How to Fish the Les Davis Flex-I-Troll
Much like a “Ford Fender” or other gang trolls, the Les Davis Flexi-Troll has but two blades and comes without a rudder. The addition of a rudder is essential to prevent serious line twisting. The rudder should be attached to the top end, between the line and the Flexi-Troll. Many rudders come with a hole at the bottom of the rudder blade where a weight can be attached, if desired. You will need to buy a small rudder from your local sporting goods store; or better yet, use a LongLiner as a rudder and as your depth-control. It works exceptionally well for both purposes.
On the bottom end of the Flexi-Troll, attach an 18 to 24 inch length of leader between the Flexi-Troll and your lure. The best lure is often a spinner with worm, corn, or maggot on the hook. The lure may also be a fly, a small wobbler, or a plug. This rig is very effective at producing fish. The down side is that the drag on your rod while trolling with this set up can be significant; but it is far less so than with a "Ford Fender" or some of the bigger attractors.
Flexi-Trolls are very effective at bringing fish to the trailing bait, lure, or fly. They were once a common sight on many lakes where trolling is preferred. Most typically this type of rig is fished very slowly. Most fish are taken when one can see the rod tip pulse with each turn of the blades. Vary your speed and direction. As you make slow turns it drops your rig deeper, and slows the spin of the blades. When you then straightening out your course, it speeds the spin of the blades and raises your rig. Most typically strikes occur when you are making a turn or coming out of a turn. The way to produce more fish is to troll in “S” curves when you can, and work bottom and shore structure. A word of caution though, always be sure where bottom is, as dragging your rig on the bottom is an easy way to lose it all.
I have experienced amazing results on trout by “motor mooching.” This is using a rig as described above with a single baitholder hook (typically a #6) with a piece of nightcrawler covering the hook. Troll at your typical speed and then put the motor into neutral while your rig slows and falls deeper. You will see your rod tip's pulsing slow, getting more pronounced. When you have dropped your rig six feet or so, re-engage the motor and return to your typical speed. I believe that this gives you a couple of advantages in that you are changing depth, speed, and direction. Fish often respond to different speeds and presentations depending upon the day, the time of day, and the light present. This technique varies your presentations enough to entice them.
I personally have taken Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Kokanee,
and a host of pan fish using trolls such as the Flexi-Troll.
-- Steve Lumsden, 2009