target cast and retrieve to target spotted bass with the long-lining presentation

Long-lining for spotted bass with Jason Milligan by Jen Edgar

best locations. “Humps in 20- to 25-feet with good rock on them – no mud or grass, just good hard bottom,” he described.

Covering water is key to finding the bigger fish.

The longlining technique may look simple, but it takes practice and a few attempts at each target to get it just right. Start before the hump and cast behind you. Then while keeping your bail open to allow line out, motor over the hump then past it so that your full cast lasts in the sweet zone. Start reeling!

You will start to hit rocks and with so much line out

you will be unsure if you’re hitting rocks or getting bit. If something feels different, speed up your reel and pull your rod to the side. If

the rod loads up, keep

reeling until its fully

loaded, fish on! Play

fish moderately with

steady pressure and

light drag. Because

you have so much

line out, you want to

baby the fish in.

MAXIMIZE SUCCES

Keep an eye out for boaters and such that may run through your line path. Triangulating targets to cast to and then navigate

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