the leader to about 6ft for kayak use. (Far easier length to contend with)
One disadvantage with a very long flowing trace is that the pollack has a high chance of diving right to the bottom of the sea bed and perhaps into kelp so you might want to bear that in mind also.
There are lots of different types of drifting techniques that work well on the day for Pollack.
A simple killer rig (Jigging Pirk on bottom with 2 or 3 muppets or even jelly worms) can be above the pirk.
A common practice is to cast the pirk uptide then jig in if there is a good tide running. The oppostite can be used if the tide is very slow. ie casting downtide and jigging/ retrieving.
Seen days where pollack will completely ignore flashing spinners and hit soft lures such as shads/twintails/ worms like there is no tomorrow.
Another day the old gummi(Norweigen eel) will take the fish.
So many different lures to choose from and they will all catch good fish.
Some days the colour is the important factor.
Remember one day using my favourite colours and getting no interest whatsoever.
Changed to an electric blue 8" firetail(Never tried before) and it did the job.
So whatever you use bring a few colours.
Got a big enough tackle box for all these lures we are suggesting Rob? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Although you are focusing on drifting make sure you give trolling a go as David suggests.
Personally I favour a paravane for this work for the type of grounds I fish so I can get a curlytail etc down pretty deep without the need of any weights.
It's a fantastic feeling when you hear that reel squealing then turn around to see the rod doubling over. You'll need to get a very tight grip on that rod!!! ;D ;D
Alternatively you can use diving lures but snagging can be a pain with those trebles if you're not careful.
Depends really on the type of ground you are fishing.
Using a jig head soft baits reduces snags with the hook point turned up. Also circle hooks reduce snagging greatly if in the rough.
The beauty with trolling is you can troll up to your chosen mark and cover the ground you think fish are not around.
Many a time my fish finder is telling me no fish are about but when you are trolling the fish seem to find you. ;D
Anyway think you have heard enough from my side of things...ramble over.
Looking forward to hearing how you get on mate and what techniques work for you with the bass also.
Mind and bring your video camera now and show us you tackling up as well as reeling in the big one.
Chris