Florida Trotlines?

Kempshark · October 15, 2017, 04:24:11 PM

Have seen some really nice or posts about this subject, but nothing too recent. Was wondering about the legality of using a trotline in FL?.....I know the regulations say there is no limit on the length, but has a limit of ten hooks. By that I'm assuming it's mainly referring to fishing with a trotline. Does anyone currently use a trotline or has in the past in FL?....looking at a fairly short one (like 500') that I could make use of with a canoe, kayak or similiar. Would appreciate any input, experiences or such. Thanks for any insight.

Crab Shack · October 15, 2017, 10:51:57 PM

A good question. I moved to Lithia a few years ago from NJ. I used to go to the Wye River in MD. I've run trotlines and traps. I called FWC and found out it was legal, but I didn't get a definite answer on length. I'd call them, but ask for someone who is familiar with crabbing. I talked to a general customer service employee and she didn't know squat. I spoke with someone higher up that was more familiar with the subject.

saltysenior · October 16, 2017, 05:36:58 PM

I've used them here,not much luck, but still fun. No limit on length but could not get an answer about using traps or having your pots soaking at the same time

Stabilizer · September 30, 2018, 08:39:35 AM

This is really a slow thread. It is interesting that this is legal. I looked it up fairly recently and thought I saw something that kind of ruled it out. Sorry about being vague, I too wanted to find out - I will ask a FWC person this winter and find out more. I also wonder if the density of crabs makes it worth it.

mdcrab · August 05, 2020, 02:42:52 PM

Quote from: Stabilizer on September 30, 2018, 08:39:35 AM
This is really a slow thread. It is interesting that this is legal. I looked it up fairly recently and thought I saw something that kind of ruled it out. Sorry about being vague, I too wanted to find out - I will ask a FWC person this winter and find out more. I also wonder if the density of crabs makes it worth it.

I know this is an old post, but thought I would start here. Did you contact FWC to determine if it is legal to run a trotline in Florida? Any specifics? Length? Number of baits on line?

Thank you for any information!

Stabilizer · August 09, 2020, 02:34:56 PM

Quote from: mdcrab on August 05, 2020, 02:42:52 PM
I know this is an old post, but thought I would start here. Did you contact FWC to determine if it is legal to run a trotline in Florida? Any specifics? Length? Number of baits on line?

Thank you for any information!

Dang! I forgot. I'm in MD and spoke with a guy this past week who ships trot lines and he said he is sending a bunch to people down there from the panhandle to Islamorada. But honestly I still want to hear from someone who knows for certain or from FWC myself.

Crab Shack · August 15, 2020, 10:52:29 PM

I spoke with someone at FWC and they said it was legal. Trotline is also now listed in their list of legal ways to catch crabs.

mdcrab · August 16, 2020, 01:08:48 AM

Quote from: Crab Shack on August 15, 2020, 10:52:29 PM
I spoke with someone at FWC and they said it was legal. Trotline is also now listed in their list of legal ways to catch crabs.

Thank you! Did they have a limit on the length of the trot line?

Crab Shack · August 16, 2020, 09:06:19 AM

Quote from: mdcrab on August 16, 2020, 01:08:48 AM
Thank you! Did they have a limit on the length of the trot line?

The first person that I spoke to didn't even know what I was talking about so she let me talk to a higherup who did. He said that they were legal, but he didn't give a size.

mdcrab · August 16, 2020, 09:29:31 AM

Quote from: Crab Shack on August 16, 2020, 09:06:19 AM

The first person that I spoke to didn't even know what I was talking about so she let me talk to a higherup who did. He said that they were legal, but he didn't give a size.

Thank you for the update.

Stabilizer · August 05, 2021, 04:53:49 PM

I forgot about this thread. I ended up trying a trotline in FL this past winter/spring. I never thought to asked FWC for details but it sounded like others inquired and it was okay. - I think the more important takeaway was that it sucked, with basically zero crabs. I gave it a good try too. Moved the line varied depth. Used fowl necks. Never again. Took my gear back to MD. I wish anyone well who tries but I cannot recommend it in in the Peace River/Charlotte Harbor area.

harivney · August 05, 2021, 06:32:02 PM

Not zero but only 1 crab after around 20 different days with trotline in upper Tampa Bay. Tried chicken necks (snood) and menhaden (clam bag). Prior to trying I asked a few different FWC guys and they said they never saw anyone using a crab trotline.

Crabs are there but probably not the same density as MD. When I asked a commercial guy how many crabs he got in Tampa Bay - he said that day he averaged 2.5 crabs per trap (24 hour soak).

Stabilizer · October 05, 2021, 06:44:40 AM

Quote from: harivney on August 05, 2021, 06:32:02 PM
Not zero but only 1 crab after around 20 different days with trotline in upper Tampa Bay. Tried chicken necks (snood) and menhaden (clam bag). Prior to trying I asked a few different FWC guys and they said they never saw anyone using a crab trotline.

Crabs are there but probably not the same density as MD. When I asked a commercial guy how many crabs he got in Tampa Bay - he said that day he averaged 2.5 crabs per trap (24 hour soak).

Confirmation on what I discovered as well. As for the commercial guys, that is a tough average and I cannot imagine worth pursuing.