looking for some trotline tips and help

**midnight_f150** · 06-01-2011, 01:10 PM

When I was a kid my grandpa and I would set out trotlines and it was a blast. I have been trying to talk my 3 buddy into set out a few lines. well after a year of twisting there arm they all said lets try it. So we set out 2 lines and caught 2 gar and 1 channel cat. So 2 of them are wanting to try it again. I was hope to get some tips and info before we go out again. We was using both med and large size minnow for bait.

**EYECROSSER** · 06-02-2011, 07:06 PM

Irun limelines at LOZ and go out in the late afternoon and catch small bulegil or sunfish for bait. Regs say they cant be over 5". Why buy when they supply?

**kdlong** · 06-02-2011, 09:58 PM

try shad or perch for bait it works better than minners

**foul hook** · 06-05-2011, 10:27 PM

Mullet (cut) , leaches, and shad also work good. Trotlines are work, try some jugs. Much more fun.

**midnight_f150** · 06-06-2011, 01:31 PM

Thanks for the tips on the bait.

**NIMROD** · 06-10-2011, 03:00 AM

I know you can catch lots of fish with trotlines and it can be fun. Anymore I seldom use them cause I don't need the fish. I rig mine with weights and floats to set the depth. Pefer stainless steel hooks even though they are expensive. Never use over 6/0 hooks cause really big hooks are a waste unless your fishing for huge Flatheads and Blues (over 50 lbs). I use 3/0 or 4/0 where Channels are the main thing and 5/0 for places with a few big fish. If you don't horse the fish a 5/0 will land a big Catfish. I perfer live bait like Bream or Sunfish hooked in the eyes or up through the lips. Rember to run lines often in hot weather as fish tend to die quickly in warm water. Nimrod Lake is full of Channel Catfish and a few Flatheads. If you ever fish here, try setting lines shallower in hot weather.

**boatstall** · 06-10-2011, 05:14 AM

Good advise NIMROD. Would you mind sharing which brand and style of hooks for jugs and general Catfishing? Fishing with grandkids, not trophy hunting. Thanks