Abstract: In trolling assembly for slowing the speed of a boat through the water during trolling operations including a trolling plate which can be positioned in the water behind the boat during trolling operations, the improvement comprising a tailpiece substantially traversing the trolling plate in a vertical direction and extending rearwardly therefrom directionally controlling the boat when the assembly is positioned in the water behind the boat. Preferably, the trolling plate is pivotal about a horizontal axis so that it can be raised and lowered from and into the water, and the tailpiece traverses a central opening in the trolling plate so that the tailpiece can divert water flowing through the opening when the boat is turned in either direction.