Thanks everyone for the tips and support.     I have been relying on a Fire tiger broken back which produces some really good action when I paddle at a slower speed; same with a small flatfish.  I tried running an apex unbaited but it didn't produce any strike at all.  I will continue practicing--anything larger than trout (salmon, striper, etc) has me a little nervous right now because of the waters I would have to go on.  I'm in a Malibu II tandem (me in the middle) and I'm sure it's pretty stable, but just the same...

I just got my yak last year and am really new to the sport.  I have it set up for trolling and have tried a few times in recent months. I use a 1/2 ounce egg sinker in front of a ball bearing snap swivel connected to about  2 - 2 1/2 ft leader with the lure.  I usually start out paddling to get speed, then let the line out.  Not quite sure what paddling speed I should go (I guess it depends on the lure and my fitness level for continuous paddling).  Any tips or pointers to maximize success?  Right now I'm just trolling for trout at New Melones and Camanche.