what works better when trolling plugs for trout using pop geer with them or plugs alone?

I would say either or. Depends on the lake and your personal preference. On a big lake, like Lake WA, I have caught nice trout with pop gear and without.
On one trip in January to Lake WA I caught a three lb. 'bow trolling a frog Flatfish right on the surface all by itself.
Lake WA is about the only lake I will use pop gear on. Putting pop gear in front of a frog Flatfish is extremely lethal on any lake. Looks like a school of fish chasing a injured frog. What more could you want.
I have not, however, had any luck trolling a Rapala all by itself. I will have to try a Rapala behind some pop gear, that sounds like a good combo.

On small lakes in the evenings (lake Alice is a favorite) I use a floating Rapala with one split shot about 2 feet in front of the plug. This is just enough weight to keep the plug lip digging into the water so the plug will dive a little. I've had good luck with Rainbow, Perch, Fire tiger, and a bright neon yellow Rapala, the smaller the better.

I would also recommend removing the front set of hooks on the plug, since it is one less thing to get tangled in the net or your hide when you've got a whopper flailing around in the boat.

When trolling, zig-zag or "S" turn, this changes the action, speed, and depth of the lure often enticing a strike. GOOD Luck.

what has worked best for me when trolling a rapala is to run it 2-3' behind a sling blade or herring dodger.
i've only used pop geer with a bit of worm or a spoon, i haven't tried matching it with a rapala.
i have caught trout on a rapala by itself but i was after bass and not trolling at the time.

hey thanks for the tips, i'm going to kapowsin lake in the morning and heard that the big trout were hitting rainbow rapalas and wanted to try it out. i'll post how i do.

Don't forget to post some pictures too (if you have a camera).

What's pop gear and how do you use it?
Thanks

"Pop" gear is a series of shiny spinner blades strung in tandem, usually on a thin wire line. This multi blade "gang troll" is hooked up ahead of a trolled lure or bait and acts as a very effective attractor.

There are many trade names for pop gear, including Ford Fenders, Cowbells, flashlight trolls , Jack O' Diamonds etc.

The only good thing I can say about pop gear, is that it works, and catches fish when nothing else seems to work.

However, I use pop gear as a last resort. It is heavy and puts a lot of drag on the rod, usually requiring a little bit heavier rod and reel, and unless you have a monster fish on, it takes the fun out of playing a fish on lighter tackle. I'm not trying to encite a riot among pop gear users, I've already said I use it and it works well, nothing wrong with it, I just have more fun playing fish on lighter tackle without all the added hardware of pop gear.

I agree with ya traut. when they'll hit it i'd rather just troll a wedding ring and a split shot.

I've had good luck with plain rapalas (no pop gear) and varying weight to get it to the desired depth. Rainbow and perch color work great. In lake Samammish, a small rainbow rapala can get you into some big cutts and other fish feeding on smolts coming out of the creek.

In both samm and meridian, the perch color works very well at attracting perch, sm bass, lg m bass, and trout.

it's a good idea to mention that when trolling rapalas watch the end of you're rod. go fast enough that it starts to bounce back and forth, otherwise its not taking on the motion it was meant to. i haven't tried pop gear with a rapala seems to be effective without. it's my last resort, and most consitent producer.

hey what type do you guys have most luck with? i like the floating jointed #9, rainbow or perch.