Trot Lines

Description

A trotline consists of a main line typically with an anchor on one end and a float on the other. Drop lines or gangions are attached in regular intervals along the main line. Drop lines terminate with baited hooks. Trotlines can be suspended in the water column or positioned on the river/lake bottom. Sinking trotlines for bottom sampling have main lines with lead core. Factors to consider for targeting specific species or that influence catch rate of fish size classes include bait type, hook size and gape, number of hooks, bottom set or suspended, and multi- or monofilament drop lines.

Type

Passive, Angling gear

Habitat deployed

Flowing water (rivers) and still water habitats (as backwaters or lakes). Structurally complex habitats.

Target species

Catfish (Ictaluridae), Common carp (Cyprinus carpio), Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus spp.)

Example Trotline Anatomy and Benthic Deployment

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Gangion or Drop Line Anatomy

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Close-up of the Upper Part of a Gangion Set-up in a Storage Box

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Close-up of the Lower Part of a Gangion Set-up

Ground Line Weight

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These are weights attached to the main or ground line to position the trotline near the river bottom.Each weight set is composed of a Long-line Snap, a short line of line, and six lead barrel weights.

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Captured Sturgeon Being Hauled in on a Trotline

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A sturgeon is hooked on a gangion set-up (or drop line) which has been removed from the main line of the trotline.The drop line storage box can be seen on the bow (right rear).