Southern fishermen can use these tactics now but Northern fishermen need to plan on trying them in a few months. Moderate water temperatures and active fish equals good long-lining. The Basics: Crappie movements in the deep south can include spawning activity, migration to the grasses and other shallow cover, and open water movements. Open water crappie are usually not far from favorite shallow covers but prefer to hang out in open water. Open water allows them to feed on schools of shad. Also the fish can quickly move in for spawning, or, for feeding in shallow structure. Therefore, open water during this time of year is for holding and feeding, often at the same time.
The advantage of long-lining includes covering large areas, usually flats, or long stretches of water like a channel ledge. Bowl shaped lakes with no cover like the Harris Chain in Florida are excellent for long-line trolling. Long-lining is a great search technique. Multiple baits are kept in the strike zone for maximum efficiency. It’s a relatively simple technique once the basics are learned.
The disadvantages are a few but important. First, when fish are holding tight to cover like a brush pile or set of stumps, vertical presentations are better than long-lining. Also, people watching you catch fish may get on the spot while you are making a turn to come back. It’s a bad technique when fish are finicky and want a bait presented slowly or stopped.
Equipping Right
Racks and pole holders are required for serious long-lining. Racks and holders are placed on each side of the fisherman on the front deck. They are also placed in the back for the second fisherman. A fisherman who fishes alone often opts for a remote controlled trolling motor to allow him to stay in the back and fish without attending to the motor except to change speeds or direction. Continue Reading…..
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