I've been doing some studying and figure I know just enough to spend a ton o' money unnecessarily. I have open faced reels on light rods and know that won't work. It seems that bait casters with 14-20# test on 7 ft medium rods would be good for live bait and slow trolling. Does that sound about right? Any reel/rod combination recommendations?
I'm getting my boat out of the shop, after being dry for 2 years, Friday and plan on being on Lewisville exploring and scouting Saturday. I'd like to be ready in case I accidentally see something Hummingbird...
Any and all advice will be appreciated.

Any bait caster will work to start out with but I like Garcias myself. I have some line counter reels that are bigger for trolling big baits, but Garcias will work. I know there are others that some folks like better, and might be cheaper, but I am comfortable with rebuilding them and parts are not so expensive as some.
For trolling and live bait rods a Medium Heavy with a fast tip like an Ugly stick can't be beat IMO. Acadamy will normally warranty almost any rod, so that's where I buy mine. I have some cheap $15. rods I bought after having some folks break some of my $150. rods for live bait also.

Thanks Jbobo.

Is trolling for stripers as difficult as trolling for advice here?

Haha, I'd definitely do a search and I'm sure you'll find plenty of info.

As for trolling, I would highly advise using it to locate fish. For beginners, they can be a bit finackey so trolling an A rig will allow you experience the thrill of wanting to come back for more. Look for bottom structure anywhere from 15-30 ft deep. Best of luck to ya!

Sometimes it takes them a while to put their tackle up and get online. lol It ain't gonna happen in a couple of hours. I'm sure by tomorrow pm some will give you some ideas, though. Like FW stated, you can do a search for any topic and get some really good info.

I've done a variety of searches and it has been helpful. And has FishWrangler2 suggests I'll be out Friday late afternoon and possibly Saturday scouting for structure, checking various geo features, etc.
Ha I realized quickly it would take time to get responses. I'm used to the dudes in off topic and there there is NO end to the opinions!

At certain times of year usually in the summer trolling jigs is about the best method to catch deep stripers. Seen many times when live bait would not work so dragging a jig above them would get them to bite.

Could you describe the set up for a trolling jig? I'm guessing a med-heavy rod with med baitcast and at least 20# test? How would you rig the jig?

You can try Ron Rigs if you want to try trolling. There is a good amount of information out there about how to set one up.

Dan X

I think your spinning reels will work but you will need different Rods. The ones I use are the 7 foot ugly sticks with the metal eyes. Not sure what the model number is but know em when I see them.

Lots of different lures work when they are active and taking lures. However, they always bite on live shad. I've actually stopped fishing with lures most of the time and got myself a grayline bait tank and fish most of the time with live shad. Makes fishing very easy on Possum Kingdom. I don't have to get up early or fish at night. Just drive around until I see fish holding a few feet off the bottom in less than 40 feet ( this is normally stripers). I drop a shad down a few feet over them and normally get a bite before I can get the second pole in the water.

I highly recommend you go with a guide on the lake you are going to fish. You'll learn more in a half day than you will by yourself in a couple years.

We use the hellpet combination for trolling humps and drop offs. This is a Hellbender with the hooks removed, a 3 to 5 foot leader and a pet spoon. Works pretty good. My wife snt much for setting and fishing. Trolling keep her involved and I get to get on the water.

Thanks guys.