billsafari99 Loc: Claremont, NH

HI. I have just started trolling for Lake Trout and Salmon. Have not had any luck yet, in 4 outings, So I figure I must be something wrong. I am using Dave Davis plate strings, trolling with a 55 thrust Minn Kota, and/or an 8hp Johnson. I have a Garmin fishfinder, and downriggers. Any ideas or techniques would be helpful. I fish New Hampshire and Vermont.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

What are "Dave Davis plate strings" ?

Capt Lou

Your best approach to fishing in lakes is to establish the species your after proper temp range . I’ve fished and chartered on Gt Lakes , various inland lakes well primarily trolling for over 50 seasons .
Once temp range established for lakers I would look for the structure they like , rock , ledges etc .
If temp range corn ides with bottom then run your lures in that pattern . However on occasion especially on Grt Lakes depending on time of year they can be found in temp close to surface !
Bait will move them as well , so note if FF is showing bait balls , active fish around bait is very good .
Use topo of lake , then seek out thermocline ,
then adjust your troll depths to meet that area !
Note wind , wave patterns they effect your troll speed thus your lures action as well ! Always check lure action when your adjusting trolling quadrants !
Hope this helps a little , good luck 🍀

Capt Lou

Salmon follow same basic procedure however there more finicky on given days to temp , lures and hot colors ! Your initial set once you establish temp n bait is to vary pattern to see what catches !
Make sure your marking fish if possible within their temp range then work that body before moving on .
Always use lures above ball as well often times fish may come outta comfort zones to grab a meal !
Spoons on given days will outfish flashers for salmon !
So go naked but make sure the speed at which ur trolling is comparable to what your pulling , so all lures are working properly !
Sometimes u can pull tight to the cable or ball other days a longer leader gets the hits !
It’s all time on water and experimentation to get a system down to where success is achieved !
Ya some days u will pull your hair out wondering what ur doing wrong , happens to all !

Fishguts Loc: Colorado springs,co.

Yeah what are plate strings

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Well, I finally googled Dave Davis. Turns out he's the "hammered spoon" originator (or at least put his name on 'em). Those trolling rigs with multiple blades and beads. We'll have to wait, I guess, to find out where the vernacular "plate strings" came from. I (and pretty much every fisherman) just call those trolling rigs w/blades, the precursor to "fish flashers" that now seem to be rage.

billsafari99 Loc: Claremont, NH

The Dave Davis is a variety of sizes of copper, brass, and chrome colored "plates" so we call them plate strings because they are on a string.