I have a hobby of making planing floats that are castable and have directional control. Meaning if you give them a tug they flip direction. My latest design incorporates user friendly rigging and all the options you would benefit from learning and applying.
This is absolutely the best way to rig up for any species in rivers but coloring them black with a Sharpie is only helpful for Steelhead.
For more info http://planerboards.blogspot.com/