New to offshore trolling, rigging questions

[Capt. Ahab]

I am just getting into offshore trolling. We have upgraded our boat size to a 26 Cape Horn and now have the capability to make longer runs. I am mainly interested in YFT, mahi, and possibly billfish. We are planning a trip out of Oregon Inlet later in July. I have been researching the whole rigging thing since that is new to me. I probably have unlimited questions right now but I'll try to keep it short.

I have a good selection of lures right now... squid spreader bars, zukers, sea witches, ilanders, daisy chains and green machines.

What size mono should I use for mainline and leader for rigging these lures? So far I have rigged the zukers with about 15' of 80 lb. test with 7/0. I think the sea witches came rigged with 80, and I replaced the 7/0 hooks with 9/0. I rigged the spreader bar squids with 80 and the trailing green machine has something very heavy (not sure exact number). All connections crimped, no swivels except on spreader bar (I think you want the ballyhoo baits to swim without twisting?)

I'm not too worried about IGFA regs so how long should I make these leaders?

Hook size? The guy at the tackle shop set me up with 7/0 for mahi baits and 9/0 for baits tuna might crash. If this doesn't sound right, let me know.

Knots? Crimps? which are better?

I have looked at windons...do I need these? I have made several shooting heads for fly fishing using braided mono, so I think I have some familiarity with the techniques. It looks like to me you make a bimini in the mainline, a loop in the braid, and a splice to leader with a "serve." I can tie a bimini and I think I understand the braided loop. Can anyone explain in detail how this is done, specifically the splice and serve? Do I need any special tools?

Thanks for the help.

Here is a mahi I caught fly fishing on a buddy's boat off OI a few years back. This is the fish that got me hooked!

[bob the welder]

Hi Tom. The leaders that you have are minimaly adequate and must be thoughly inspected after each fish you will loose a few fish going this light but the up side is you'll get more bites. We use100# 21/24' leaders on most rigs and still check frquently. 130 spro swivels or crocs 150. Your hook size is ok and any leader 100# up crimp under 100 tie a palomar knot. Tied correctly and wet drawn it is one of the easiest and best holding knots. We have been doing this since 1985 as rec and charter.
I'll give you a general set for you to work with- way back 300yds or more- bird and green mach or no bird islander b/w , daisy chain set 50 yds back and bring in close to bar later, set the bar about 20' behind where the propwash clears and then bring the chain in about 20' behind, on the riggers one side zuker the other side sea witch, the same in close on the flats and short riggers try to run things close as you dare. 10-15' apart is good for the bait ball effect. Sure we get some tangles but trust me they can't stand it they'll bite.
Good luck and let me know your results using this method.