My personal best is 6 bundles of discarded line in a single cove. Also, enjoyed "landing" a number of abandoned [hooks rusted off] trot lines. I now carry an extra garbage bag for line finds and a large plastic jug for line with hooks. I may not have any luck with big bass but it seems that I've developed a knack for trash finding.

Good topic, we can all pitch in and help out. Mentally by deciding not to litter and physically picking up any line or litter we see.

The discarded line is a huge no no, but the old, rusted, partially rotted trout lines really get me going! One of those cost me a lower unit. It pushed out the seal and I did not know it. After time the lower unit ceased up.

I've found abandoned trot lines with the owners tags still on em. Wonder if the fish police would do anything if i turned them in?

I have not taken time to read the regs (since I don't set lines) but I bet there are restrictions to how long a line can go unattended.

Could we just cut it and discard it? I don't like trot line at all. I was trolling at Lake Lewisville and my trolling motor caught it. I almost fell in the water. No tag or info on the line. Blood was boiling.

Yep that happened to me a couple of times. I alway cut illegal lines theyre not supposed to be in the water unattented more than 30 days and are supposed to be tagged. I was wondering if i cut one with a tag and turned it in to a warden would they persue the owner of the line.

Give a Hoot and Don't Pollute

I dont believe I have ever seen one that was tagged.

As the lake levels go down, more and more old trot lines are appearing. Yes, they are a big hazard to TM and main motor seals, as well as, anyone trying to deal with them. I have never seen a tag of any kind on the ones that I've encountered - old or new.

where do you take line to recycle?
its about re-spooling time

Academy, Bass Pro, Cabelas. Even some Wal-Marts.

I caught a turtle with a mono line bird's nest tangled around it's legs, it had been on for so long it had cut through the skin and the leg past the line was dead. As far as if a warden would go after abandoned trot line would probably depend on the warden but it's worth giving em a call to let em know.

Makes me sick to see chit like that.

Thanks for the heads up!

I gotta admit I will drop some line in the water but never a whole spools worth, I put it in the front pocket of my waders and trash later at home if its that much. And I always carry a small trash bag with me and always seems to be filled on my way out of the water...