Questions about Longlining/Cranks

[JimmyJ]

I have been longlining with 10# Trilene XT for about 3years now. I was thinking of trying a superline. Should I look for one with the same diameter as 10# XT so my lures will run the same depth? Will I get better sensitivity with the superlines or does it make any difference when you are only 120 feet behind the boat? Will my Diawa Line Counter still be accurate? Should I tie directly to the Crankbait or can I continue to use a crosslock ? I would like to increase the sensitivity, Should I buy a top of the line rod such as a Loomis or St. Croix Avid? I am using a St.Croix Premere 7 foot Medium Heavy at this time. All suggestions would be very appreciated. How do you store your Crankbaits so they are not all tangled together? Thanks for the help!!
Jim

[MLD]

Hook bonnets on your crankbaits work great for keeping them untangled. MLD

[FROGMAN]

I almost exclusively use Fireline for all of my "Touch" trolling applications any more. You WILL feel much more from the Fireline than mono. It will also help you detect weeds on your lures so that you don't waste your time pulling around fouled baits. Leave most of that old 10# line on your reel to serve as a filler, or backing for the Fireline. I usually put 200 yards on each of my Daiwa 27's, and most of the time I use a 4'-6' leader of 14# mono for ease of tying. You have to use the Palomar knot with Fireline. You can tie directly, or use a snap, it's all up to you. Good Luck, and have fun this summer

Keith Segar
NPAA #260

[Chad]

One of the benefits to superlines is that it has a thinner diameter causing cranks to diver faster. I like to use the 10/4 fireline in Flame Green color so that I can see it. I dont believe it makes a difference to the fish. This line will run a little deeper. The Precision trolling book has a conversion chart. Go ahead and use your Daiwa reels they work great. Strip off some mono so that there is about a 1/4 inch reveal from the top of the spool. Then tie the mono backing to the fireline using a uni to uni knot. The fireline comes in spools of 125 yeards which is more then plenty.

I would suggest using a cross lock. This allows the cranks more freedom and prevents you from having to tie knots all day. By not having to re tie knots you are more likly to try different lures more.

Rod sensitivity is not as crucial here. As most things it is personal preferrence. It's pretty obvious when your rod doubles over that you have a fish on. I really like the 8'6" Bass Pro Walleye Angler trolling Rods which run $60 and were on sale thru today for $40. They have an excellent tip. I have also used 9'Quantum Dipsey Diver rods. These were $30 at Fleet Farm and have a nice action for pulling plugs.

You will notice when using the fireline that your rod tip will quiver from the action of the crank. When the quivering stops of changes you have a fouled crank. A leaf, weed etc... First try ripping the crank forward to dislodge the foreign object. This is a big benefit as compared to mono. Mono owuld just strech. As you most likly know you will need to loosen your dag a little.

I store my cranks in the Plano boxes. 4 to a section. they get a little tangled but getting 4 untangled is not a big deal.

[JimmyJ]

Thank You for posting. Your input is appreciated !!! Jim

[SUPERTROLLER]

I'm using 20 and 30 lb. test Fireline for trolling. It doesn't matter what lb. test you prefer, the lures are still going to run 25% deeper than the Precision trolling book says compared to mono because there's no bow in the line. You'll definitely want to use a SOFTER ROD because that Fireline isn't going to stretch. You'll see every rattle of your lures transmitted up the line to the rod tip. As already mentioned, LOOSEN the DRAG, too. These are the two things most forgotten by new users of non-stretch lines. They come back complaining about losing fish because they RIP THE DANG HOOKS OUT! That reminds me of another lesson, NEVER SET THE HOOK. The fish will set it themselves as soon as it begins thrashing against the hooks that just stung it in the mouth because there was no slack to take up before it felt the hooks and the boat is still moving forward. Just start reeling and keep constant pressure, NO PUMPING THE ROD. These tips will save you alot of time on the learning curve.

[HEY Supertroller]

Supertroller, So what your saying is that no matter what the line diameter is of the Fireline the lures will just run 25% deeper?

[Delgue]

Keith Kavazejez (sp) and Gary Parsons have a longlining video out for a couple years-it demonstrates with excellent detail about longlining with fireline. however,many of main points are right here on Your post responses.--cranks untangled-use hook bonnets, then jam Woodstream waterproof boxes full of em.
get the Woodstream brand because they have a much stouter hinge setup than the Plano box. i keep 6 boxes with cranks with bonnets, nary a tangle ever-i wont say how many cranks, because if i write it, i will be foreced to see how crazy it is. Always air dry your cranks before puttin on the bonnet,or try it otherwise and you will learn quick. good luck

[JeffC]

Store those long crankbaits in the boxes from B&B bait boxes. There located I believe in the Product area of the home page. Excellent quality and you can fit your 6" reef runners in there no problem.

[SUPERTROLLER]

It is my understanding that there is no appreciable difference in depth to be gained by running thinner Fireline. I don't remember fully my conversation with Mark Romanack as to how big they tested. Since 30 lb. test is equal to 12 lb. dia. mono, that should cover anything a walleye angler would need. I don't think they tested bigger than that. The lack of stretch about negates any added benefit gained by a smaller line and therefore they all allow your lure to run approximately 25% deeper. Confusing but I hope I answered your question. Fireline is great stuff.