[swartj]

I normally pull an 11 rod spread: 4 on port board, 4 on starboard board, 2 deep off the stern and one wwb.

This weekend I experimented with pulling one board instead of two. It was a 9 rod spread - 4 off the board, 2 deep off the stern, 2 intermediate length off the gunwales and one wwb off the roof. It was much easier fishing. From the helm I could keep an eye on all the rods except the wwb. Turning was much easier than with two boards. Also much easier to manuver in crowds.

I would still go out with someone because it is much easier to see it done but you may want to consider just pulling one board.