I`ve enjoyed reading all the posts on these forums and appreciate how more seasoned fishermen help newbies with ideas and suggestions. I`ve fished for most of my life but not so much for crappie. It seems like trolling with crank baits is a popular way to find fish and cover a larger area.

I want to give it a try but have questions..?

I own a 14 ' jon boat equipped with a 2.2 Mercury engine and a Minn Kota trolling motor .The boat serves my needs to fish small to medium reservoirs here in Virginia.

My questions

1. Would 2 rod holders mounted to the stern be okay to pull cranks or would it be better to have them at the side?

2. This sounds stupid but do I troll with my gas motor or strictly use the trolling motor I have mounted on the stern? I read posts on here that trolling speed is critical.

Any other tips?


Thanks!