Trotline Fishing For Catfish

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One of the fishing methods many anglers use when fishing for catfish is a trotline.
Before I go any farther, I will answer the question....  What is a trotline?

A trotline is a length of high strength line called the mainline with multiple lines submerged below it.  The lines that hang below the mainline are called drop lines. Each drop line has a heavy duty swivel and a hook attached to the end.  The trotline is stretched out over the water, secured at each end and marked so that it can easily be found when it is time to check for fish.

The mainline and drop lines are typically made from twisted nylon twine or braided nylon twine.  I suggest using a line with a strength of at least 150 pound test.  This will ensure that your trophy catfish is not able to break the drop line and escape.

High Strength Twisted Nylon Twine

When adding drop lines you can either attach swivels and individual lines to the mainline, or you can use the method I prefer which is to construct your drop lines right into the main line.  I like to double up the mainline and tie a simple knot leaving two to three feet hanging below the mainline.  This method can be seen in the picture below.  Be sure that your drop lines are spaced far enough apart that they can't become tangled by the fish that you catch.

Simple Knot Used To Construct The Drop lines

Once you have prepared your drop lines, it is time to attach a heavy duty swivel to the bottom end.  The first step for attaching your swivels is to pinch both sides of the drop line together and slide the eye at the top of the swivel over the drop line as pictured below.

Run The Drop Line Through The Swivel Eye

The next step is to slip the swivel through the loop that is below it and pull it tight as pictured below.

Slip The Swivel Through The Loop

Now, make sure the bottom of the loop is pulled over the top of the swivel ring as seen in the next picture.  Your swivel is now connected securely to the drop line.

Make Sure The End Of The Loop Is On Top And Pulled Tight

When fishing with trotlines, I prefer to use circle hooks like the one in the next picture.  

Circle Hook

There are several trotline techniques that work really well, but the two methods I prefer are as follows.

1. Attach one end of the mainline to a tree or stationary object on the shore and run it out into the water securing the opposite end with a weight that will keep it in place such as a cinder block.  With this method, begin by attaching your mainline to the anchor point on shore and work your way to the end attaching your hooks and baiting as you go. 
2. The other method is to attach a weight to each end of the mainline and a flotation device such as a buoy in the center leaving each end in the water.     This method can be done by attaching the float to the middle of the mainline and working your way to either end attaching your hooks and baiting as you go.

When you arrive at the end of your mainline, attach the weight and carefully lower it into the water as far as you can before gently letting it go.  You do not want to just throw the weight into the water as this can cause a lot of bait to tear off of your hooks.  Be sure that your mainline is taught before allowing the anchor to slip gently into the water.

Trotline fishing can get a little dangerous especially when "running" the line (checking the line for fish).  While checking the line, be extremely careful that you do not end up with a hood embedded in your flesh as a result of a slipping line or a frisky catfish.  Ending the fishing adventure early because of an injury would not be the ideal situation.

As far as bait is concerned, the best trotline bait I have found to make that catfish connection is either small live bluegill or cut bait.  However crawdads (crayfish), goldfish or large shiners seem to work pretty good too.  I do not add weight to the drop lines as this allows cut bait to hang and move with the motion of the water.  This also allows live bait to swim around freely causing a commotion in the water which has a tendency to attract more fish.

Catfishing with trotlines can be a lot of fun, even addictive; however, regulations vary from state to state, be sure to check the rules for your local area.  

The next time someone asks you how to catch catfish just tell them a trotline works great and have them check out this post!

If you like this post, you may also enjoy Catfishing In Lakes.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day