Fishb8 great question to ask and one which is needed to severely test our proverbial matter. I don’t have a yes or no answer.. but here goes.
Firstly
Run straight . I have mainly straight butt rods on the whole they are or were /are cheaper - Like offshore and killwell rods built well. One currently is a interchangeable bent. I still have the bent butt but it is not in use. May come in handy for swords one day. And I have run it for couple of seasons like that on SC. Unsuccessfully ... I should add.
Secondly ...
I have and could run a couple on interchangeable bent butts - but then you need multiple harness set ups ready cause they are different to have ready to go and be the same effectiveness.
Thirdly
Alot of short lures can run fine or better off the straight higher tow point in calmer conditions. Sambosi I fish off has flatline clips which are effective if you want lower tow points. This I have experimented with personally... but then Roddy Hayes told me years ago if it’s right sort of lure weighted head it will be a killer .. at time was legend enki he was selling me. was great recommendation ... but have found others do the same or close to as good since.
Lastly...
I like a nice straight butt to fight on marlin standup. But hey even on 37 kg a marlin (blue or striped) to me is most comfortable for me standup on straight butt .. is what I’m used to I guess.
Straight can be a buggar on massive tuna when digging deep... which would likely change all thinking above, or getting blue off bottom after few hours... problem with big tuna circling is can literally screw your back.
Anyway this is a good post, so go for gold everyone.
Might add some great reply’s above especially from Krow with different perspective and just as right. Gotta love way he runs a boat.
But on my boat obsession we will for foreseeable future stay with being “straight”!