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How to Make a Trotline - For Catching Catfish

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Trotline fishing is a popular and exciting method for catching all species of catfish, large and small. Trotlines use multiple hooks and baits increasing your catch rate. Since catfish feed more at night, setting a trotline at dusk could mean a guaranteed "Fish Fry" the next day!

Building a trotline is a fairly uncomplicated task. This article will cover the supplies needed and how to assemble them into a trotline that can used in most bodies of water. Always check your local Fishing Regulations before using a trotline.

Supplies:

1. Main Line - For this article, I am using #24 Tarred Twisted Line (240 lbs tensile strength). Tarred line will not unravel when cut plus it is more abrasive resistant.

You can purchase at "Nets & More"

2. Drop Line - I am using #12 Tarred Twisted Line (100 lbs tensile strength).

You can purchase at "Nets & More"

3. Barrel Swivels - For this trotline, I am using #1 Barrel Swivels.

4. Hooks - 3/0 Offset Circle Hooks do very well on this size trotline.

5. Clips - #6 Clips are perfect for attachment to the swivels.

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Assembling the Main Line:

1. Determine the number of hooks to be used and slide that many swivels on the Main Line.

2. Put the Roll of Main Line with Swivels in a bucket or box.

3. Pull off 15' - 20' of Main Line.

4. Throw a Loop in the Line then pull the Roll of Main Line with the Swivels through to form a knot.

5. Slide the first swivel to the knot.

6. Throw a Loop in the Line then pull the Roll of Main Line with the remaining Swivels through to form another knot. Work this knot down until it is approximately 3/4" from the first knot, with the Swivel between the 2 knots.

7. Cinch both knots down by pulling on the Main Line.

8. Pull off 4' - 5' of Main Line to start the next "Knot-Swivel-Knot" process.

9. Repeat Steps 4 - 8 until all the Swivels are used.

10. Pull off 15' - 20' of Main Line then Cut.

11. You can also attach Clips to both ends of the Main Line. This is a Big Plus when securing the Trotline to a tree or stump.

12. Finally, wrap the Main Line to secure it.

Assembling the Drop Lines:

1. Determine the number of hooks for your line. This will be the number of Drop Lines you will need.

2. From your Drop Line Roll, cut approximately 20"-22" of Line. Do this for each Hook used.

3. Pull the tag ends of each Drop Line together and tie an Overhand Knot.

4. Cinch the knot down by pulling on the Line.

5. Push the knot through the clip and loop it over the clip. Pull tight.

6. Push the other end of the Drop Line through the eye of the Hook and loop it over the Hook. Pull tight. The line must go through the eye from the Hook Point side first. This will increase "Hook-Ups".

7. Repeat Steps 3 - 6 until you have assembled all the Drop Lines.

8. Secure the Drop Lines in a "Non-Tangle" Fashion. I use a piece of Pool Noodle.

Ok, now you are ready to catch a "Boat-Load" of Catfish. Remember, there are some dangers to Trotlining, such as getting Hooked and/or the line cutting into your skin. This is why I recommend a heavy Main Line (gloves if need be) and Drop Lines that are removable from the Main Line.

I hope you have gained some useful insight from this Article as well as the confidence to build your own Trotline.

Your may also like "How to Clean Your Baitcast Fishing Reel"

And maybe "How to Clean Your Spinning Reel"

God Bless

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