Old Salt makes an excellent point re: "erratic action" prompting lake trout to strike. 

Years ago, I had been trolling a flashy silver spoon in a Woodland Caribou lake that was well-known for its lakers.  We had gone what seemed hours-on-end without any action whatsoever.  My bored paddling partner had given up and was alternating between snoozing in the bow and (occasionally) motoring me around the lake.  Suddenly, he woke up, saw me "still at it", and just shook his head.  In what must have been an inspiration from "dreamland", he suggested, "Hey! Try raising & dropping your rod tip in repeated elongated motions - about 5-6 feet or so - and slow down your retrieve.  If that doesn't work, vary the speed of your retrieval."  The suggestion seemed funny coming from him since, to the best of my knowledge, he was strictly a "pitch-buzzbaits-to-bass" fisherman.

Since I certainly couldn't do any worse than I was already doing, I immediately gave it a shot & adopted the tactic, even as he spoke.  No lie, a really nice lake trout slammed my Sutton Spoon on about my third dip!  I went on to catch a few more nice ones in relatively short order using that same technique.   

My buddy told me he uses that "erratic action" technique with certain saltwater species "to trigger fish that are otherwise tentative about striking."  Nowadays, when it feels like the LT fishing is dead, it's a "go-to" tactic that I use with some success.  Generally, I'll put on the flashiest spoon in my box and have at it.  If, after 20 minutes or so, that technique fails, well... you know it's time to paddle back to camp and enjoy whatever libation might be on hand.

Later,

Jimbo   

Yup....change it up.  2015, Argo....2 hours of laker trolling and nothing.  Came to a dead stop, dropped a spoon to the bottom in about 75 ft. of water, took one turn on the handle up, started jigging and inside of 5 minutes, it was grilled laker for dinner.

pd

Using a double blade, I'll rig it up with the tip of the rod near the blade and the handle of the rod along the axis of the paddle handle.  Thinking this through, I've always had problems hooking fish while taking the rod out the holder then trying to set the hook.  This technique should take care of that issue as well.  Bungee Bob is always looking for pictures of innovative ways his products are being used.  Might want to share with him.  I use them for all kinds of things.

Later......Mike

I was looking at rod holders at the local Basspro and realized that I'm a fan of the under the leg technique.  Why, you ask? Well, I'm usually looking around at the scenery and this way I can feel the "hit".  With a rod holder I might not realize it until it's too late. Plus I just kinda dig that jolt under the leg of getting a hit.  It's exciting.

Unless it's a rock...   

When you attach your paddle and rod with bungees, go for snug but not tight. If it’s too tight you may have trouble with release. If it’s new for you, try it out at home first.