that speed is ok if your just running spoons. but if your running harnesses you really need to slow down. I usually troll 1.8 to 2.0 and that is on the fast side. this time of year a lot of guys like to troll down as low as 1.5 with harnesses.

I used an easy troller trolling plate for yrs and it did a great job for me. but I found a set of trolling bags and decided to use them last yr. I like the bags much better in rough water. the bags help stabilize the boat and keeps the speed more stable. but either one will slow your boat down. the easy troller is the best trolling plate as the bottom half of the plate is hinged and spring loaded so if you ever forget to raise the plate it doesn't bend like the happy troller but the bottom half of your plate swings up and saves the plate. as for bags I don't know what I have but they work. and I have heard the Amish trolling bags are the best.
sherman