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Thanks Stu, I appreciate the insight. I think you're absolutely right about the singles. I only use singles when I longline so not sure why I'm convincing myself to go doubles.
What kind of setup do you do out the back when running a push/pull combo?
Mostly singles out the back. If I do go to doubles its usually 2-4 poles of the 8 poles max. If I'm push/pulling Ill go with singles out the back because I usually have to move a bit slower for anything up front to be effective, the back poles I consider just bonus chances. Ill start out early moving slow (.5 to .9) and increase speed depending on activity. After .9 it seems pointless to me to have poles out front and Ill usually just wrap up the front poles and concentrate on the long lining. Due to my lite boat (Tracker aluminum) once the wind kicks up that's pretty much my sign to wrap up the front. Doubles out the back / long lining are a heck of alot less a problem than the doubles Ill try and run spider rigging. Of course opinions vary but I feel if I'm not moving along at least at .8 the baits in the back do not provide the necessary action (tail movement, spinners spinning etc) to be effective. If its a lake I have little water time on I will just go with long lining moving a bit faster (1.1 - 1.3?) covering more water until I find fish and than once marked come back around spider rigging slowly (.3 to .8) and even reel in the back poles to give 100% of my attention up front. Its hard to get out of your head the first time you hook a larger unwanted fish that manages to create a monster mess of your lines knotting up 2,3,4 poles all of which are doubles and the only option is cut and retie............ yuck. My eyes are not what they use to be so the less I have to tie on the water...... the better :)
I currently have doubles on all my 8 poles spider rigging (minnow on top, artificial on the bottom) and more than half my fish still come on the artificial baits even when I adjust my depth so the minnows would be more in the zone I prefer. I know all the guys that have the real experience say its hard to beat live bait.................. I'm still trying to learn to feel that statement myself, but it sure cant hurt to try for yourself right?
I do know this. Last year Crescent was far more productive with me using minnow tipped, than it was using straight artificial's only. That really changed my mind when it came to "if" or "if not" I want to bother with minnows.
It was alot easier before when all I did was long line, but once I decided to try spider rigging...........I was hooked and whenever possible I would prefer to do nothing but run up front. Something about watching that tip drop down, half the pole in the water,or the art of net landing the fish in front of you..........just does it for me............ I can stare at those tips for hours but never notice the time...... always exciting! Of course not having to deal with 14-16 foot poles on a 16 foot boat would be a lot less a pain...........but I love spider rigging...... so you put up with it with a smile.
its good stuff :)..............your addiction will only get worse lol
Summary of the first attempt:
1) Weather conditions were not good, got windy fast and too much boat traffic (let me add "inconsiderate boat drivers" to boot). This method will be a blast on calmer days.
2) You guys were right about the Mr Crappie metal rig...yes I did set it on 2 poles cause I already had a few in the garage. Did not like them one bit. However, the double minnow rig with the sinker on bottom was decent, though no hits on it today.
3) Switched rigs to singles and enjoyed it much better. Main line had the egg sinker to a snap-swivel...just add one of my pre-made leaders with jig. Easy swapping too.
4) Pleasantly surprised that there was more than enough room in the front for my nephew and I, we did not feel crowded. Kept the minnow bucket right in between us.
5) Caught 4 and was off the water by 11. Caught on 3 different lures, zip jig, plastic tube on 1/16 head, and a 1/6 hair jig.
Hey Nate,
I might give this spider rigging a try in the future, now having too much fun longlining.
After meeting you, and knowing how you can read the Sonar from the inside out, it won't be long before you will be loading the boat!
Have fun and regards,
pescador