Thread: How deep are your jigs running?

What do you longliners use as a guideline that jigs are running at a certain speed? For example, a single 1/16 pulled at .8 mph.

Its probably going 3-5 ft deep! It all depends on other variables such as line diameter and how much line is let out. The angle of the rod holder can change it also.

Thanks CL. I think I need to re-word my thought. If you want to get to a certain depth, what do you do? Maybe a guideline if I want to be 8', 10',12'

justfish....I agree with crappielimits about all the variables that contribute to the depth of the jig. First off, realize that all 1/16 oz. heads aren't the same, some may not even be close to 1/16 oz. If you have a decent amount of line out, which I'm assuming that you do since you said longlining, I'd say a single 1/16 would run around 8 to 10 feet at .8 mph. The best way to tell is to gradually work toward shallow water until your jig starts bouncing. This should give you a rough estimate anyway.

For what it is worth, A 1/16 oz jig with a #4 split shot trolling at .8 mph with 6 lb Mr Crappie line is probably in the 12-14 ft range. I have been using this particular set up for the past 2 months in 15-20 foot of water and I think that depth would be close to being right. I usually start hitting the bottom when I get in water under 14 feet deep, that's when I have to speed up to 1.0-1.2 to keep it off the bottom.

Wow that's a deep question. Crappiechappy is right on with what he's saying on longlining but it takes a lot of trial and era to get an idea of where those jigs are running,so many variables ,but the I'm bumping bottom at 10 ft or whatever does work. As we know Crappie at this time are all about suspenion in the thermocline,one sure fire way to keep your jigs on top of they're head after you've located that sweet spot is to slow troll weighted jigs under corks or tight line them with weight on measured lengths of line,the more weight the faster you can go. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the replies. I don't pull jigs much, but I can see there are times I need to do it more.

I'll meet you at the boat ramp in 10 minutes:D

Tim, you should have gone with us yesterday. You can see from Crappie 41 post, we didn't do bad no longer than we were there.

Originally Posted by justfish

Tim, you should have gone with us yesterday. You can see from Crappie 41 post, we didn't do bad no longer than we were there.

I wanted to go, but my boat was due for some much needed attn...It's all ready to go again now. I am thinking of going somewhere tomorrow, but haven't made my mind up just where to go yet.