trolling for trophy rainbows

Question
QUESTION: Hi Jim,
  I am trolling for rainbows in a small lake here in Idaho and I have caught some nice ones but I want a trophy before I meet my maker.  I use leaded line and downriggers with mono.  Do you subscribe to a larger presentation?  Have you ever had any results with a harness called the stocker wobbler?  If you could share any tricks and tips for the lunkers I would really appreciate it.  Thanks and have a good day fishing!
regards,
Paul Carrico

ANSWER: Woo, that is a tough one. It would help to know more about the lake, and the forage.. and to be honest.. does the lake produce fish the size you want? I have used the Stocker Wobbler and like it. (I also advertise for them) I do subscribe to larger presentations for larger fish. I do not fish a lot for rainbows. There is only one river here in Kentucky with what could be considered Trophy Rainbows, and that is the Cumberland below the Lake Cumberland Dam.
Some times no matter what you do you do not catch that one fish that will really crash the scales. I fished 42 years for a bass over 5 pounds before I got one.
Send more info on the lake and forage and I will try to help more.
Jim Dicken

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jim,
   Thanks for the reply.... The lake is a fairly small landlocked lake that does hold rainbows up to 19lbs.  I have taken 1o+ lbs.  The forage is baitfish perch, smaller trout, and they also gorge on the mysis shrimp.  You mentioned you do not fish for rainbows much, do you know of a fanatic rainbow man I can ask?  Thanks a lot for your time Jim and what more can you tell me about the Stocker Wobbler?  I am interested in trying it.
Regards,
Paul Carrico

Answer
The Stocker Wobbler is a dead bait trolling rig. (Or you kill the bait when you hook it up for the most part.)
I have a method I use in summer in more northern climbs that works extremely well for Lake Trout and should work for Rainbows. Depending on how deep the lake is and the Oxygen level, you might try deep jigging. Just get over the fish on the depth finder screen, and jig a twister tail in amongst them or a spoon. This will scatter bait fish and then the Rainbows will move in to feed. I use Gulp Twister tails for this and the Lakers love them, does not mean that this is the case with Rainbows. Still it may work. You can also try a blade bait, that vibrates to attract the fish..
IF they are in water over 30 feet deep try a glow in the dark jig. Those work for me in Canada on Lakers. Live bait will work if you match the hatch, again just get over them and they will hit.
That is my best advice. If you tell me where you are fishing I can try to find you a local guide who will help you.