If you are fishing swift water I might run my lines more frequently when using live bait. Live bait die much quicker when they are forced to fight the current. I fish live bait off the bottom rather Im spinning reel fishing or trot lining. You could also use lighter twine for the leader than you do for the main line. The lighter leader keeps the bait from having to work as hard due to weight and current drag. I tie my leaders about a foot long rather im fishing for tabbys, blues or channles.
Also in waters where the level is regulated with dams I find the fish bite better when the water is slowly rising somewhere around a few inches a day. I bet if you talk to some locals, they pay attention to what the dam is doing.
I would try to talk to as many locals, who have success, as I could find. Every place I fish, fishes a little differently. The biggest thing is familiarity of the waters and where to set the lines. I dont know what your area looks like but you will catch more tabbys in areas that have chalky banks.
We also have our best luck when the moon phases are correct.
Take Care,
Scott
