Hi, I'm new to this forum and have a question about Trotline fishing.

I bought some pre made trotlines and am now wondering what I will use for jugs and how I will attach them.

I was thinking of using Gatorade bottles because they're not too big and bulky, but will they hold enough air to float above water? Does the jug legally need to float above water?

After I have a jug picked out, how do you attach it to the trotline? I was thinking that simply tying the gatorade bottle to the line could possibly fall off. And of course drilling a hole would let water in. For this reason, I was thinking maybe a bleach jug or milk carton would be better because of the handle.

What is everyone's thought on this? Also if anyone has the ability to take a photo of their trotline jug attached to the line it would be much appreciated.

just tie both sides to a tree and let it hang with some weights.

No bottles needed

You really need to drop by your local TP&W office & get the free little rules booklet - lots of stuff you need to know

In Texas you have to have a tag or marker on each end of your trotline, I like to use small water bottles and spray paint them white on the inside so the paint wont flake off, and then you write your name,address,and date set out tie enought line to the trotline then to the neck of the bottle so that it floats on top of the water. I've seen some people use an old prescription pill bottle attached to the line right out of the water on either side with a piece of paper with their info on it. I'd go get a TPWD regulation book and read about all the rules. Good Luck

I don't know if the comments to read the rules was directed to me or for ther person saying not to use jugs at all, but I did read the rules and it only states that they should be clearly marked and within 3 foot from the hook at each end. It doesn't specify whether or not they need to remain above water and it doesn't specify that they need to be white. Just clearly marked with name, address and date set out and within 3 feet from the hooks at each end.

I'd like to get back on topic with how each of you attach the jugs to the line and what types of jugs you use.

No float is required but too deep fish die in an hour I wouldnt set more than 5ft this time of year, theres a couple threads about this just do a search

Academy has white "jugs" about the size of a gatorade bottle with handle and place to tie on.

I use a cut piece of a bleach bottle when I trotline. I cut them into 3"x5" tabs and write on them with permanent marker.
Your gear tags do not have to be on the top of the water, just on your trotline.
Good luck

milk jugs with info inside

Tin Head, Thanks. I went by Academy last night and saw the jugs. Those are perfect with the holes to tie on.

NO JUGS IS BEST JUST TAG EM.

No jugs for premade lines, just attach them to a fixture with a brick or two for weights.

What everybody is trying to tell you is that jugs on top of the water only tell everybody where your trot line is. There is not the honor among fishermen like there used to be when I was a youngster. If you don't want other people taking off your fish, you had better find a way to hide your trot line.
Sad but true. In any regard, jugs or no, you still need gear tags.