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Was wondering what the earliest you long liners start having success in the coves and flats. I'd assume water temp has a lot to do with it. While stationed in sc we always started on New Years day. didn't get a chance to fish much last year, but year before had great success starting in mid December. Just itching to slap my rod holders on the boat and get fishing as soon as possible. Did notice two years ago there had to be schools of shad somewhere nearby.
For me water temperature is key. I start around the high 40s low 50s. Also depends on how deep the lake is. But I'm not a long line expert. I have trouble catching them if there deeper than 10ft.
You can always troll the crank baits right now if you're itching to troll. One year I was long lining in August and caught 2 limits that day! I know some folks that long line all year, they just go to a 1/4 oz head and a 3" grub and go deep for them.
Yea I think it's all about water temp. In sc anytime we had a warm few days after a cold spell it would always turn them on and send them shallower.