Thread: 1st long lining attempt

Brett, if the sonar tells you to run three rods with 1/16th jigs then why would you want to run 1 rod with a 1/8th jig? Now to answer your question....it wouldnt matter which holder got the heavier jig because you dont know which rod will catch the fish. If a striper hits and one of the rods it's a good possibility that all 4 of your lines gets tangled unless you break him off and FAST!

I run different weight jigs on all of my rods all the time. Here's my process of thinking. Fish are never at one single depth like 10ft. down in 20ft. of water. It's usually more like from 7-13ft down. If I know that a 1/16oz jig will get me to 9 ft deep running .8mph, I will rig up with double 1/24 jigs, double 1/32 jigs, 1/16 & 1/32, and 1/16 & 1/24. At the speed of .8, my jigs will run through the whole column of water that the fish are using, 7-13ft. I run double jigs all the time. Now when I'm fishing from the front of the boat, I use 6 rods. 18, 14, 11 off each side. I will run my heaviest to the inside and lightest on the outside for 2 reasons. 1. The 11ft rod is closer to the boat so deeper will get them further away. 2. When you catch a fish on the outside rod, 18ft, the jigs are running shallower making it harder for the fish to find my other lines. Hope this helps.

Heavier jig in front of lighter one.

Originally Posted by Gabepeeps

I run different weight jigs on all of my rods all the time. Here's my process of thinking. Fish are never at one single depth like 10ft. down in 20ft. of water. It's usually more like from 7-13ft down. If I know that a 1/16oz jig will get me to 9 ft deep running .8mph, I will rig up with double 1/24 jigs, double 1/32 jigs, 1/16 & 1/32, and 1/16 & 1/24. At the speed of .8, my jigs will run through the whole column of water that the fish are using, 7-13ft. I run double jigs all the time. Now when I'm fishing from the front of the boat, I use 6 rods. 18, 14, 11 off each side. I will run my heaviest to the inside and lightest on the outside for 2 reasons. 1. The 11ft rod is closer to the boat so deeper will get them further away. 2. When you catch a fish on the outside rod, 18ft, the jigs are running shallower making it harder for the fish to find my other lines. Hope this helps.

I have work to do!
I was running 1/16& 1/8 due to lack of bites with all 1/16
Thanks to all replies

Great job on the first try! Keep trying it will get better. One thing I would suggest fish different depths. Lines crossing and getting hung up on brush is typical for any kind of trolling but just part of it. As far as different weights, I would use the lightest weight where there isn't much chance of crossing, for example I fish the rods on the sides of the boat so I would put the lightest weight toward the back of the boat.

Great trip Brett!! Sounds like you got the long lining bug. Glad to hear you had some success too!

Originally Posted by gabowman

That's a nice start Brett. Keep moving around and trust your electronics and you'll be catching more and more.

Do some searches on this forum for the different styles of fishing and read all you can. Decide which method you want to work on and get it mastered and move to the next best style. Once you get set up and start fishing come back and ask PLENTY of questions. That is how you learn.

I think I really struggle with the trusting the electronics part. It is probably mostly because I am not sure what exactly I am looking for. If you or anyone else could give some more information on how to use the electronics more effectively it would really be appreciated. Maybe even some screenshots if that is not asking too much?

The easiest, and most dependable thing to look for are bait balls, and or fish. Bait will show as a mass, or cloud on the screen, fish will be either arches or fish icons. If your screen is void of any kind of activity, search until you find life. Once activity is located, note the depth of the fish or bait. Adjust troll speed, or lure size until baits are moving through, or just above the bait or fish. Using a multicolor jig set up, alter baits until the bait of choice is determined. Switch more rods to that color bait to opimize catch ratio.

Originally Posted by MidHillbilly

I think I really struggle with the trusting the electronics part. It is probably mostly because I am not sure what exactly I am looking for. If you or anyone else could give some more information on how to use the electronics more effectively it would really be appreciated. Maybe even some screenshots if that is not asking too much?