Hi, i have just recently decided to try troutlining for fish. It seems like fun. I am usually a rod and reel person, but its something new to me. I have been reading up on the past posts on troutlining, but didn't find any info on how to exactly make one/set one up. Can I purchase a premade troutline from a sporting goods store? I usually fish from the bank, is it better to set up troutlines or juglines. I don't mind buying supplies if i can build one better than what i can buy. Please help, maybe a diagram of how to set one up. Or any stores where i should pay a visit to. I am in the Dallas Ft. worth area, looking for a good lake to set out the troutline or juglines.
thanks
shawn

I have done a little of it but first lets get the name straight. Its called a TROTLINE not troutline. I have used the commercial made lines as my patience won't let me build one.

i use the commercial made main line because I cannot build one that cheap.

I make my own droplines out of upgraded line, swivels and hooks.

if you are just starting then i'd just go to wally world or academy and buy a regular 25hk commercial line. i like the L&M black lines. this is a pretty versatile line, and will catch big fish, as you figure out what you're doin you'll eventually want to probly make lines of your own. as for stagings, i wouldnt use the stagings that come with the line. i'd get 25 quick disconnect trotline clips and modify them by putting 1/0 barrel swivles on them. its kinda tricky to do, but you'll see what i mean. then i'd use #18 twine in around 20in lengths (the tarred line is more tangle free and holds knots better) the tar don bother the fish either. for hooks i'd use ohsaugessy 5/0 or what i really prefer are circle hooks in 12/0, 13/0, and 14/0 depending on size of bait. but for a beginner some 12/0 would be fine. you'll need some basic weights, i use regular size tin cans that canned veggies come in and fill em with concrete with en eye bolt in the middle. you can either go one weight in the middle, or one on each end is usually sufficient. its gonna be very difficult to set lines from the bank. you're gonna need a boat. i've done it, but it takes a lotta imagination and usually isn't very successful. as for setting one just find some standin timber and run it between trees, can also go from the bank to a large weight (although its much easier to get stuck like this). pretty broad subject, most people could probly write you a book about it, but this should get you started.

Erich

I go to the chicken supply places and get #4 x 1000 NEOBRAID line in '1000 foot for about $18-$20.

I make my main line out of that and I use the clips also for the drops with swivels on them. I use #100 mono for my drops and the hooks never get caught in the drop line like it can with other materials used for drops.

I don't know about setting trotline from the bank, but you can set some limb lines and stump lines if there are any stumps close to shore.

he's right about the limb lines, you can set lotta those from the bank if you can find overhangs. i used to do that a lot when i was younger and had no boat. we'd just walk the bank looking for overhanging limbs we could reach.

I would use throwlines if you are on the bank. They are all I use in the river anymore even with my boat. I use #60 nylon twine for these. Put 3-5 1/0 swivels at the beginning of the line. Pull off 10' while sliding the swivels down the line. Tie an overhand knot, place a swivel, tie another overhand knot and repeat until you have your swivels on. Finish with an additional 10' of line and cut. Throwline is made in about 5 mins. I use #18 tarred for stagings with 7/0 circles. If you're fishing for channels and blues go with smaller hooks. But, I've caught crappie on the 7/0 when baiting with perch. Tie one end of the line to a limb or pole. Tie some type of weight, I use bricks, to the other. Stretch it out along the bank, bait it, and toss it out by the weight. Be careful not to hook yourself or unhook your bait. Hope this helps.

Rob

I would use throwlines if you are on the bank. They are all I use in the river anymore even with my boat. I use #60 nylon twine for these. Put 3-5 1/0 swivels at the beginning of the line. Pull off 10' while sliding the swivels down the line. Tie an overhand knot, place a swivel, tie another overhand knot and repeat until you have your swivels on. Finish with an additional 10' of line and cut. Throwline is made in about 5 mins. I use #18 tarred for stagings with 7/0 circles. If you're fishing for channels and blues go with smaller hooks. But, I've caught crappie on the 7/0 when baiting with perch. Tie one end of the line to a limb or pole. Tie some type of weight, I use bricks, to the other. Stretch it out along the bank, bait it, and toss it out by the weight. Be careful not to hook yourself or unhook your bait. Hope this helps.

Rob