Lines and Reels
I use lines ranging from 20-pound Trilene XL up to 150-pound Berkley Whiplash, depending on the depth I want a lure to run at and the type of nearby cover, with depth control being the primary factor. A smaller-diameter line gets a lure deeper. More line out also usually means more depth. Experimenting is the only way I know of to learn exactly how deep different lures run on different lines.

I couple small shad minnowbaits with 20- to 30-pound Trilene XL, my experience being that these lures get a better action on these lines. Monofilament also is a good choice for running in the prop wash because it stretches, offering shock absorption when a fish hits so near the boat. I use braided superline like Berkley Whiplash (I'll be using Spiderwire Stealth this season) when running longer lines. No-stretch lines allow for good hooksets and also transmit vibrations better so you can tell when a lure's fouled.

My reels of choice are ABU Garcia Ambassaduers 6500s and 7000s, which I've found extremely durable. These larger reels have clicker mechanisms that warn when a fish hits or you snag up.

Lures
The only way for you to know for certain which lures work best on a given body of water at certain times is to get out there and fish. You really have to experiment from among lures that have proven to be good trolling lures in various areas of the country. I generally prefer to use large lures since I'm after large fish.

During the cool-water times of spring and sometimes during fall, I use long minnow-shaped baits like the Rapala Floater or Rapala Husky Jerk. Trolling at slower speeds (down to 1 mph) often produces action.

With the water temperatures into the 60F range and above, I switch to shad-bodied baits, moving along at 1 to 2 mph to begin, but also experimenting with speeds up to 5 mph. Speed, in combination with lure selection, becomes the major triggering factor. During summer and early fall, I use Rapala Super Shads, Magnum Rapalas, Bucher DepthRaiders, Hooker G & M Shads, and Grandmas Lures.

During the peak of fall fishing, into late fall, I stick with big wood baits, including jerkbaits: #18 Rapala Magnum Floaters, 10-inch Suicks, Muskie Mania Burts; and, at times, 8- to 10-inch Fudally Reef Hawgs. While Suicks wobble enough on a straight troll to work well, they often work best when you're holding the rod, pulling the lure forward occasionally, then letting it drift back, before repeating the procedure. Reef Hawgs also work best with a hands-on approach.

Finally, once water temperatures drop below 45F, I do best trolling at night around baitfish-gathering areas, at speeds of 3/4 to 1 mph, switching to walleye size minnow lures -- Rapala Husky Jerks, Countdown Rapalas, Storm Thundersticks, Rattlin' Rogues.

*Captain Doug Dingey (877-834-7500), Mechanicsburg, Ohio, is a longtime In-Fisherman who guides in Ohio and Michigan.