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A question lots of people who don't long line ask ....what would you guys consider an average cast...say with a 1/16th....how many feet...I understand it depends on depth of the fish....this is not for me....I'm working something up and just need some input....just what would you consider a average cast....(distance)
It will vary depending on the rod length mostly, but also line size.
I cast as far as I can, then adjust the line (if needed) by pulling off the spool or reeling in line.
limits, I understand...I am just trying to come up with an average distance , by asking a bunch of fisherman how far the try to cast a single 1/16th jig....for instance yrds of feet ....for instance I usually throw mine 60 ft....
Thanks Dutch...you think your 65 ft plus
I do about the same. I use a spinning reel, make a cast with an open bail,raise the rod tip up and what ever the rod length count the lifts and add to the cast.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dutch
Normally try to throw out as far as possible with 6 lb test line. I believe in "when in doubt, let it out.......
Just guessing.....my shortest rods with a single 1/16th jig (no split shots) probably casts @ 50 feet without letting our more line.
100% understand but length will vary a lot between different anglers strength, rod action, and most important length. The length of line out is a variable that accounts very little to jig depth. It helps to have different length rods to vary a foot or so. After letting out so much the jig actually starts rising back up. A 1/16th ounce at 45 ft will run within a foot of the same bait at 65 ft. The most important variable is speed. Then line. Next are jigheads type and shape. Then the buoyancy and shape of the plastic. With cranks line length will change depth a lot.Quote:
Originally Posted by greenranger
That what I'm looking at...jig depth and length of line...I was throwing in the yard and average just over 52 ft with 4lb and 1/16th jig...gone research the depth of different weights and styles at 55 ft
You will have to have some serious controls. Wind and current major factor. Exact same speed. Same line. Angle of rod and line are most important. A single 1/16 has a lot of bounce. I have tested hypothesis to find an average of three times the lift of the jig depth per bounce of the tip to the plane of the water. Fortunately, longlining is a tactic to cover water looking for aggressive fish that will move to feed. This allows it to not be an exact science or depth because you will never get all the variables exact. Try to develop a 2 ft tolerance range and you will be fine.Quote:
Originally Posted by greenranger
I've seen people dragging jigs and their line was floating on the water. Don't know what size line or what kind of line or what size jig, but it was way back .They were catching fish. Trial and error until you find YOUR way of doing it. Just give these hints a try and you will find what you like.
More or less...I fish out of a 17' boat and its at least 3-4 boats lengths for the 1st 2 rods (13' and 10') next rod is a 8' and I dont cast it as far maybe 2 boat lengths, last rod is a 6'6" and I cast it just past the motor to run the "dead zone" to either side of the motor...all this is guesstimates as I will let out line or reel it in as needed.Quote:
Originally Posted by greenranger
Also how much line I have out is determined by what size jigs I am running and whether its singles or doubles.
GR, the best way for you to know the depth your jigs is running is throw them out on your longest cast, set the cruise at .8 mph and head for shallow water. When the rods start bouncing note the depth. That's how deep your jigs are running. Go thru the same procedure with 1/32nds, double 1/16ths, 1/16ths with a splitshot, or whatever else you enjoy pulling. Also learn what a faster speed will do for your setup. It should take no more than an hour to "learn" your setup.Then you wont wonder where theyre at....you'll KNOW. Worked for me anyway.:)
All of the above is true but what if the lake you are on has a current? There are so many variables due to different weight jig heads. If you really want to be as accurate as possible each time stay with one manufacturer on your jig heads and one particular line. Just because it has 1/16 on the package does not mean that is correct.
Thanks Earl...was waiting for you to chime in...I already have learned those 2 things...I weight and trim all my jigs...just trying to perfect a system
Hence the reason I pour all my own jigheads.;)Quote:
Originally Posted by EARL KITCHENS
Now if I could find the Unicorn of molds...an 8 set 1/48oz minnowhead, at a REASONABLE price.:banghead
Dont overthink it...alot of trail an error in the process of learning to long line. It doesnt have to be perfect, close enough will work and still load the boat. Like posted above, the best method is to get and try different combos till you get it down, then pick the proper one for the given conditions. If you get time check out my youtube channel, I have a bunch of gopro videos of longlining and catching crappie in various times of the year and water conditions.Quote:
Originally Posted by greenranger
https://youtu.be/gZrHSa2WWXw
^^^^theysaid^^^^
I normally run double 16ths anywhere from 55-75 feet and like Dutch make adjustments accordingly.
Still don't know why everyone doesn't use double jigs. I mean, why add a split shot when you can add a hook?! If timber or other jig stealing stuff are present, I understand. But when fishing open water, I don't see it being a problem. There may be instances that the fish would bite a single better than a double rig but I don't think that situation happens very often. Just doesn't compute with me. I love catching doubles, just remember to net the back fish first. Lost a few in the beginning by netting the front fish.
Never understood that either, Gabepeeps. I rarely use a weight when trolling. But everyone has their own system to catch fish.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gabepeeps
i have fished doubles and added a small split shot in the center. when in a stumpy area use light wire hooks from light wire hooker on this site .that is what they use at Lake Talquin in Fla .
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gabepeeps
Because I catch a lot fish doing it.
Sometimes I fish a single jig, sometimes a double rig...to each his own, YMMV.
One good cast for me is 30-60 ft. I tend to stick around the 40-50 ft mark most of the time. Where we fish at up this way the creeks can be narrow and very overloaded with boats. You need to keep a short leash to help with maneuvering.
I started fishing doubles but after so long with all those tangles I found that if the fish are biting then singles would produce about as many fish as doubles....as many fish as I wanna catch anyways. Setups and boats vary but for people like me there's just not enough room to have 4 feet between rods so Ive learned that singles with a splitshot (to get deeper) works best for me. So......that's why I fish singles vrs doubles.