I swore by variations of Lindy rigs as a kid. The spinner blade with the beads and a store bought smelly worm have worked for me after the live bait ban. Plus they are easier to troll solo since it's mostly just the line drag. Depth is key, I think, anyway.

The dam on Pickerel use to have crawlers so I use to bring a bulb with a needle to bloat 'em a bit but the smelly worms travel much better and work just as well IMO. Fish are stupid. Don't over think it. Right place, right time? I'd rather be lucky than good and I only need one for dinner er breakfast.