I will longline from the time the water temps hit mid 50s until well after post-spawn when I switch over to crankbaits. You need to seek out the rocky banks that are getting good sunlight in the midday and afternoons now if your favorite lake has black crappie. Many crappie fishermen think one has to get up with the roosters to catch crappie and they get frustrated when the bite is slow. This time of the year your best longline bite will be well after the sun is up high and the waters along the banks has started warming back up.

Don't hesitate to stay with the longlining well after the spawn. Some of my best catches have been in as little as 4 feet of water along spawning banks when the water temps were low 70s and above.