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How warm does the water need to be for longlining? My 1st experience longlining was last year after the spawn. I've started this year with temps in the low 50's with little success. I've been starting shallow and moving out deeper. Doesn't seem to be much of a pattern so far, one here one there.
Long lining can be productive year round, it's a method that usually does not get a limit in 1-2 hrs. When the fish are scattered long lining will speed up the process of finding the fish due to the speed (.7 on up to 1.2 or so) as you are covering lots of water. You also have to find the right speed, color of lure, etc., etc., when long lining. there are a several threads on LL'g on this forum, just search for 'em here or google it for some good how to articles.
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.
I longline by accident. Sometimes (more often than not) I forget to seth then bail. Lots of long lining going on then.
Well the water temps are aproaching 60 now and still not doing well. I think the up and down temps are keeping them from a good bite.
Above freezing...
I long linned yesterday and zeroed! So I put the gear up and bass fished! That salvaged the day. Wore them suckers out on a blue/black Paca Craw.
I generally slow it down to 1 MPH or less with smaller presentations (jigs) this time of the year. The end of May on through September I speed it up to 1.5 to 1.8 and pull Bandit 300's. DP
Patience, patience is key Grasshopper! :>}