If you get through all that (and there's a ton of info) you'll be well prepared. If you're looking for more of a quick start guide - here's what I like to do (typically) You didn't say where you're planning to do your trolling - but let's say it's something like Carlyle. At normal summer pool - you should be finding plenty of water out on the 'humps' and 'islands' that's in the 7-10' range. If it's not 445 - then be careful as a couple of the old islands are waiting for you to stumble thru (and they'll eat your cranks too.

Anyway - I like using Bandit 200s in some sort of white, chart or combo. I think they're designed to run 8-10' but line length and diameter does effect that. I prefer baitcasting rods with 12-14' line (preferably fluorocarbon, but braid works well too - just can be hard to break sometimes when you get snagged) and I like to use 7' rods for hook setting help. But... It's a matter of preference. Usually a normal cast distance behind the boat is plenty - just so long as you can feel the bait 'digging' across the sand or clay bottoms. It's easier to make your turns with shorter lines out. I do best catching whites coming up to or just pulling off the drop offs. You can also do well casting those areas too, but I like to troll to find them. Sometimes you'll find more fish up on the shallow flats but sometimes bigger ones just off the drops (and sometime they'll be the ones that are lower in the water column than the ones you see busting on top.

I like to take a jig and tie it above the crank with a Palomar knot. In some cases you're well off to have a crank (take all the hooks off) and run two jigs above it - to get the depth you want but decrease your snag potential. If the fish are really active - it's not uncommon to catch two at a time.

As far as speed goes - I think someone mentioned faster seems better and I agree - but for me it's not a choice cause I like to use my outboard over my TM and the slowest I can run is about 2.5-3.0 at idle. (it's a 150 HP) and not the best for motor trolling.

Just remember - at a place like Carlyle - if toss out marker buoys, expect to draw a crowd. (I like using my electronics for this as it's easier to avoid playing 'bumper boats')

Good luck - hope it helps...