Thread: Longlining Questions?

Originally Posted by Beavz

LOTS learned today....

First... ya can't (not proficient anyway) longline in the back, and run a trolling motor 19' away... in the front.

Ga forum, Lanier report...

are you using a foot controlled trolling motor ??? if so it not very proficient !!!! if you are using a trolling motor that has co-pilot or ipilot it is very proficient !!!!

Originally Posted by gabowman

Like Searay said....don't get discouraged. Even if your graph lights up like a Christmas tree with fish doesn't always mean you have found fish that will bite. If that is the case then MOVE. No need fishing an area where they wont bite, an certainly don't fish an area where you see NOTHING on the graph. "Learn" your setup by pulling jigs towards the shallows to see where they begin bouncing (hitting bottom) so you know your depths and do this with several scenerios (different weight jigs, jigs with weights added, doubles, etc). It's the only way you will know what theyre doing behind your boat and is important when you see fish holding at a certain depth so you'll know how to rig for 'em. Remember, the fish are looking up....not down...so keep your jigs above the fish. Enjoy the learning curve and stay after 'em. You'll get it!

This is the Jedi Master of long lining. Tell you the truth, he wiil.

LOL Ray, I see that I aint the only one.....the older we get the more "full of it" we get.

I mostly long line troll for crappie from feb-may. I need to update my fish finder this year. What would be a good choice in the 500 dollar range? I've looked at the Helix 5 & 7 online some. Do I need SI for long lining?

What are the best tools for long line trolling for crappie?

Not sure what to get....any recommendations will help.

I believe the very best tool for longlining is the I-pilot trolling motor. Other than that I would say get the best electronics that you can afford. One day I'll have to upgrade too (when my old dinosaur breaks) but for now I'll keep plugging along with GPS and 2D sonar.

I want to be able to longline year round. I understand slower in winter and faster in summer. How fast are you guys trolling in cold water and catching good numbers of fish?

Not GOOD numbers but FAIR numbers.....with good quality is what I am after. IMO, you need to find active fish in 20' of water or less.

Side imaging is good for finding brush piles and bream beds. It is not necessary to have it for long lining. The main thing with a fish finder is to find what depth they are at so you can plan on fishing above them. Fish will be scattered within a couple feet on the depth but most will be right around that area. With experience you will figure out what depth they are at. With regular long line trolling you don't even need electronics to catch fish. When I fish Greenwood I very seldom turn on my finders as I have fished it enough that I know what to start with and then go from there.