To each his own.  Years ago I tried the pole under the leg and did not like it at all.  It requires too much concentration, was uncomfortable and was too soft when a strike happened to properly set the hook.  I tried some inexpensive rod holders and they were an improvement, but fair from perfect.  Finally, I spent about $30 per rod holder and got some good rod holders and have never looked back.  Since I am generally in back I have a very good view of the rod holder in front.  Also most of the time if it is a decent fish you can hear the drag or the movement of the rod will make a sound so you know that there is a fish on.

Tom T says he like the feel of the jolt of the rod when he hooks a fish.  Sounds like a perfectly good reason to use the pole under the leg method.  At our age any thrill we can get should be taken.

TomT wrote on May 10^th, 2019 at 11:54am:


I think the rod weight and your line choice plays a part in getting a good hook set trolling this way.
 
My trolling rod when I'm traveling is a 7' med-heavy
Ugly Stick Elite. My line is #40 braid. That's about #10 in mono size. With SHARP hooks the fish pulls a little bit they are hooked.
I use the single type hook that hooks them in the corners of their mouths too.
 
  I have a loop on my under seat canoe pack on the right side as I face forward. The butt of the rod goes in the loop and the blank runs parallel with the seat
and lays against the gunnel. I duct tape a small piece of foam on the gunnel so it doesn't rattle.

The rod doesn't contact the bottom of my legs at all so comfort isn't an issue.

When I get a strike the butt of the rod snaps forward in the loop to alert me. The loop is big enough I can reach down with my left hand and pull up and out. Stiff rod and braid I don't have to jerk the rod at all.

Again, different strokes for what works for you.

About 1979 I had outfitted with Woods Davis and he apparently sensed that I did not know squat about fishing up North.  He took the time to describe holding the rod butt in the bend of a knee and the shank laying in front of the other knee to feel strikes, then snapping the rod forward off the knee to set the hook.  I still use that method quite often while trolling.  Although aging stiff knees are not making it easier.

Woods also suggested trolling where you could see bottom on the bank side, but not see bottom on the off side.  Using a shallow and deep runner on its appropriate side.

Just basic information, but it was very helpful for a young guy who had mostly just caught Bluegills in farm ponds.

Regards,

MossBack

PhantomJug wrote on May 10^th, 2019 at 3:28pm:


I haven't mastered the Double Paddle trolling surface cast yet but it's on my to-do list. 

I like to troll shallow diving stick-baits or a nice spin bait when I'm traveling in May.

ST & All -

Just by chance, I have a "special duty" lake trout lure that, well, er, uh... just happens to be pink!  I confess that I rarely deploy it, unless conditions are exceptional and ONLY if I'm after TRUE lunkers. 

This one-of-a-kind lake pink trout lure (briefly marketed as "Magic Bait") was custom-made for me by the famed, legacy QJ'er and Owner, Chief Engineer & President of Operations for Bo-Tie Jigs, better known to long-time QJer's as the one, the only, the legendary "QueticoPassage."

Though you may be pink with envy, please be advised that QP is under a strict, iron-clad agreement to produce replicas of this now vintage "collector's item" for me & only me.  Boo-hoo for you!

See attached pic.

Jimbo