I'm running into a 2 knot current most of the time. My experience is that slower is always better. The thundersticks have a pretty good action down to around 2 in flat water. When I was pulling rapalas, it seems the action went dead at speeds below 2.4. Guys also pull worm harnesses, but I have to contend with gobies.
As far as leader length behind the bouncer, depends on the working length of your net, as you can only reel the bouncer to the rod tip. Water is very clear here and I'm running the back about 7 ft on 20 lb florocarbon, swivel on the bouncer end, just a cross lock snap at the lure.