Mike - I had the water column covered from about 5 feet to 45 feet.
Bulk of the lures were in the 15 to 25 foot range.
It goes against common sense but often in winter near PLO - the board rods running 5 to 15 feet get most of the fish.
About 8 years ago in late December - my dad and I were trolling off Smith Point. I saw a swirl on top and told my dad it was a big rockfish. He told me I was seeing things.
At this time - every one trolled lures deep or very deep.
An hour later - I saw another swirl and caught sight of the fish. Reeled in a rod and rerigged a 13/0 Cripple Alewive - no weight. Sent it 250 feet back off the top.
Maybe 15 minutes later - it got crushed by a 42 incher. We got 4-5 more , all off that high rod.
Couple days later - I'm there with planer boards. Light snow falling but I still put them over.
VHF had some fun chatter - guys laughing at that Grady who thinks it's spring time.
We caught fish like no tomorrow - all but 2 off the boards.
VHF - That there Grady hooked up again - fish must like it's spring time too.
Now most guys run boards in winter.
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