How to Build a Trotline
Trotline fishing is a great way of catching a boatload of catfish and even a few Trophy Cats. Assembling a trotline is a fairly easy task if you have the proper supplies. Here is a list of supplies you will need and instructions on how to Build Your Trotline.
Supplies:
Main Line - Approximately 150' of #24 Tarred Twisted Twine
Drop Lines - Approximately 60' of #12 Tarred Twisted Twine
25 - #1 Swivels
25 - 3/0 Offset Circle Hooks
27 - #6 Clips
*"Catfish Arsenal" Trotline kits are available and contain all the supplies needed.
Click here for more information
ASSEMBLING THE MAIN LINE
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Slide the swivels onto the Main Line. Then tie a Clip to the tag end of the Main Line.
2. Place the roll of Main Line with Swivels in a bucket or box.
3. Pull off 15’ to 20’ of Main Line. This is the amount of Main Line BEFORE the first hook. Mark the Main Line where you want the first hook….a Grease Pencil works well.
4. Throw a loop in the Main Line then pull the Roll with the swivels through to form a knot.
5. Slide the first swivel to the knot.
6. Throw a loop in the Main 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 ¾” 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. Mark the main line for the next swivel placement.
9. Repeat Steps 4 - 8 until all the swivels are used.
10. Pull off 15’ to 20’ of Main Line then cut and tie on a Clip.
ASSEMBLING THE DROP LINES
1. Cut 25 #12 Tarred Twisted Twine Drop Lines approximately 26" in length. When doubled the Drop Line will be 12".
2. Put the tag ends of the Drop Line together and tie an Overhand Knot.
3. Cinch the knot down by pulling on the Drop Line. Cut the tag ends off leaving approximately ⅛”.
4. Push the knot through a clip and loop it over the clip. Pull tight.
5. Push the other end of the Drop Line through the eye of a Hook and loop it over the Hook. Pull Tight. The Drop Line should go through the eye from the Hook Point side first to increase “Hook-Ups”.
6. Repeat Steps 2 - 5 until all the Drop Lines are assembled.
7. Secure the Drop Lines in a “Non-Tangle” fashion such as a “Catfish Arsenal” "Hook Keeper Bar".
To purchase a "Catfish Arsenal" "Hook Keeper Bar" Click Here
Best of Luck on the Water!! God Bless!!