Running a trot line

[Raven X]

Hi all,

I live in Maryland and crab on the Chesapeake Bay, in Crab Alley. For years I crabbed with a row boat and pulled up collapsible traps, because the boat was too small to effectively run a trot line. A couple years ago, I bought a DLX 2180 with a F115 and, so naturally I continued to pull traps, but am getting too old and I have ended up with tendonitis. So, I am trying to figure out how to rig up the bar that the line slides over. For those who don't know, sort of like the letter U connected to the side of the boat that the line slides over as you troll along.

Also, from time to time I see commercial crabbers with a hook that includes an automatic winder. Have no idea where you get them though.

Raven

[Shakespeare]

http://www.easternmarine.com/em_store/outlet/crabbing.html

http://www.blueoceantackle.com/commercial_fishing_supply.htm

[Willie]

There is a member here that goes by the name of Lollipop. He runs trot lines for crabs like nobody's business.. He had a great post under the crabbing forum with lots of pictures, but the post is there, but the pictures I do not see. If he doesn't come back to ya drop him a PM and I am sure he will help you out. Wiile

[Willie]

The picture that these guys had out looked like a pvc pipe and the u . 010

[o2bfishn]

Widow Maker,

Try this site for info:

http://www.bluecrab.info/forum/index.php


There was a pic. of a hook made out of pvc that was made to be removed when not in use, neat idea. You'll have to search for it, or post and ask, someone will help out.

Welcome to the site.



o2bfishn

[Lollipop III]

Here's how we run ours:

http://www.fazler.com/fazmataz/trot1.jpg


Another view...


http://www.fazler.com/fazmataz/trot2.jpg

[Harry]

Thanks for getting your photos up Jeff.

Raven,
I think Jeff stretchs out a line, weighted at both ends. They keep the line baited every 8-10' or so, places the line in those PVC hooks and drives the boat FWD. As this happens, it raises the line and when the baits come up, someone is there with the dip net scooping up dinner.


Thanks Again Jeff.

[tomytek]

I made a removable prop-stick for my 16ft Starcraft. You can use it anywhere on the boat. I also made it adjustable, so you can lower it and make it further away from the boat. I can even take it apart to stow away. I modified it to fit my 218DLV. I can take off the two ends that hold onto the gunnel and put on larger ones to fit on my 218DLV. Sorry, I did not take pictures of the prop-stick on my 218DLV yet.

Line Pullers can get quite expensive. Most good line pullers ones run anywhere from $1500+. I'm only a recreational crabber, so I can't justify the cost of one. I pull in 1200' of snoodline by hand. I will probably make my own line puller eventually. Just make sure you get one with the motor fully enclosed. I know there is a place in Cambridge that makes them, but the name escapes me. You should be able to get some help on bluecrab.info and tidalfish.com.

Here's a pic front the top.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q26/tomytek/prop1.jpg

Here's a pic from the front.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q26/tomytek/prop2.jpg

[Raven X]

Thanks for the recommendation and pics. Raven