Conference wahoo::fishing-v2

    I'm not sure where your fishing? I assume you'll be fishing in New
    England. In which case the water is still very cold and these Bass are
    still very sluggish. So if your mind is set on trolling (I would really
    consider alternatives for this time of year) live bait trolled at a 
    snails pace is the best bet.
    
    I caught a 4 to 5lb small mouth while fishing Winny this weekend. I
    thought for sure it was a laker due to the fight. The water was still
    in the 40 degree range and he just didn't have the metabolism for
    fighting yet! We caught him on a slow drift with a live smelt and I do
    mean sloooow.
    
    If you want to try other things aside from live bait, Rapala's would be
    my next choice. Surface baits (jitterbugs) trolled slowly through
    shallow southern exposed areas is also a shot. I "would not" try
    trolling a Slugo. Even if you were to get a hookup your line would
    become so twisted from trolling that it would probably break anyways.
    
    That's my .02 cents worth anyways. Since I got the trout and salmonoid
    bug a couple of years ago I haven't been chasing Bass as much. Except
    for Striped Bass, it's always a pleasure to hook into one of those
    Babies.......
    
    Good Luck,
    Bob M�

I'd troll swimming plastic plugs.  I've had some luck leaving one rod
in the holder with such baits dragging behind the boat while casting
to likely looking spots.  I'd troll small (model 7 or 5) rapalas,
shad raps, etc.  I would not troll plastic baits as you won't get too
many hookups (you might get bites) -- Plastic baits need to be felt when
fished, looking for those tell-tale taps, line movements, increase in
weight, etc.  Rapalas, bombers, etc. should produce some fish.

Denis,

A lot depends on whether the fish species you're after are on or just below 
the surface or down deep.  Inline spinners will run quite shallow unless 
weighted down.  Other popular and effective baits for trolling are minnow 
lures such as the Rapala or Rebel.  They come in various colors & sizes and 
are available in deep diving models.  Some will go down to 20+ feet.

Of course, spoons and wobblers also can be effective at times too.  Keep in 
mind that you should use a good ball bearing swivel to minimize line twist.

I've never done much trolling for bass, but have for trout.  Bow Lake has a 
large population of rainbows and browns.  I've taken many a limit trolling 
3-4" shallow diving Rapalas in either the silver/black or rainbow pattern.

Where were you planning to go?

-Joe

    Well, that was quick!  Many thanks for the replies.  We plan on hitting
    lake Massabesic (SP) in Manchester, NH Friday afternoon.  I know the
    bass are about to spawn, so it was suggested by many other anglers that
    I try bottom fishing in the shallows with tubes or plastic worms and a
    very slow retrieve.  
    
    I did want to try trolling only if there was no action.  The general
    concensus seems to be on the Rapalas, so I'll be stocking up.  Does
    anyone have any hot tips on what area of Massabesic are producing some
    bass?
    
    Thanks again.
    
    Denis

    To be more specific: try a small 2" floating rapala in a "perch" color.
    Troll as slow as you can through the shallows. This lure will dive any
    where between 6 and 18 inches depending on the speed of the troll.
    
    For future reference: Kingston Lake has a huge population of pickeral
    that just love rapalas. The weed bed in the middle of the lake will
    keep any "kid" occupied. 
    
    Jeff

<    To be more specific: try a small 2" floating rapala in a "perch" color.
<    Troll as slow as you can through the shallows. This lure will dive any
<    where between 6 and 18 inches depending on the speed of the troll.
    
   I'll second this one...  I've the best success trolling (while rowing which
causes the lure to vary it's speed) using a 5" split-back yellow perch
imitation floater.  Catch lots of pickeral, yellow perch, and a few bass.

Al