I have always been the rod and reel type but have been wanting to give trotlines and jugs a go when the weather cools. I have a few very rookie questions. Do you guys weigh down the trotline in the center so that it is V shaped? And do most of you use free floating jugs or do you anchor them? I know they are very basic questions. Thanks in advance.

Ive never trotlined but I jug a lot in the winter and im a free floater. I think most people anchor them but I like letting them drift with teh wind and find fish, and chasing them down when a good one takes off swimming! you have to stay within sight of them though and be ready for the chase at any moment!
drifting I think increase chances of catching suspended blue cats following schools of shad around.

I have fished both. I never have used a weight in the middle of my trotline. Just found a big tree and tied on weighted down the other end. As far as the jugs, there is no feeling like chasing a big fish down on jug that is free floating. But after you lose a few of them it gets costly so I tend to use just a like 1 pound weight on the bottom of my jug.

I started with jugs and not only is it a pain in the a�ss but it's cumbersome at best. 20 jugs on a boat takes up a lot of room and even storage at home was an issue. My advice is stay away from jugs.

My trotlines were concrete-anchored on one end and loosely laid on the floor and up the bank where it was secured for a night. Having a boat makes this process easy. The line should stay close to bottom and not dip in a "V" shape. It needs to be away from the surface, away from boats and other top-water travelers. If you make your line use a non floating material. If your trotline floats do not use it.

I make several different types of trotlines, but basically two categories- shallow & deep. I may have as many as 5 to 7 weights on the shallow ones & only 3 on the deep ones. The deep one, which I call "The Planter" can be put anywhere on the lake. You do not need anything to tie it too. And I have versatile styles which I can utilize, such as just off the bottom, mid-depth, or up high. I can even run it an angle. If I run it up high, I try to keep it just over 10' below the surface, as big boats can reach down with their motors when taking off. Most people do not realize just how deep that initial bite is. I also may use plastic bottles filled almost full with water, tied to strategic loops, in order to raise the line (deep or shallow).

When I run trot lines I usually run shallow. I tie off to a tree and run a 25 hook line out off a point. I tie a jug before the first hook and after the last hook. Then weight the other end with a big rock. I like to set my lines as tight as I can get them. Some times I will tie a jug in the middle just to make the line is as visible as possible for the other boaters. I've got some family that will put a weight in he middle on a deep set line.

How about July's catfish calendar, Lynn. Got er done ???????????

Hey Ray,

I just put up July calendar. Was about to go to DreamLand & saw your post. Hope you are doing OK.

2012 Lynn's Catfish Calendar thread:
<http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/7059981/1>

Others can also find additional info in the older threads:
2011-
<http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/6032595/1>

2010-
<http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/5176857/1>

Lynn,
Just got into another boat. Thanks for the calendar update!
I know that this is the slow time of year for fishing, but I'm anxious to be back on the water !

Make sure you check the regulations and rules on running lines on whichever lake you are planning to do this on, cause some lakes you can run trotlines, some not, some you can run juglines some not. Just make sure youre up to date with that lakes rules and regulations.

Make sure you check the regulations and rules on running lines on whichever lake you are planning to do this on, cause some lakes you can run trotlines, some not, some you can run juglines some not. Just make sure youre up to date with that lakes rules and regulations.

I use jugs alot and always with weights. We will typically run about 30 jugs at a time at night and even with the weights we end up having some dragged under a boat house and its a pain getting them back sometimes. 30 jugs,1 boat and 2 guys leads to a buisy night most times .