Trolling Plate or Trolling Bags?

I have an '86 Merc 60 hp that I would like to use for trolling cranks for walleyes. Although I have never checked the exact speed via GPS, I know I want to slow it down a bit. I had originally planned on buying a trolling plate from Cabelas, but have been reading on this website about trolling bags and now I am uncertain which is the best option for me. As I said, I am really only interested in trolling crankbaits for walleyes at various times of the season.

Any objective input is appreciated.

[Optimax90]

I fish with a troll plate, and to say the most I'm really satisfied on how it works. Justs as long as you remember to put it back up before you take off for your new spot. I run a 90 hp Optimax, so the troll plate helps me keep those rpms up there to keep the carbon build up down on my motor. I would recomend running the biggest troll plate you can buy just for the durability. And buy the metal one not the plastic. I tried the plastic and broke it off the second day I used it. The drift bags work also. Use two drift socks the smallest you can get depending on the boat size the Drift Control socks the heavy duty one is the best because of the durability(The red drift sock in the Drift Control series). To set the drift sock setup for trolling you'll have to do this project on land. Take a chunk of good rope tie it like you would be fishing to the front cleets of your boat(rope being drooped under boat). Try to determine where the socks will be on the rope(tie drift socks directly to drooped rope under boat). You don't want them right below the boat just to the side of the keel, about 2 feet off center. And you don't want the socks to far back either(you'll figure this out on the water on how far back the socks will be). Two socks works best, because I tried one but it sent the boat into a frenzy, the two sock approach worked much better. Jim Carrol and Johnnie Candle perfected this technique, it's were I got it from. Either way they both work, and I've been satisfied with both. Good luck with those cookie cutters.

[dakotahunter12]

My last boat did not have a kicker and I tried both. My conclusion....TROLLING PLATE. drift socks do slow you down but limit your steering and if you need to throttle up in big waves to correct your course you run the risk of slapping your rope lead even with heavy gauge rope....I have two socks at the bottom of erie somewhere. The plate slowed my 115 four stroke down to .9 mph gps. I had a spring loaded plate that you did not have to raise and lower with a cable (at full throttle it released) it took about 2-3mph off my top end speed so I would remove it mid summer when I pulled plugs faster.

Thanks for the responses. I did see the how-to on the trolling bags, but decided to order a trolling plate. Appreciate the tip on the metal plates vs. the plastic. As I was reviewing Cabelas prior to ordering, I checked the customer comments, and they all reiterated what you said above. Am excited to give it a try. Thanks again for the help.