I have only used sinking lines for trout but can attest that they work like a hot damn. In a belly boat going real slow, I start with about a #2 sinking line and switch to a #3 or more if its not getting down deep enough. In the boat with my electric motor At 2.1 knots on my knotmeter ( the best speed I have found ) a #4 SA sinking line let out all 90 feet will travel about 16-17 feet deep, perfect for the 18 foot deep lake I always fish. I almost never have a snag.