Using a trotline to catch crabs
(Excerpt from https://www.bluecrab.info/ )
A trotline is a variation of a setline. Webster's dictionary defines a setline as being "a long heavy fishing line to which several hooks are attached in series." A trotline is defined as "a comparatively short setline used near shore or along streams." Some other common variations of a setline include limblines, throwlines, and juglines. The Department of Game & Fisheries defines a trotline as "a line without a rod or reel attached that need not be held in the hand or closely attended."
Specifically, a trotline is nothing more than a long line, resting on the bottom and anchored at both ends, to which a series of baits are attached at intervals of two to six feet. The baits are attached to the main line by simple slipknots or by shorter lines called dropper lines (known as trots or snoods.)
As you begin this age-old pursuit you will of course want to get the parlance right, so you don't seem too much like a chicken-necker. Calling the dropper lines "snoods" will put you right up there with the old salts. Also, don't ever talk about "checking" your trotline or "taking a look at" your trotline. You always "run" a trotline. This makes sense because the word trotline 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.
With all that said, running a trotline is one of the most efficient methods of crabbing because it allows the crabber to work large areas of water of varying depths and conditions in order to maximize his catch.
Trotlines are almost always worked from a boat. Commercial crabbers run one, two or possibly three lines up to a mile in length! Sport crabbers should certainly start with a much shorter length until they get the hang of it. Even 100 feet will be a lot at first.
A trotline is a variation of a setline. Webster's dictionary defines a setline as being "a long heavy fishing line to which several hooks are attached in series." A trotline is defined as "a comparatively short setline used near shore or along streams." Some other common variations of a setline include limblines, throwlines, and juglines. The Department of Game & Fisheries defines a trotline as "a line without a rod or reel attached that need not be held in the hand or closely attended."
Specifically, a trotline is nothing more than a long line, resting on the bottom and anchored at both ends, to which a series of baits are attached at intervals of two to six feet. The baits are attached to the main line by simple slipknots or by shorter lines called dropper lines (known as trots or snoods.)
As you begin this age-old pursuit you will of course want to get the parlance right, so you don't seem too much like a chicken-necker. Calling the dropper lines "snoods" will put you right up there with the old salts. Also, don't ever talk about "checking" your trotline or "taking a look at" your trotline. You always "run" a trotline. This makes sense because the word trotline 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.
With all that said, running a trotline is one of the most efficient methods of crabbing because it allows the crabber to work large areas of water of varying depths and conditions in order to maximize his catch.
Trotlines are almost always worked from a boat. Commercial crabbers run one, two or possibly three lines up to a mile in length! Sport crabbers should certainly start with a much shorter length until they get the hang of it. Even 100 feet will be a lot at first.
VISIT
The text above was borrowed from the pros!
Make sure to follow the link to visit the Blue Crab Info website where you'll find everything about Blue Crabs!
From crab identification to technical resources they have it all.
The text above was borrowed from the pros!
Make sure to follow the link to visit the Blue Crab Info website where you'll find everything about Blue Crabs!
From crab identification to technical resources they have it all.
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How To Catch Crabs with a Trotline
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Trotline information
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Different crab trap options for crabbing my Maryland.
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How To make a trotline
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Trotline for crabbing
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Trotline components and cost
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Trotline Crabbing In Maryland Trotline Prop Stick/Roller Options
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Trotline components and cost part 2
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More Crabbing Information
- Intro to crabbing
- Where to crab in Ocean City Maryland
- What are the regulations for crabbing in Ocean City, Maryland?
- How to cook crabs Maryland style
- How to pick a Maryland blue crab
- How to crab in Ocean City, Maryland
- How to Handline for crabs in Ocean City Maryland
- How to run a trotline in Ocean City Maryland
- Using collapsible crab traps in Ocean City, Maryland
- -Using crab pots in Ocean City, Maryland
