What is the best way to control your depth when longlining? I was wondering if 1/2 to 3/4 oz sinker above a swivel would work-with jig on a leader behind it.
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What is the best way to control your depth when longlining? I was wondering if 1/2 to 3/4 oz sinker above a swivel would work-with jig on a leader behind it.
I'm no long lining expert but I use just the jigs. I maybe wrong but this is how I cover it 1/32 0-3 foot, 1/16 6-8 foot 1/8 9-12 foot. Like I said I'm not a expert so I'm sure some of the guys can give you better advice. This is just what I have found that works for me. Also keep your speed from .8 to 1.4mph
With those weights you'd have to be making some wake to keep your baits off the bottom. I also just use jigs, one or two a rod. Speed and jighead weight vs line out is how you control your depth.
I use difference weight jigs, different types of bodies, different speeds or maybe even put a tiny split shot above the jig to control my depth. The best way is to change the speed you are trolling.My speed may vary from 0.6 to 1.2 or so. If I need to go faster than that, I'll be pulling crankbaits. A curly tail will ride higher in the column that a tube jig will just because of the way it moves. One trick I use is to let out a normal amount of line with several jigs and purposely find a flat that has the water depth I think I need to be fishing. I'll let my heaviest jigs out until they are ticking bottom. Then I know about how much line to let out knowing my lighter jigs will be running shallower.
Don't make this trolling too hard. It's not rocket science. Google "long line trolling" and spend a couple of hours watching videos. Russ Bailey has some great videos of longline trips.
There is a depth guide in the archives, it is fairly close. Go to the search window and type in - Long lining chart.
Don't think I saw it but heavier lines more weight it takes for depth .
There is a sticky on the South Carolina page that has all you need to get started. I say started because you will need to tweak to your personal liking's. Longlining is not hard but very productive on active fish. Dont over complicate it and have fun.
Variable speed trolling motor is a must if you do a lot of long line trolling. This controls the depth your jigs are at no matter what size you are using. The older 5 speed motors do not have enough speed varation to change depths on jigs pus they are twice as hard on batteries.
×2 on the variable speed trolling motor
Gonna have to get by with my Minn Kota Edge and hope for the best.
Trolling motors with 5 speed control will work fine, I used a Motor Guide for years running in the lowest speed- Average .8 mph. Just right for long lining. $500 +- verse $1500.00. If you need to go deeper, Let out or take up line. 8/10' deep- let out a 1/16 jig 60' based on a 6# line. 2-16oz= 13/15' +-. I hope this helps
P.S - I have a $1500.00 unit now, but the MG/MK 45/55# is still a great way to go.
Feel free to PM me.
Drift socks and chains compensate for the 5 speed variable deficiencies, correct?
it'll helpQuote:
Originally Posted by nccater
Put a bump switch in the floor where you can cut motor on and off . T and H marine has them and are a good addition for a trolling motor that is not variable speed.
Another option if you aren't in the market for a new trolling motor could be one of the old Minn Kota maximizer electronic power control units (if you can find one). Occasionally you can still find someone who has one for sale. They were an older option for achieving variable speed on a 5 speed. And GPS is key for measuring speed. If you don't have a GPS fish finder, just pick up a handheld GPS. They oftentimes update quicker anyway.