I've run 'em all for years and years on the Great Lakes.
TK is right on regarding their use on our rivers. I'd go with varying length rods and well-positioned rod holders.
For the lakes (above the dams), you're safe with in-line boards. Bigger fish (stripers) definitely go with Church's orange walleye boards. We've always used the smaller yellow off-shore or "yellow bird" in-lines for coho salmon and browns on Lake Superior.
Make sure you get rid of the standard clips and replace with the adjustable clip (Church part # WX2-211538).
You're likely familiar with the mast set-up the east coast guys use for Stripers. This is a killer rig. I've put mine together with hundreds of yards of line, shower rings for clips, and rubber bands. HOWEVER, you really need a LOT of area to roam; otherwise, the frustration of other fishermen will wear you out.
My personal preference is actually against boards overall. I much prefer multiple downriggers; even if I'm just trying to get 8 feet down; you can't beat 12 pounds of lead.
