Im am not going to add any more tips as there will be many on here that give advice. I will say that I truly believe the bigger fish are caught trolling than any other method. I believe that bigger fish dont hang as close to cover as often as the smaller ones. There are not many fish in the lake that are going to go after a 2.5 or 3lb crappie, yet a 1lb to 1.5lb fish is an easy target for a flathead, blue, or striper hence their natural tendancy may be to hang closer to cover to look for food and or protection. I have fished all different ways and open water trolling catches bigger fish than any other way i have seen. I have fished numerous tournaments and trolling wins them 9 out of 10 times. Whether its pulling fast or pushing slow, I like to troll. Take Mississippi for example, those big 3lb fish arent caught jiggin brush piles, they are mainly caught out in open water pullin or pushin jigs/grubs/crankbaits. I guess my point is that longlining is an awesome way of fishing and if you are in the south where everyone else does it and you plan on fishing tournaments, you need to know how to do it to hang. This is just my personal opinion. I am sure I could longline all day on Santee for a year and Inkdabber will outfish me everytime jigging. Hes an expert on that lake. But if you go to a lake your not as familiar with, longlining will help you find fish alot faster than any other way there is.....good luck. It seems you are a good fisherman so it shouldnt take no time and you will have it down....