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Originally Posted by Uncle Russ
I have been doing some research on ling fishing and I would like to ask all you experienced guys this question: You are on the Big E. Suddenly a big ling swims up right next to you on the surface--if you could suddenly have any rig handed to you to make a presentation to it, what would it be--type of rod and length--reel--line--and most importantly, how would you rig for it specifically--lure/bait/leader--that sort of thing.
Russ
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First thing I would do is find a live bait. Your twinspin 30 rigged for tuna with a live bait hook would be sweet. A blue crab is the best bait. A ling has always had the nickname "Crab-eater". They also love eels. If you run across a shrimper culling his catch in the morning, always grab the floating crabs or better yet, toss him some beer for fresh ribbonfish and live crabs. It will make for an excellent day of fishing.
They are very curious. Sometimes they will eat nothing and just stay about 10 feet from the boat teasing you. If this happens, grab a piece of bread and tear it into little pieces. Toss them in front of him. The smell of the bread will go through his nostril and gills and sometimes get them hungry. You can also cut up ribbonfish into 2" pieces and he will start eating them. Problem is once you put a hook into the 2" piece, he normally won't eat it as it sinks differently. Then toss him a live bait.
They also like a fast trolled feather lure or jig. I've never tried tossing a popper at them, but they might respond well as they will be very curious at the the commotion. They love commotion. Beat a mop in the water is good way the bring up if you are at rig or pipe. Pipes hold ling better than rigs. A big ling will stay at a pipe for weeks to hold his territory if there is enough food available for him. I've seen this happen many times. One day to the next, and then he is still there the next weekend. Those big ones don't get big by being stupid. It's very frustrating to watch them stare at you and never take your offering.