Trot Line Item help

[Carl7051]

The reason that I am posting is to find out what people use for gear. I have a older gentleman freind who has a boat, motor and a thriving desire to crab this year, but doesn't have the money (fixed income) to purchase the things he needs for a trot line. i have already found chain and line for him, but im coming up short on what I can use for weights and floats. I told him that I would do what I could to find out what he could use instead of paying for the items.

I have 2 -15lb mushroom anchors and they work really well. I was thinking he might be able to use brake rotors from my full sized chevy. I just replaced them on my truck but I don't know if they are going to work or not. I don't know how well they hold the bottom. I imagine they would hold pretty good considering where I crab has next to no current. I have a way to ensure that the line isn't cut by the stud hole too, but I am not sure if there is anything that I am not thinking of. Does anyone else use anything like this? Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

Also,

Other than paying for floats what can he use. I would rather not use laundry detergent bottles in the water, I guess im one of those people who think even after washing them out I would still be contaminating the water.

Thanks in advance!

[Dreampixels]

Get some 5 gal buckets with lids - some places toss them out

[Carl7051]

I would have NEVER thought of that. Awesomesauce!!! If nothing else, i can get 2 from home depot for like $6 for him.   
Thanks so much.

[Captain C]

Brake Rotors hold good

Call Midas in elkton.

[njjoe_II]

Other than paying for floats what can he use. I would rather not use laundry detergent bottles in the water, I guess im one of those people who think even after washing them out I would still be contaminating the water.

We use empty Clorox bottles as site markers when SCUBA diving.  After washing them out with Dawn we dry them, glue the caps back on, paint them with bright plastic paint and wrap a couple strips of reflective paint around them. 

If you are still concerned about the bleach contaminating the water then simply neutralize it.  After rinsing the container pour in a few tablespoons of Hydrogen Peroxide and swish it around.  Rinse with water and let dry.

-Joe

[shedking]

5 gal cooking oil bottles from any resturaunt.

[fishingtom]

As far as not cutting the line with the brake rotors, use a stainless steel eyebolt to attach the rope to it. Good Luck let us know how it turns out...

[Dreampixels]

I would have NEVER thought of that. Awesomesauce!!! If nothing else, i can get 2 from home depot for like $6 for him.   
Thanks so much.

That is exactly what I use here are some pics of how I hog tied em. Do not fasten to the handles!

[CaptMoose]

Here's a thread about making bucket buoys.  I've learned from experience to use the orange Home Depot lids.  The black ones leak.  

http://www.bluecrab.info/forum/index.php/topic,38298.0.html

This method will allow you to keep the handles on the buckets.  Its not shown in the photos but I put the handles back on to make it easier to carry them.

[Terrapin T]

Thanks for the pics and the link Keary and Moose.  Very helpful.

[tugcapt]

Last summer I needed to put together a quick trotline and needed buoys. I had buckets but wanted to save space in my little boat, so my wife saw these at the Five and Below in Ocean City, $2 each. They are kids jumping balls, fairly heavy duty, inflatable and come in different colors and sizes from 14-20".
I gave them a try, added some tape around the handles so the line wouldn't chafe. I would have rather had yellow or orange, but my wife bought them. The yellow ones have smiley faces sometimes. 
They worked great and pass regulations better than bleach bottles. (DNR checked them out first day I used them, said they were great, very visable for being blue)

[crabman1969]

You could always use cinder blocks for anchors!  I had problems with buckets leaking but see someone posted a solution to that.  Hopefully you will be using snoozes on your trotline.  Its the best way and plenty of info. on this site on where to get them, how to use and there advantages!  Good luck and if you need any other advice just send me a personal message and I will get right back 2 you.

[stuff]

and what are the regs for trot line floats?   how about those big white bouys?

[CRABGUY]

CINDER BLOCKS WORK WELL

[reds]

This summer I saw a guy using buckets that had lights inside. Very visible in the dark.

I guessing the tops of the buckets came off, to be able to turn the lights off after sun up.

[fishingtom]

This summer I saw a guy using buckets that had lights inside. Very visible in the dark.

I guessing the tops of the buckets came off, to be able to turn the lights off after sun up.
[/quote

With the availability of dollar store batteries now why bother'?

[crabman1969]

and what are the regs for trot line floats?   how about those big white bouys?

    I thought the regs for trotline floats were both the same kind of floats with your name or lic. number on them.

[crabman1969]

Last summer I needed to put together a quick trotline and needed buoys. I had buckets but wanted to save space in my little boat, so my wife saw these at the Five and Below in Ocean City, $2 each. They are kids jumping balls, fairly heavy duty, inflatable and come in different colors and sizes from 14-20".
I gave them a try, added some tape around the handles so the line wouldn't chafe. I would have rather had yellow or orange, but my wife bought them. The yellow ones have smiley faces sometimes. 
They worked great and pass regulations better than bleach bottles. (DNR checked them out first day I used them, said they were great, very visable for being blue)

  These would be great and are probally what I will use! 

[reelfun]

and what are the regs for trot line floats?   how about those big white bouys?

regs. for maryland from last year for trotline floats this is right from DNR website hope this helps

F. Float Requirements.
(1) A trotline shall have a float of the same color, size, and shape attached to each end.
(2) Floats that have a round or spherical shape shall be at least 12 inches in diameter.
(3) Floats that do not have a round or spherical shape shall be at least 12 inches long and 10 inches wide.

[saltysenior]

Last summer I needed to put together a quick trotline and needed buoys. I had buckets but wanted to save space in my little boat, so my wife saw these at the Five and Below in Ocean City, $2 each. They are kids jumping balls, fairly heavy duty, inflatable and come in different colors and sizes from 14-20".
I gave them a try, added some tape around the handles so the line wouldn't chafe. I would have rather had yellow or orange, but my wife bought them. The yellow ones have smiley faces sometimes. 
They worked great and pass regulations better than bleach bottles. (DNR checked them out first day I used them, said they were great, very visable for being blue)

[/quote


 bouncy balls look like a winner

 if you can't find them, one season i went to walmart and bought 2 big beach balls they had in a cage[ $2@]....then bought 2 nets for a basketball rim [$2@].......sewed the ball into the net like a Japanese float......worked fine and i had the biggest and most colorful  balls on the river

[Harford Crabber]

 bouncy balls look like a winner

......worked fine and i had the biggest and most colorful  balls on the river
 

That could be disputed... LOL

[soggybottomboyz]

Last summer I needed to put together a quick trotline and needed buoys. I had buckets but wanted to save space in my little boat, so my wife saw these at the Five and Below in Ocean City, $2 each. They are kids jumping balls, fairly heavy duty, inflatable and come in different colors and sizes from 14-20".
I gave them a try, added some tape around the handles so the line wouldn't chafe. I would have rather had yellow or orange, but my wife bought them. The yellow ones have smiley faces sometimes. 
They worked great and pass regulations better than bleach bottles. (DNR checked them out first day I used them, said they were great, very visable for being blue)

Dude you got blue balls

[This Old Crab]

Tried an old colored pillow case or t-shirt filled with empty sealed water bottles.

[flounderpounder]

Here's a thread about making bucket buoys.  I've learned from experience to use the orange Home Depot lids.  The black ones leak.  

http://www.bluecrab.info/forum/index.php/topic,38298.0.html

This method will allow you to keep the handles on the buckets.  Its not shown in the photos but I put the handles back on to make it easier to carry them.

I have mine tied to the handles and have used the line 15 times with no problem so far...and the orange lids leak to...usually end up with about an inch of water in each of them after im done....but they still float......unless you lose a lid driving down the road....but thanks to Taxicrab he suggested we use our pfd........hey it worked....lol

[TAXI CRAB]

What ever it takes to put crabs in the boat !