Thread: Longlining Questions?

Everything is worth a try. If you have the leadcore I would say spool a couple reels with it and give it a try. The only thing I'd do different is save the money for flouracarbon and use regular mono....but that's just me being cheap. For crappie IMO the only thing that really matters is keeping the jig above the crappie's eyes, the size jigs they want, and the colors as well, and the speed they want it. Anything you can do, especially if it's outside "the box", might give you the edge that puts more fish in your boat than what all the other fishermen are catching. Just be sure to post your results so we can all learn something new that you might find out for yourself.

Does anyone use #8 line or higher when long lining? I fish with litewire jigheads and I still break off using #6 line. The litewires help but I'm still losing more than I get back. I was thinking about moving up to #8 or #10. Maybe braid with fluorocarbon leader. What do yall think?

There is no restriction as far as line diameter goes, the problem comes from drag and lift. The lighter 6 pound test has less resistance which allows baits to be trolled at deeper depths. If trolling in waters 10 feet or less one might could use 8 pound line successfully. This is taken into consideration that most folks use 1/16 ounce jigs

Of course I'd have to up the weight on the jigs to compensate for the larger diameter line. Probably run 1/8 and 1/16. Maybe 1/8 and 1/32.

I dont think there is a specific size of line that you HAVE to use....just most everybody uses 6# and can compare where their jigs are running (depths) with their particular setups. Moving to another line just adds another learning curve (which isnt very difficult to learn). Youll just have to cast out your various sizes of jigs and start trolling towards the shallows and see where the rods start bouncing. That would be your depth for that particular weight jig. Then move to anoter size, then another size, etc. Something I like to use is a splitshot the size of a 1/16th jighead attached to the line when using a 1/16th jig. Again, learn that depth too. I've often though about moving up to heavier line to save some jigs too but just havent done it yet. The main advantage to lighter line is being able to break off quickly when a line hangs or a striper or gar takes the jig and begins crossing lines before all your lines become one large tangle.

Question... Is long lining in the fall is as productive as spring? Are the fish in the same depth range, etc? I have been a dedicated deer hunter after October 1st but that is soon to change!

To to answer your questions; yes and yes. Long lining can be just at effective in the fall, and they can be caught in the same general areas. The key here is the presence of bait. Game fish come into the shallows to gorge themselves on the abundant bait schools that will be seen everywhere. The one difference in fall fishing, is that the fishermen need to be mobile. A creek that was loaded with bait and gamefish one day, can be a wasteland a couple of days later. If your not seeing activity, starting searching other areas.

Originally Posted by simplevilleslab

Question... Is long lining in the fall is as productive as spring? Are the fish in the same depth range, etc? I have been a dedicated deer hunter after October 1st but that is soon to change!

Thanks. Mobility is not a issue. I have caught fish every month consistently since march 1st. Not all were long lining but I really enjoy that method of fishing, especially when all I have to do is man the trolling motor while the kids roll in fish!