Fishing with a Trotline

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

As you begin this age-old rural pursuit you will of course want to get the parlance right, so you don't seem like too much of a novice. Calling the dropper lines "trots" and the swivel connection the "staging" will put you right up there with the old salts. Also, don't ever talk about "checking" your trottine or "taking a look at" your trotline. You always "run" a trotline This makes sense because the word trotline, according to my dictionary, comes from the old Germanic word "trotten," meaning "to tread, pace, or run." So when you "run" your trotline you are in keeping with the proper etymology of the sport.

You can often find ready-made trotlines for sale in sporting goods stores where fishing gear is sold. You can order a good trotline from Netcraft Co., 2800 Tremainsville Rd., Toledo, OH 43613; they'll send you a free catalog. Or you can easily make a trotline yourself.

DIY Trotline

Another option is to make the trotline yourself. The mainline should be nylon cord about 300 lb. test; the trots also of nylon about 100 lb. test. For a typical trotline, lay out about 100 feet of the 300 lb. test line. Slide a large swivel down the line to the far end, then make a half hitch to hold the swivel on the line.

Then slide another swivel down the line to within 3 to 4 feet of the first one, make another half hitch, and continue doing this until you've got 20 to 25 swivels in place, each half-hitched so they won't slide on the line.

Then cut 20 to 25 trots 12 to 18 inches long. Tie one end of each trot to a hook, the other end of each trot to a swivel. Add weights and floats and you've got a trotline.

A trotline set in open water will use one weight and one float at each end, with the trotline suspended inbetween. A weight you can tie to that weighs 5 to 10 pounds will do, and is set on the bottom. It is connected to a one gallon plastic jug (usually an old bleach or juice bottle) floating on the surface by a medium-weight nylon rope.

Tie one end of your trotline to the handle of the float. Then, using oars or a paddle, move your boat away from the weight and float—or use the wind to drift and as the hooks come along, you bait them and drop them in.

One fisherman can do it but it's easier with two as one can row while the other baits up. When you get to the other end of the line you tie it to the other float and set another weight on the bottom. Adjust the tension on the line depending on whether you want it to lay near the surface or the bottom. Your trotline is set.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print