In this piece, I’m going to discuss the subject What Fish Can You Catch On A Trotline?, and I’m going to do my best to provide as much relevant information as I can.
A trotline can be set so it covers the width of a channel, river, or stream with baited hooks. There are many ways to set a trotline, with most methods involving weights to hold the cord below the surface of the water. They are used for catching crabs or fish (particularly catfish).
What’s the
best bait
for a trotline?
When targeting blue catfish or channel catfish, freshly cut parts of dead fish work best, followed by any types of dead bait or “stink catfish baits.”.
Why is a trotline called a trotline?
Trotline:
How ever trotlines got their name, they are part of an Ozarks fishing tradition that dates back many generations Long before there were
bass boats
,
graphite rods
and electronic depth-finders; people were setting trotlines to catch catfish that prowled local waters.
How deep do you set a trotline?
Trotline:
If cooked down, the catfish will fall apart and blend perfectly with the crabmeat. So try these methods before throwing that tasty fish back in the water. The first step for a trotline is cutting your pickets. I like to have one around 10 to 12 feet and another around 15 to 18 feet depending on the depth of the water.
Where should trot line be placed?
Line:
The
easiest way
to set a catfish trotline is to anchor between two trees, sturdy tree roots, or two stumps Anchor one end to a tree on one side of the stream or river. Boat or swim across to the other side and anchor the opposite end to a tree on the other bank.
How often should you check trotline?
Trotline:
To really run trotlines right you should check them every two hours throughout the night That way you’ll catch a lot more fish by keeping the hooks rebaited. If you only check it in the morning you may have two fish and 20 empty hooks.
How long should trotline drops be?
Drops:
The backbone of the trotline is now complete. The short segments of line that will run between the swivels and hooks, called drops, can be attached now, along with the hooks. Ideally the drops should be 12 to 18 inches long.
Circle Hooks Good: Are Circle Hooks good for Trotlines
per run (even if you don’t use the new trotline model) is to switch to circle hooks. A 6/0 straight hook won’t give you half the holding power that a 6/0 circle hook will provide. They’re that good … and definitely worth the extra cost.
What are catfish attracted to?
Catfish:
Catfish are bottom feeders and are attracted to food by both sight and smell They like bright colors such as orange or red. One of the best lures are Cheetos puffs. The bright orange color attracts their attention and the cheesy corn smell encourages them to bite.
What do catfish bite on?
Many anglers that target channel catfish use what I call “grocery store baits”, things like
chicken livers
, turkey livers, hot dogs, shrimp , and a variety of other items. While there are times these can be good baits, I steer people away from them.
Trotlines Legal: Are trotlines legal in Texas
Trotlines in fresh water must be used with a
valid gear tag
Properly marked buoys or floats qualify as valid gear tags. Gear tags must be attached within 3 feet of the first hook at each end of the trotline and are valid for 6 days after the date set out.
Trotlines Legal: Are trotlines legal in Florida
Lawful Methods for Using Trotlines and Bush Hooks or Set Lines. A trotline limited to 25 hooks may be used for taking nongame fish for personal use Persons operating more than 25 bush hooks or set lines or a trotline using more than 25 hooks are considered to be fishing commercially and must have a commercial license.
Trotlines Legal: Are trotlines legal in Ohio
(20) It shall be unlawful for any person to set, use, or maintain a trotline in the inland fishing district unless they have attached thereto a durable waterproof tag bearing the name and mailing address of the user in English letters or the
unique division
of
wildlife customer identification number
of the user legible.
What is a floating trotline?
Trotline:
Floating Trot line. (Item #846116) It is floating and measures 120 ft. long. It has plastic pellets melted on the twine to hold the swivels in place. Just like the old L&H trotline!.
How far apart are hooks on a trotline?
Trotline:
A trotline consists of a 25- to 150-foot-long main line with up to 25 baited hooks on 2- to 3-foot dropper lines. To minimize tangles, attach these via swivels spaced 6 feet apart A split shot above each hook will help keep the bait near the bottom.
References
https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/fishing/resources/learn-fish/videos/trotline-fishing-videos
https://www.fishing-tips-bait-tackle.com/trotline_fishing.html
https://www.amazon.com/trotline/s?k=trotline