When deep water trolling, there are three lures which produce consistently for me. The 113 MR Mirro Lure(great for speed trolling), the jointed Depth Raider, and Hi-Fin Trophy Diver which will actually dig bottom in eighteen feet of water. Keep in mind that fish will rise to a lure, so their effective depth is actually greater than their running depth. Especially those that rattle.

When trolling where there is a current, don't overlook trolling with the current. The first time I saw someone doing this, I thought "What an idiot". Then he pulled in a walleye twice as large as any I had boated that day. I may be an old dog, but I'm still learning new tricks!

You read a lot about how muskie fishermen look forward to bad weather. I'm not one of them. Give it to me sunny, warm and with just a gentle breeze. Shallow water fishermen do better on bad weather days because the wind causes wave action that covers up noise, breaks up their visual silhouette, and gives them increased confidence. Most muskie fishermen will fish harder and longer in bad weather. Even if you prefer to fish shallow water structure, hit it with the same confidence and fervor on sunny days as you would on cloudy ones. Guys (gals) fishing deeper structure needn't be concerned with weather. Fish feel secure in deep water, and don't tend to be as affected by weather fronts.

Trolling with a rod holder enables you to see the action of your rod tip. Each lure has its own rhythm and it's easier to detect when that lure has picked up debris than it is even when you are holding the rod. If you prefer holding the rod, pull the rod forward in a steady sweep every thirty seconds or so. It will often provoke a strike.

If surface weeds are a problem, put a large barrel swivel about three feet above your leader. It will catch most of the junk before it gets to your lure.

I fish mainly on the Ontario side of the Detroit River where they have this bummer of a law which only allows you to fish with one rod. You are only allowed a limit (I never keep any muskie), so I don't see the logic. Any way to get to the point, I have to choose the one most productive rod to fish. It is the one I fish in line with the boat, where I am constantly aware of the water depth and structure I am passing over. If I could fish a second rod, it would be off to the deeper water side using a long rod or planer board. Third choice would be in the prop wash. Prop wash fishing is effective when you are fishing over the top of near surface weed beds and the prop stirs up bait fish. I do very little of that type of fishing, but I know it is very productive on Lake St. Claire. It may also be worth trying where you like to fish. Never be afraid to experiment. Just because no one else is doing it, doesn't mean that it won't work for you.