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Using a trotline for crabbing takes more effort and a little more expense than using a trotline in fresh water, but is a highly effective method for catching crabs for bait. Some states are very specific when it comes to the fishing locations, length of the bait line, anchors, and even the size and color of the buoys. Check with the state fish and game office for specific regulations and requirements.
Equipment required for a crabbing trotline:
Boat with a hook or roller
About 1,000 feet of 5/32-inch nylon cord
Four 20-foot lengths on nylon cord
Two 2 to 3 foot lengths of chain
Two buoys
Two heavy weights such as anchors
A long handled wire mesh net
One or two bushel baskets (Check state regulations for crabbing limits)
Tongs
Using the 1,000-foot nylon cord as the bait line, tie one length of chain to each end. Attach one of the 20-foot lengths of nylon cord to the other end of chain. To the other ends of the 20-foot cord, tie a buoy. To each buoy, attach the remaining two 20-foot length cords and to the other end of the cords attach the heavy weights. Bait the line using salted eel, chicken necks or even bull lips, anything that is tough and cannot be eaten very fast. Tie the bait on using a slipknot. To keep the bait fresh until it is used, coil the bait line in a bucket of strong brine solution.
When ready to put out the trotline, put the first end of the line including buoy and weight in the water. As the boat moves along, gradually feed the rest of the line into the water. After throwing the second buoy and weight in the water, go back to the first buoy and start slowly pulling up the baited line. Put the line over the hook or roller attached to the boat. As the boat slowly moves ahead, watch for crabs on the bait. Net the crabs from underneath without letting them break the water surface; once they do they will fall off. Toss them into the bushel basket and wait for the next crab to come up.
Once at the other end and waiting for more crabs to bite, separate the crabs with the tongs. Depending on the state limit for crab sizes, release the undersized crabs and put the larger ones in the second bushel basket to keep. Cover the basket with a wet burlap or canvas bag to keep the crabs alive and to prevent escape. Check the bait and replace any that has been eaten. Store the extra bait in brine to keep it from spoiling.
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