I see all the time..... people recommend trolling.

I have never done it. So I was curious, what are the best methods.

Let me start by explaining my setup.

There are 2 of us. I am always in the front of the canoe. We typically base camp, and then go to different spots and lakes each day, and return to base camp each night.

We typically look at terrain, topo maps, and lake depth maps of the lakes we plan to fish in, and then target areas we think might be good. We usually paddle to the area, and then work our way around.

We usually fish with jigs, slip bobbers, and lures. Lures for me are usually top water in the evenings and in shallow areas. Sometimes I use some Raps (mid floaters, but do have some deep divers).

Seems like trolling would be more difficult from the front of the canoe. Especially considering I help paddle.

So fill me in on all the basics and how to troll.

Rod holders would be first. I don't that much about them because I've never trolled either. I'm sure you will get more specific answers from some veteran trollers on the site. See post from another thread below

: "If you have two legs you already have the best canoe rod holder. Put the handle behind one knee and the rod in front of the other knee. I prefer to paddle on my right hand side, so the rod handle goes under my right knee. I have paddled MILES trolling for lake trout like that.

I’m. Certainly no expert, but I can offer some help. Know what depth you’re wanting to tatget. Then buy lures that run in that general depth. I like Husky Jerks for the 5-10’ depth. And Shad Raps for the 10-15’ range. And Tail Dancers for anything deeper. The depth it will run is based on how much line you let out. I believe the depth stated on the Rapala box is based off of 125’ of line being out.(someone correct me if I’m wrong) so you can adjust the depth with more or less line out. A good tip I learned on this forum was to put a slip bobber stop on and walk out 100’ , and set the stop there. It will give you a reference point. As stated above you can upgrade and have rod holders , but using your legs works for a lot of people. Also I recommend a good topo map so you can eye up where you’ll be paddling for your chosen depth. Another thought on the depth of the lure. You should be tapping bottom every now and then. That way you know your in the strike zone. You can get it banging bottom a lot ,and then just real in a bit. Think that’s all I got for now. I’m sure some of the experts will chime in.

Agree legs are the best rod holder. Lets you feel what's going on to some extent. Worst thing is to scrape the bottom, pick up some weeds or whatever and not be aware of it. Depending on the species, lure, water temp etc, two people paddling is a little fast. I have had my best luck pulling crank baits with one person paddling and the other duffing. I have paddled miles and miles with both the front and back paddler trolling. You just have to pay attention.

this touches on a bit of the thread , on rod holders , rod holders are better if you want to prefect rolling ,, if trolling is your thing .
with the leg-knee-foot thing your reel and butt of your rod is below you , you have to bring that up to hook set and play your fish , and your rod is way close to you when paddling or just wanting to set your paddle down and grab your rod.. rod holders much better , yes more gear but what do you want to do.
time of year dictates lure choice and presentation , simple example , many love the taildancers but if within 3 weeks of ice out not needed , later in the year sounds like it's $
suspending crankbaits (with a good bill) is great when making turns (S trolling) in the BW/Q when trolling , the pause and go doing turns can really trigger fish into striking.
later in the year use in line weights and bigger spoons or minnow imataions

Trolling Basics: Put your bait in the water. Paddle canoe.

Most other details depend on what you are fishing for....?

BN3 nailed it. Put a lure in the water and paddle slowly. Front guy needs not to paddle it calm weather. Just a slow motion in the water depth you want to target. Follow the shoreline with the rod propped up between your legs or a holder.

Lots of good advice...I’ll just add if you have a line in the water you have a chance. That’s the best thing about trolling. I have caught some really nice fish where they shouldn’t of been while trolling. Here is a big smally my 7 year old son caught in the middle of North Bay over 80-100’ of water. No structure anywhere for a long way. So at least just try it on the way to fishing spots or while traveling. If I see a nice point or reef I’ll deviate a little.

shock: "this touches on a bit of the thread , on rod holders , rod holders are better if you want to prefect rolling ,, if trolling is your thing .
with the leg-knee-foot thing your reel and butt of your rod is below you , you have to bring that up to hook set and play your fish , and your rod is way close to you when paddling or just wanting to set your paddle down and grab your rod.. rod holders much better , yes more gear but what do you want to do.
time of year dictates lure choice and presentation , simple example , many love the taildancers but if within 3 weeks of ice out not needed , later in the year sounds like it's $
suspending crankbaits (with a good bill) is great when making turns (S trolling) in the BW/Q when trolling , the pause and go doing turns can really trigger fish into striking.
later in the year use in line weights and bigger spoons or minnow imataions
"

I’ll also add with a rod holder I can paddle on either side effortlessly (move your legs around however ya want) and more importantly I can change the angle of the rod both in the horizontal and vertical planes to adjust your ability to set the hook and your lure depth. Sometimes little adjustments are the difference between killing it and just catching the occasional fish. I also just plain like watching fish hit! With that said if you haven’t trolled before just start with the knee/leg method. I wouldn’t bring/buy extra gear if you just occasional troll or maybe you won’t like trolling? You will know after you try it if a holder adds to your trip or is unnecessary.

T

We've taken lots of fish of all species running along what we call the "color change," the first drop-off from shore. The bow person runs a husky jerk on the inside, giving long sweeps and pumps of the rod. Sometimes they have to help paddle. The stern person runs deeper with a shad rap or such on the deeper side. Don't be afraid to go as fast as you can; sometimes that's the ticket especially in summer and fall.
If that produces nothing, slide deeper with tail dancers. Electronics help immensely.
Rapala products really do work better than other brands, generally speaking, and always run truer at high speeds.
Don't forget about spinners and live bait.

timatkn: "

shock: "this touches on a bit of the thread , on rod holders , rod holders are better if you want to prefect rolling ,, if trolling is your thing .
with the leg-knee-foot thing your reel and butt of your rod is below you , you have to bring that up to hook set and play your fish , and your rod is way close to you when paddling or just wanting to set your paddle down and grab your rod.. rod holders much better , yes more gear but what do you want to do.

Time of year dictates lure choice and presentation , simple example , many love the taildancers but if within 3 weeks of ice out not needed , later in the year sounds like it's $

Suspending crankbaits (with a good bill) is great when making turns (S trolling) in the BW/Q when trolling , the pause and go doing turns can really trigger fish into striking.
later in the year use in line weights and bigger spoons or minnow imitations.
"

I’ll also add with a rod holder, I can paddle on either side effortlessly (move your legs around however ya want) and more importantly, I can change the angle of the rod both in the horizontal and vertical planes to adjust your ability to set the hook and your lure depth. Sometimes little adjustments are the difference between killing it and just catching the occasional fish. I also just plain like watching fish hit!

With that said, if you haven’t trolled before, just start with the knee/leg method. I wouldn’t bring/buy extra gear if you just occasional troll or maybe you won’t like trolling? You will know after you try it if a holder adds to your trip or is unnecessary.

T"

^ Good stuff here ^

Troll almost all the time, easy way to find the aggressive fish and then target similar areas or that area. Use hand tied spinners and leeches. Here's my old set up, added to the pile of gear, my bow mate just holds her pole, I'm the trolling motor for the week.

What I currently use bottom right. BaitKing full of leeches between my legs.

Nice 'eyes, Pike.