Quote Originally Posted by Judson1 View Post
Thanks for the report. Glad you had a good day. I seem to remember 3-4 years ago you were fishing in the summer and catching lots of numbers of fish long lining. But in your report you stressed the long line bite wasn't over. For someone who knows nothing about that type of fishing it seems like you are implying the bite isn't over but it's not far from it. Could you explain further for a novice like myself? One day I'm going to get my boat set up to longline. Thanks.
Judson, like any other method of fishing, I believe you can catch fish longlining all year long. That isnt saying it's the best method to use, it's just the method I like using. I've put alot of time into longlining and tried thinking "outside the box" and learn as much as I can over the years. In the past when you mentioned 3 or 4 years ago I was retired and fishing 3-4 days a week. It's ALOT easier to find and then stay on the fish when that's the case. Now I'm back to full time working so like most of the guys here on CDC I just get to fish when I'm off work. And as far as the longline bite....it aint near over yet. Right now I'm catching fish not far from the backs of the creeks that are feeding on grass shrimp. The water is only 70 some odd degrees (depending on time of day you take your readings) so just because the spawn is over doesnt mean the bite is over. You know that from your trips fishing brush. Well, all fish aint on brush. Alot of crappie are still on the flats and as long as the food is there and the water is suitable then they will stay there. Usually I'll catch fish until the hotter months (late July thru Sept when the surface temps are nearing 90*) and by then I'd suspect most folks are having the same problems putting fish in the boat as I do.

Like I said, longlining is just one method of fishing. I dont want anyone thinking it's the BEST method but it is another style of fishing to use. I will say that if you put the time into longlining and learn the craft then you can almost always catch enough fish for dinner any time of the year. But then that's true with any method if you truely learn the style so I guess it depends on what you fancy the most. Me? I'm lazy. I like sitting in the back of the boat and watch rod tips while sipping on a cold beverage during a warm morning of fishing.