Hey, friend! If you’re looking to up your fishing game and want to boat some crappie, longline trolling might just be the ticket. It’s a fun, productive way to fish that allows you to cover a lot of water while maximizing your chances of catching fish. In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know to get started with longline trolling for crappie.
What is Longline Trolling?
Longline trolling is a method where you drag multiple lines behind your boat at a slow speed, presenting baits to crappie swimming at various depths. The beauty of this technique is that you can cover a large area while keeping your baits in the water, increasing your chances of finding those pre spawn staged fish.
Essential Gear for Longline Trolling
Before you head out, let’s dive into the gear you’ll need for successful longline trolling. Keep it simple and affordable:
- Poles: You don’t need fancy equipment to catch crappie using this method, but you need 8 to 14 poles from 16 to 6 feet long to maximize water coverage.
- Rod Holders: I use a Tee style rod holder. It’s simple and you can make a variation of them at home if you have the tools. Mine are made of aluminum and stainless steel.
- Fishing Line: Use a monofilament or braided line — a 4 to 6 lb test is typically ideal. Braided line offers minimal stretch and easier retrieval of your jigs should you get hung in any brush.
- Bait and Lures: Crappie love jigs such as Charlie Brewer Slidders, Mr. Crappie Slabalicious, Bobby Garland Stroll’R and Southern Pro Power Grub. Really any action tail jig will work.
- Jig Heads: You can use any weighted jig head from 1/32 to 1/8 oz depending on the depth and speed you want to run.
- Boat: A kayak, canoe, or small motorboat works well for longline trolling; just ensure it’s stable and has space for your gear.
- Fish Finder/Depth Finder: This tool isn’t essential but can greatly improve your chances. It provides valuable information on water depths, creek channels and fish locations.
- Trolling Motor: Any trolling motor will do but if you can afford an I-Pilot or an equivalent it will make life a lot easier. It will allow you to set your direction and speed so that you can concentrate on the poles and your other electronics.
Timing is Everything
Understanding when to go crappie fishing can make all the difference. Crappies are often more active during early mornings and late afternoons. Water temperature is the real key to this method. You want the surface temps to be in the 50 to 55 degree range for pre spawn fish, so plan your outings accordingly. Spring and fall are particularly great seasons, as crappies tend to be more aggressive and closer to the shallows during these times.
Finding the Right Spots
Locating where crappies hang out is key to your success. Here are some excellent spots to consider:
- Brush Piles and Structure: Crappie love to congregate around underwater obstacles like submerged trees and brush piles. This is where they ambush their prey.
- Points and Drops: Look for underwater points and steep drops, as crappies often hang out in these areas, especially during feeding times.
- Water Depth: Depth is crucial, as crappies can be finicky based on the time of year and water temperature. Pre staged fish usually hang out in about 12-15 ft deep in the water column, but the total water depth could be 18-25 feet. Use your fish finder to help identify the right depths to fish.
Setting Up for Longline Trolling
Now that you have your gear and have chosen a good spot, it’s time to set up:
- Prepare Your Baits: You have options here. Single or double jig rigs can be used to catch these fish. I prefer the single but have caught plenty on the double as well. Watch this video on how to tie the double jig rig. Just ignore the bobber and bobber stop portion of the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaJTm0_kHIQ
- Boat Speed: Position your boat and start moving at a slow, consistent speed – generally between 0.5 and 1.5 mph is ideal for trolling crappies.
- Let Out Your Lines: For each rod, let out about 30 to 50 feet of line. This distance will keep your baits well behind the boat.
- Depth Adjustment: You can adjust your baits’ depths while trolling. Use weights, vary how much line you let out, or adjust your speed depending on where the fish are biting.
- Keep an Eye on Your Lines: Watch for any movement or bending of your rods; that indicates you might have a fish on!
The Method to the Madness
Once you have your jigs tied and ready start your trolling motor then you can either cast or place the poles in the rod holders and let out 30-50 ft of line. Some anglers “tip” the jigs with minnows (Adding a minnow to the hook after you put the jig on), but it isn’t necessary in my opinion. Then simply wait for the poles to start bending. If the bite is slow, you may want to turn the boat left and right with the trolling motor. If you get a bite pay attention to whether it was on the outside or inside poles. A bite on the inside poles tells you that the fish want a slower presentation where the outside poles indicate a faster one. That’s pretty much all there is to it. Simply put, it’s a chess match between you and the fish. You may have to exhaust all resources but they’re biting somewhere on the lake.
Tips for Longline Trolling Success
- Be Patient: Don’t lose hope if the fish aren’t biting right away. Sometimes it takes a bit of time, especially on windy or cloudy days.
- Vary Your Speed: If you’re not getting bites, try adjusting your speed. A slight change can make a big difference in attracting crappie.
- Experiment with Baits: Crappies can be picky eaters. If a particular lure isn’t working, don’t hesitate to try different colors or types of bait.
- Adapt to Weather Changes: Weather can affect fishing success. If it clouds over, crappies may move closer to the surface, so be ready to adjust your depth.
- Use Multiple Rods: If local regulations allow, using several rods can increase your coverage and improve your chances of landing a crappie.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overtrolling: Troll too quickly or let out too much line, and you might miss opportunities to catch fish.
- Ignoring Depth: If you’re not catching anything, check your line depth. Sometimes crappies can be deeper or shallower than you expect.
- Wrong Gear: Ensure your gear is appropriate for the species you’re targeting. Using lines that are too heavy can hinder the natural movement of your bait.
Longline trolling for crappie is an enjoyable and effective method that can boost your catching potential. With the right gear, the right knowledge, and a sprinkle of patience, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the thrill of crappie fishing. So, pack up your gear, gather some friends, and get ready for a fantastic day on the water. I can’t wait to hear about your fishing adventures and see those crappie catches! Happy fishing!