If you just want to catch something, trolling is probably the way to go.  There are several diving lures that will catch fish.  Just use different lures that dive to different depths.  Of course, trolling works better if you have a depth finder, sometimes called a fish finder.  You should also have a rod holder which will attach to your canoe.  When you catch something note how deep the water was and how deep you were fishing.  Generally, if you catch one fish there are other there.  So paddle the area a couple of times.  But don't over work an area.  If the fish want to bite, they have seen your lure and have had ample opportunity to strike after a few minutes.  With the exception of lake trout, most fish like to be very near or on the bottom.  So run your lure deep enough that you hit bottom with some regularity.  Will you get snagged up and lose lures?  Sure you will, but you will catch more fish if you keep your lure close to the bottom.  Fish also like rocks, boulders, and tree branches in the water.  So fish those areas and lose more lures.  Finally, fish areas where the depth of the water is changing.  Can you catch fish were the bottom is flat sand or mud?  Sure you can, but not as many as where your lures gets snagged.  My son and I view getting our lures free after they snag on something as part of the challenge and fun of fishing.  Oh, there is a direct correlation and probably a cause and effect on how long your lure is in the water and how many fish you catch.  Early morning and late evening are generally best, but those hours represent a small part of the day.  Westwood.