On the boat i run now the fish come and crew the name right off the back of the boat so I keep everything in tight. With the trolling valves this things trolls some of the cleanest water i've ever seen so no matter how close it is I can see everything going on. Mainly i keep them about 10 yards if that back. I like to keep them swimming alittle more than skipping so depends on the conditions.
Everything is different and ever boat is diferent, so you can;t really go by what this guy does or another guy does, you have to go by what works for you on that day and that boat.