Trotline Weights?

FlatBottom T · September 04, 2024, 05:18:50 PM

Moving on from pull pots. Giving the trotline a try through the rest of the season. 600 ft long. How much should each anchor weigh to avoid slack/overweight?

If I choose to extend to 1200, should I use heavier anchors?

Heard of issues with anchors under 10-15 lbs but don't wanna weigh it down to the point I can't lift it onto the arm. Thanks in advance.

Mr. Ray III · September 04, 2024, 08:22:03 PM

The anchor doesn't matter when lifting onto the guide, that's all tension. If you lifted the anchor each time you'd have a slack line.

Brake rotors off a 3/4 ton truck work good for 1200'. Yes, a longer line will require more weight, but I'd just figure on enough weight for 1200', its not a huge difference.

mbrage97 · September 05, 2024, 11:39:21 AM

I run 1,200 and use an SUV rotor bolted together with a smaller car rotor. It's probably overkill and a bitch to pull up, but I never have any issues with the line moving unless I want it to move.

Wallco99 · September 05, 2024, 11:59:14 AM

These are the exact weights I have been using for 30 years, 30 lb. dumbbells. Never had a problem with them ever moving or rolling, yet they move easily when you need to tighten or loosen line.

Seaweed · September 05, 2024, 04:11:20 PM

The heavier the better. Tides, wakes, how smooth you hook-up to the line... can all shift your anchors and cause your line to get too much slack in it.

Wallco99 · September 07, 2024, 02:59:51 PM

Quote from: Seaweed on September 05, 2024, 04:11:20 PMThe heavier the better. Tides, wakes, how smooth you hook-up to the line... can all shift your anchors and cause your line to get too much slack in it.

I totally agree. Especially since you rarely have to pull them up anyway.

jgar529 · September 14, 2024, 06:35:36 AM

Quote from: Wallco99 on September 05, 2024, 11:59:14 AMThese are the exact weights I have been using for 30 years, 30 lb. dumbbells. Never had a problem with them ever moving or rolling, yet they move easily when you need to tighten or loosen line.

I use a 25 lb. on one end and a 20 lb. on the other end. I drilled through the handle and put on stainless steel Eye Hooks and put nylock bolts on the bottom. Works great. I have a 30 lb., but it was a bear to pull up. My line stays put.

Ripsnorter · September 18, 2024, 06:45:53 AM

25lb for 1200ft works . brake rotors work, but they can slide on a sandy bottom. just make sure to have at least 50ft lead lines. that's 50ft from anchor to float and 50ft back down to line. longer if you're going deep for late fall crabbing .