Kamikazie

I guess my biggest question is I get I use one of the many devices to put bait at a certain depth. But I'm not really sure what would be best for me. I do think a downrigger is out, Ill probably sink trying to use a 15lb cannonball. So given that I cruise at 5-6 kts and can troll anywhere below that with the slower the better as 3kts is pretty reliable and easy to maintain. What is probably the best to use. A diver? beyond that it is how to set the whole thing up, like what gets tied where and what length of lines to use. I get everyone does it different and I have read some of the threads on it. The other side is more of the bait. Do you use live bait like you use eels for stripped bass or is it mostly just lures? Why does going out before dawn not require weight but after dawn does? Are you implying that the daylight chases them deeper?

I got stationed up at Fort Drum and looking to get into trolling for salmon. I mostly launch out of black water bay at Sackets Harbor or down the St Laurence as far as Alexandria Bay. I dont mind a drive as far south as Osweigo. Trolling is all new to me. I am used to wreck fishing in the Atlantic or casting off the bank of a creek. I tried google and there is no real beginners guide I have found. Most is kind of higher level. Im really looking to catch anything that tastes good. I love salmon and bass. Im ok with catch and release and fishing for the fight and a photo. I use a Lowrance Elite-4 and can reef the sail or use the pedal drive to hold any speed under 5 knots. I have 2 Okuma Magda 45-DX reels and 7 foot rods. In a typical day I can travel about 30-40 miles as the upper end. I do have a 10 gallon livewell and there is a front storage hatch that I have gotten 40 inch striped bass into. Im looking for some information about what kind of tackle and line to use as well as places, techniques and some suggestions on bait. Id like to learn on my own but I'm treading water at this point and don't even know where to begin. Thanks in advance for the help. This is what I am fishing off of: http://i.imgur.com/3PGhOLG.jpg

I just moved up to the sackets harbor area and used to get 9 months of wetsuit weather in south jersey. Now I'm afraid a wetsuit might get 6 months at the going rate. Id like to extend to so long as there is not ice on the lake I can be out. I think its a safe assumption I would need a dry-suit and a decent pair of gloves. If it makes a difference I use a mirage tandem island from hobie. Its almost impossible to flip, but I'd still not like to bet my life on the almost part and find some gear that can save my but if it does and I go for a dip. I tried searching this forums for some similar threads but came up more for motor boaters. Im looking for others who might do something similar and have advice on the gear I would need. I do have some 2mm gloves and a 3mm hood but its from scubadiving and is more of an insulate then a keep the water out. My budget is about $1500 but I cant really put a price on my life. thanks in advance for taking the time to reply!