Trolling with the LongLiner -- A Product Review

By Erin Gottler, UltimateMichiganFishing.com (Used with permission.)

Part 1 -- The Description

There are several methods of depth control on the market today. They range from expensive downrigger systems, to various divers you can attach to a line. Some have advantages, some have disadvantages. On most boats that troll extensively, captains will often combine a variety of techniques and devices simultaneously.

Recently, a company handed me a device they called a "LongLiner." My first impression was, "Oh great. Another item to carry in my trolling box!" However, upon further inspection I came to realize that this particular item was unlike the rest of the "diving" items. It also offered something that conventional lead devices couldn't.

One of the problems with any depth control device is leader length. In today's clear water, stealth is the key. Most fish are spooked by bulky plastic or large lead distractions near a bait that is supposed to simulate a natural meal. If I lengthen my leader too long, I then face the issue landing fish in a net and the greater chance of line tangles when handling rods.

The advantage of the "LongLiner" is that I was able to run a leader at whatever length I want. If I wanted to run a short 5 foot lead, it was easy to do. It was also easy to run 20, 40, 60, or more feet of leader. What makes this item special is that you can set it at any length you want each time you set your line in the water, and it will release back to your lure with a fish strike. Conventional divers release in a similar manner, but they only release to make reeling you line in easier. You still need to fight all that extra line behind it, the way a young child has difficulties casting a bobber set too far from their hook.

Another good feature of the "LongLiner" is the amount of adjustability you have to work with. By adding any size weight you want, you have a tremendous amount of versatility in depth and position. I also found that I could easily add some monofilament between the "LongLiner" and my sinker, and be able to use it like the ultimate bottom bouncer for slower speed basin fishing in areas like Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay.

When I troll, I almost always run rods through a planer board system. Whether I am using small in-line walleye boards, or large boards with cable and a mast, I have had issues with many divers pulling too hard for the rubber padded releases. This was not the case when running a "LongLiner". They work as well with planer boards as any inline weight or bottom bouncer has.

There are two points of adjustment with the "LongLiner". The knurled plastic set screw at the rear allows you to adjust the tension that it holds line when in the "locked" position. The second adjustment is a small screw at the bottom to set the release tension point. This helps to dial in various lure weight, fish size, and overall drag. If you have ever used a Slide or Dipsy Diver, they have a similar screw adjustment. I did like that each "LongLiner" came with a small screwdriver to help set the tension, so no additional tools were necessary.

The newly developed "LongLiner" is coming to a tackle store near you soon. If your favorite shop doesn't carry it yet, tell them about it. Refer them to us here www.ultimatemichiganfishing.com. Since we grew so fond of this item for fishing here in Michigan, we have set up a store where all of our members can have access to them. Search the "STORE" link at the top left side of our home page to view and order your own.

Part 2 -- Tips and How-to's

Now that we are familiar with the basics of the "LongLiner," there are a few tricks of the trade that will help you maximize its potential. Every species and every body of water in this great state [Michigan] can require its own special blend of finesse, speed, and control. From shallow, warm lakes, to deep, fast moving rivers.

Walleye -- Trolling is one of the most popular methods for consistently taking good numbers of walleye. Typically, water depths are shallow to medium, and speeds are slower than many other game-fish in fresh water. When running crank baits, body baits, spoons, and sometimes crawler harnesses, the standard rig works well. Clip a weight approximately 4-6 inches below the LongLiner. Weights can be adjusted from 1 oz up to 4 ounces. At slow speeds of below 1.4 mph, lighter weights work just fine. I like to go heavier as speeds may need to increase upwards of even 3 mph. In gin clear water, set you device 20-60 feet ahead of your bait. You can shorten this to about half of that in stained conditions like Saginaw Bay or Houghton Lake.

Another trick I have used is a heavier sinker with a longer sinker lead. For example, 4 to 6 ounces with a 48-inch sinker lead can keep your bait at a consistent clip along the bottom. Always be sure to use a lighter line for your sinker, in case of snags. This will allow you to save your lure and the LongLiner should your sinker encounter a snag.

Erin Gottler with a 14 pound King caught while
trolling on Lake Michigan. ↓
Salmon -- The LongLiner was originally invented for trolling spoons in the deep clear water of the West Coast for salmon and trout. Michigan is no different. There is virtually no limit to the weight you can add, as the release mechanism is not directly affected by it. I love to use my LongLiners when running one or multiple lines on planer boards. As a rule of thumb, use lighter weights with longer lead runs on the far outside rigs. As you set more lines inside that line, add a little weight and slightly shorten your lead length. This will allow tangle free retrievals.

Musky -- These work great in the musky world! Most trollers in Lake St. Clair have always used an inline or snap weight. Until now, they were forced to use short leads of 6 to 10 feet, and still have the difficult task of netting a monster with all that line in the way. On the down and out rods that run directly from the boat, use slightly more weight with your LongLiner than you used to with snap weights. So, if you used to use 6 ounces, bump it to 8 ounces.

You will also need to run a little heavier weight on the planar rods. Another trick to musky trolling with these is to keep an eye on your tension screws. Musky lures vary tremendously in size and action, so the force that they pull against your rod varies as well. The good news is that musky hit so hard you can really torque the tension high and not have an issue with strike releases.

General Fish -- Bass, pike, perch, or any other fish you ever trolled for, are all good targets for your LongLiner. Unless you are using a bait in a depth that requires zero form of depth assistance, adding weight and leader length can increase your ability to keep a lure in the desired depth with a more natural presentation.