When I first started out I pulled 6 . Two off each side at the front and two straight out the back. You could go that route until you get accustomed to it. I think if you've never longlined or been with someone who longlines,it would be best to start out small. I could see a fisherman getting very aggravated trying to use a large number of poles if and when tangles,brushpiles and small fish wrap up bout 8 poles. Lots of times it is quicker to cut and retie rather than to try to untangle. You will need some good rodholders so when you get hung they will stay in the holder. Don't have the drag set too tight. My set up is usually three out each side up front,sometimes four a 12'10'8'and sometimes 12-10-8 and a 6'. four out the back,with sometimes six short, 5.5 to 6' rods out the back.. I use a tiny swivel to help with line twist . Like GaBowman said it is addictive, but can get frustrating with little fish tangling up stuff. The little fish seem to hit harder than the bigger ones, the twril when you reel them in helping the line twist.The wind will be one of your worst enimies. .8 to1.2 will catch the fish.. As a GENERAL rule of thumb, a 1/16 oz jig, 4 lb mono at .8 - 1.0 mph will run APPROXIMATELY 10' deep with a good cast,as far as you can cast it out. I don't use the double jig rig or use jigs tipped with minnows( Mabey I should try to learn to be able to get more fish). Let us SC and Nc folks know how your trip turns out. God bless and be safe.
HEY,,WATCH THAT YELLOW ROD