Bowman,I sometimes do more riding and looking for them than actual fishing.They move a lot.I was a a seminar once and they guy said they tagged one fish,he swam 13 miles one day.I caught a tagged fish thatwas 176 miles from where he was tagged .I go to my "usual" spots and check them out first,I like to mark fish before I put down but sometimes I cant mark what I feel is stripers so I end up riding and just putting down.You dont allways have to mark fish to catch them.Same as you on the slow just bumping the trolling motor.I have started using planer boards almost every time now and you have to move so they will pull out and away.In the springtime when cut bait fishing,I dont try to mark fish,I just go to a likely spot,hump flat or a dropoff ,ancor and cast.The planer boards will help you cover more water,they are a little aggravating but hey,I'll trade a little of that for some fish anytime.I use small line with a loose drag,with light action downrigger rods for downrods ,med action for the boardsand medium heavy for the cutbait fishing.The real limber rods dont jerk the bait up and down as hard with waves and traffic so I feel they help the bait live longer.A good bait tank is almost a must for the summertime fishing,its a big $$$$ investment but worth it,When livebait fishing for keeps /the cooler ,I allways use a #6 treble hook rig