Longlining question

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Originally Posted by greenranger

That what I'm looking at...jig depth and length of line...I was throwing in the yard and average just over 52 ft with 4lb and 1/16th jig...gone research the depth of different weights and styles at 55 ft

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You will have to have some serious controls. Wind and current major factor. Exact same speed. Same line. Angle of rod and line are most important. A single 1/16 has a lot of bounce. I have tested hypothesis to find an average of three times the lift of the jig depth per bounce of the tip to the plane of the water. Fortunately, longlining is a tactic to cover water looking for aggressive fish that will move to feed. This allows it to not be an exact science or depth because you will never get all the variables exact. Try to develop a 2 ft tolerance range and you will be fine.

I've seen people dragging jigs and their line was floating on the water. Don't know what size line or what kind of line or what size jig, but it was way back .They were catching fish. Trial and error until you find YOUR way of doing it. Just give these hints a try and you will find what you like.

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Originally Posted by greenranger

Thanks Dutch...you think your 65 ft plus

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More or less...I fish out of a 17' boat and its at least 3-4 boats lengths for the 1st 2 rods (13' and 10') next rod is a 8' and I dont cast it as far maybe 2 boat lengths, last rod is a 6'6" and I cast it just past the motor to run the "dead zone" to either side of the motor...all this is guesstimates as I will let out line or reel it in as needed.

Also how much line I have out is determined by what size jigs I am running and whether its singles or doubles.

GR, the best way for you to know the depth your jigs is running is throw them out on your longest cast, set the cruise at .8 mph and head for shallow water. When the rods start bouncing note the depth. That's how deep your jigs are running. Go thru the same procedure with 1/32nds, double 1/16ths, 1/16ths with a splitshot, or whatever else you enjoy pulling. Also learn what a faster speed will do for your setup. It should take no more than an hour to "learn" your setup.Then you wont wonder where theyre at....you'll KNOW. Worked for me anyway.:)

All of the above is true but what if the lake you are on has a current? There are so many variables due to different weight jig heads. If you really want to be as accurate as possible each time stay with one manufacturer on your jig heads and one particular line. Just because it has 1/16 on the package does not mean that is correct.

Thanks Earl...was waiting for you to chime in...I already have learned those 2 things...I weight and trim all my jigs...just trying to perfect a system

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Originally Posted by EARL KITCHENS

All of the above is true but what if the lake you are on has a current? There are so many variables due to different weight jig heads. If you really want to be as accurate as possible each time stay with one manufacturer on your jig heads and one particular line. Just because it has 1/16 on the package does not mean that is correct.

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Hence the reason I pour all my own jigheads.;)

Now if I could find the Unicorn of molds...an 8 set 1/48oz minnowhead, at a REASONABLE price.:banghead

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Originally Posted by greenranger

Thanks Earl...was waiting for you to chime in...I already have learned those 2 things...I weight and trim all my jigs...just trying to perfect a system

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Dont overthink it...alot of trail an error in the process of learning to long line. It doesnt have to be perfect, close enough will work and still load the boat. Like posted above, the best method is to get and try different combos till you get it down, then pick the proper one for the given conditions. If you get time check out my youtube channel, I have a bunch of gopro videos of longlining and catching crappie in various times of the year and water conditions.


https://youtu.be/gZrHSa2WWXw

^^^^theysaid^^^^

I normally run double 16ths anywhere from 55-75 feet and like Dutch make adjustments accordingly.