Spider rigging at Washington lake

We're heading to lake washington in mid feb. From what I've heard we'll probably be spider rigging or long lining in 10' of water or less. I'm kind of new to spider rigging and I'd like some advise on pole length. I plan to take with me 4 12' poles and a few 8' poles. we'll be using a "Dub-L-Seat" and six rod holders at the bow. I know that a lot of experienced spider riggers use poles up to 16'. My question is, are we making a big mistake by not using longer rods? Thanks for the help in advance.

At washington longer rods help. Its been my experience that I catch fish higher in the water column there. 18"-3' deep. I use 14' and am just too cheap to buy 16' or I would use them. the Further away from boat and TM noise the better of you will be. It can definitely be done with the 12' but 8' is too close to the boat in my opinion. :twocents

I agree with everything MO' has said! The difference is huge, especially in 10 foot or less water. Shallower the water, the longer the pole.

What mo said. One thing about Washington though, they'll be in a certain area and if the winds up a little, you can put our drift Socks and go with the winds. Once past the area, crank up the big motor, go back to where you started, then make that same run over and over

If you start getting bites, mark it. 5-10 minutes without a bite, go back to the mark. some days they like it sitting still, other days they hit well .5-.8 mph.

MO is correct. The longer poles make a difference in shallow water or if the fish are holding shallow in the water column, which they tend to do in Washington

Don't forget a LONG handled net.

Remember the year major won the tourney pulling cranks in February with10 feet on line out?

Gonna spider rig Washington I Mid Feb. Just don't exactly when. Never fished South that early, but at Washington I guess they can be in 2-5 fow by then. Well see.

Gonna be hard getting accurate info on Washington with the Fruit Jar and MCC tourneys going on the 14th and 21st of Feb.