Best rod angle for longline trolling

[pauldo]

From the rear of the boat, is it best to longline with rod tips up, down, or parallel to the water? What about pulling crankbait? Or is it just personal preference?

[T.C.]

As close to the water are you can get them. On rough days you will have to tilt them up slightly so that when the boat bounces they don't dip under. On your inside rods that are sticking straight back, you will actually see the rod lift up slightly when they get hit.

[dwightparks]

I like them about 8 inches off water. One suggestion is in the back of boat I would use rod float as they will pull out of holder when they get hung up at times. Well worth the money to save a rod and reel combo. Cheap insurance for sure.

[bfish]

Doesn't matter.

[M R Dux]

On longlining, I like the tips to be parallel to the water. On pulling cranks, I want the tips up slightly but the drag from the crank will pull them down to parallel.

I use HiTek rod holders and have never had a rod pull out. That said, I still use trigger casting rods on the back of the boat when pulling cranks and put the trigger down past the crossbar of the holder.

[pauldo]

thanks guys, this is helping me to make decisions about my rod rack. Most of what I've seen while searching on the net is catfish guys and they all prefer tall rod racks with the rods angled upward at approximately 45 degrees

[Handicrappie]

thanks guys, this is helping me to make decisions about my rod rack. Most of what I've seen while searching on the net is catfish guys and they all prefer tall rod racks with the rods angled upward at approximately 45 degrees

Here is a good pick of my crank set up in action. Im getting geared up to get into long lining this year to.

[crappielimits]

As close to the water are you can get them. On rough days you will have to tilt them up slightly so that when the boat bounces they don't dip under. On your inside rods that are sticking straight back, you will actually see the rod lift up slightly when they get hit.

This is exactly how I do it.

[pauldo]

Are those rods different lengths? If not, how do you avoid a tangled mess?

[CrappiePappy]

Are those rods different lengths? If not, how do you avoid a tangled mess?

According to the number of guides on each pole ... looks like a 16-12-8 spread.

... cp