First time trotlining

[madcrab]

I am planning to go out soon on my first trotlining crabbing trip.  I have constructed the line already and I think I'm set.  Is there any advice that can be given to me, a first timer?

[Crabbyboy]

   check this out and you should be good to go

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

Good luck

[madcrab]

Ahh, that hit the spot. Thanks!

[Crabbyboy]

   yep no prob.

     Good luck

[ReelQuick]

Going crabbing Sat.After reading that couple of pages on trot lining i got up this morning  and went straight to homedepot and got my rope some chain and a couple brass clips.Now all I need is some pvc,chicken necks and acouple of cinder blocks.My only question is how far do the baits have to away from the main line?Just wondering cause I didn't want them to get tangled on the roller.Thanks.I"M STOKED!!!!

[madcrab]

I simply tied the necks straight to the mainline (hope you saved the receipt to return the clips!).  This worked fine for me, but input from veteran trotliners would probably be best.  Good luck!

[cblu]

I've always just used slipknots like the link shows. You may get a piece hung up on the roller (PVC) every once in a while(esprcially if you're pulling up an seaweed), but that is rare.

[ReelQuick]

Thanks I'm making them right now,Just had to stop and check in.Thats why i love this site,ya don't have to wait long for a reply!The backyard looks like a sipider web.I'm going with the pvc.Iv'e got about 15 blefish in the freezer but i think that the chicken necks you guy's talked about will work better because of the size and durability.Heck I don't know,this is my first time trying this.

[Crabbyboy]

   Well good luck!!

[ReelQuick]

Thank's CB,Well I'm all snooted up and ready to go! I spaced them about 3 feet apart,I only have about 12 snoods,but I'm bringing extra rope,Idon't need a mess the first time trying this i thought I better start small.Lets just hope my partner that was supposable born on a boat can keep it straight  :-\I only for see one problem,that I have a 16' side console and I mounted the picker upper on the same side as the console,Ifigure that the driver will be able to see the line easier and keep it straight.I crab in a small creek and it is usaly flat.And I figure that if I put the cooler on the other side of the boat all those tasty critters should level us out ;DThanks again for all the help!Oh,and were still taki'n the 3 pots with us.Ain;t commin home emty handed!