How do I lower my speed for trolling?

Just found this forum and I'm hoping some of you may know of an easy (or cheap) way to drop the boat speed. It's a new Tracker Pro 16 bass boat that will be used almost exclusively in Central Arkansas - which means mostly rivers or Greers Ferry Lake. It has a 4 stroke 30 HP merc, and at slow idle the boat moves from 3.4 to 3.7 MPH (per the GPS). I've got an electric trolling motor on the bow, but it's kinda nerve-wracking to try to really "troll" by using the foot steering while perched on the pedestal seat up front - and I can't see the rods that way....

So what's the best way to drop the speed down to the 1 to 3 MPH range? I'd hate to buy a second trolling motor and those "sea anchor" like bags look to be sure to wrap around the prop. I read that the drop-down plate that goes behind the prop tears up pretty fast - so what's left? Sure would appreciate any ideas.

ORIGINAL: kingnuke32

Trolling bags are the way to go tie them to a mid point on your boat off each side, mid cleats if you have them, and put enough rope on them so the back of the bag is even with the transom, 2 small bags 18-22" should work for you. If you want to go cheaper throw some 5 gallon buckets off the sides that will slow you down but they are a pain with handles breaking etc. bags are what 99% of Erie guys use who do not have kicker motors.

Ditto

My trolling plate works fine. It's made out of aluminum with some stainless steele hardware. My low idle speed is 4-5 mph and with the plate i can go as slow as 1.2 mph. This is witha 21 footer V8. I'm thinking most of the problems with trolling plates are usually mechanical, that is why you use plenty of jacks lube ( underwater grease ) on all of the moving parts. I'm thinking I didnt pay much more that $100 for the setup.

I actually run a drift sock straight out the back and have never had a problem. Had steering difficulties when mounted on front side cleats but reading above replies, I may not have had ropes long enough. A pain off the back netting fish, but have long net!

I use trolling bags (drift socks) They work great. They do get in the way of landing fish on side of boat, but we deal with it. You should NOT have any steering problems if the bags are the same size and same length rope.

ORIGINAL: kingnuke32

ORIGINAL: gizmos

2 bags one on each side and it is actually easier to steer the boat, 1 bag is a pita. And make sure you use actual trolling bags not drift socks they are deigned a bit different.

Only experience I have had with trolling plates is it makes the boat much harder to steer they work but bags are more versatile for different speeds in different conditions. I have 3 different sets of bags depending on the speed range I am looking for.

Have 2 trolling bags, tied everywhere on the boat and I looked like a drunk monkey tryin to run a straight line. Although now I think if I lenghthen the lead I may be ok. Was runnin bout a 4' rope. Think I'll try the front sleats again and position then closer to the transom. Was quite the arobic work out on short leads, even with one out each side. Live and learn(I hope !)

not trying to make any one sound stupid but can you back off the idle adjustment down. 

Bags are the way to go...for your 16 two 24" bags should do the trick. Your bags should be properly mounted/drifted for trolling...one rope towards the front attached to the open end of bag and about midway on your boat cleat and one loose rope connected towards the rear of the boat and to the tapered end of the bag. this rope allows you to easily pull your bags out of the water...While trolling, the tapered part of your bag should almost be flush with the back of your boat. If you have trouble steering, you have them mounted wrong.

Before you do that though, you may want try adjusting your idle....3.5 to 3.7 seems a little fast for that motor.

I used the bow mounted electric trolling motor in slack water areas of the Arkansas River. In the channel I just power upriver and drift down while fishing. No ideas about the RPM - cheap boat with no gauges. Mounted my own GPS to get speed readings.

I've got sereral sets for sale if you'd like to try trolling bags. Amish made, not boat cover materail like the other guys either.. PM if interested.

Unless I drag one just behind the stern, I don't think the 'chutes would work on my rig. I took Canon's advice for bass boats and mounted the downrigger in front of the side steering console. That pretty well uses up the starboard side, and I don't think the boat would steer well with a drag on the port side only. Which brings me to the EasyTroller. The "Short" model is on sale at a few places for $100 without fins. Most of the reviews and opinions I've seen are very positive so I think that's the path I'm taking. Might wait till Spring - or maybe not. Thanks for all the replies - lots to chew on.