trotlining

[mblankenship]

I'm new to trotlining. I've been out twice so far this season with my new trotline. First time things seemed to go good on the deployment of the trotline with the exception of me pulling it too tight and (1) snapping my baits off and (2) having the line coming up too far in front of the boat. Still ended up with 3/4 of a bushels.


Second time trying the trotline I had issues with the deployment of the trotline. Two out of three times I deployed it, it "birdnested" and got me really frustrated!!!

I was wondering if anyone had any insight on deployment techniques that woudl eliminate the "birdnesting" issue I had.

[scott w]

The biggest thing is how the line is packed on the basket. You should just feed it in like a anchor line. And gently pack it down evèy 100' or so to keep tangles out. You can normally avoid big tangles by shaking the line as it comes out. Good luck, you will figure out your own way soon enough.

[crab_clam]

Good advice Scott....I just wanted to add I seem to have better results when I throw the meat to the outside of the bucket when faking or coiling it in.

The biggest thing is how the line is packed on the basket. You should just feed it in like a anchor line. And gently pack it down evèy 100' or so to keep tangles out. You can normally avoid big tangles by shaking the line as it comes out. Good luck, you will figure out your own way soon enough.

[crabby and son]

Do not try to coil it. Just randomly put it in the basket and push down a few times. A 1200' line should fit with a little space left over in an orange basket. When you deploy it, set it on the boat floor and hand feed it out standing up. This way the line rises from the basket as it was put in and then goes out. Keep your baits small also. 1 1/2" is good to avoid tangles. Run the boat slow when deploying. Hope your third trip goes well.................Gary

[mblankenship]

Thanks for the advice guys.... .Each time I have loaded the line into the bucket or basket i have tried coiling it in the shape of the bucket ot basket. I will try your advice of just feeding into the basket the same way I want it to come out of the basket! Thanks again and happy crabbing to all!

[scott w]

A tag line with a second float on the anchors also is a great help for adjusting your line. That way when you pull the float the anchor is only coming a few feet off the bottom.

[Nummer1]

what id do is deploy the line with or directly into the wind, keep boat straight a little throttle helps no crosswinds, if line is too tight, give a tug to control line after bouy on next pick up before the chain, hope it helps, N1

[johnnylaw]

I 2nd laying with the wind. i like to lay my line in the basket in almost a star pattern. if you do get a tangle stay patient and dont pull it tight as that will only make things worse.