Question about Trotline Baiting

[Jerry]

I am a sport crabber running 1200 feet of trotline and I tie my chicken necks directly onto the line itself.  I noticed that alot of commercial guys actually hang their bait from the trotline itself.  Is there an advantage to this method of baiting a trotline?

[Crabpop]

Jerry, take a look at the following URL:

http://www.blue-crab.org/trotline.htm

It contains most everything you need to know about trotlining, and then some.  The section concerning snoods or trots points out one particular benefit of using dropper lines off of the main line; changing baits.  Using a slip knot at the end of the dropper lline, which come off of the main line, enables you to quickly change/replace baits, with no wear and tear on the main line.  The metal clips are also a good idea, but a bit on the pricey side.

Crabpop

[WyeBrad]

I use the 3 braid rope and simply un-twist a bit, stick a neck in there and twist it tight. Seems to work fine

[delawhere]

I've heard twisting the necks in before but havne't tried it.  Do you lose much bait?  Does your line hold up well over time?

[Crabbyboy]

   thats what i used... but it floated!!

[WyeBrad]

Ive rarely lost bait with this method. When you are running the line it actually tightens around the necks