Stripers in the fall

ok, before I start going crazy with the stripers i would really like to know the setup that people use and how they fish them.
how do you rig the bunker? do you use a weight?
open spool or light drag?
when you get a bite do u wait for a certain amount of time to set the hook?
how do you keep your bait away from the blues?
appreciate all answers, and does anyone know a bait shop near mamaroneck where they sell live eels? wanted to try them out sometime in the sound (within 40 minute drive)