Trot lining campout tips: How to make the most of your fishing experience

1. Introduction

Are you planning a trip to go trot lining? If so, you're in for a treat! Not only is trot lining a great way to catch fish, but it's also a great way to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

However, before you head out on your trip, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch. In this blog post, we'll give you a few tips on how to plan the perfect trot line camping trip. Keep reading to learn more!

2. Location

One of the most important aspects of planning a trot line camping trip is the location. You want to find the best spot to set up your trot line so that you can maximize your chances of catching fish.

Look for areas near drop-offs and offshoots of the main river. These areas tend to have higher concentrations of fish, and if you set your trot lines in these spots, you'll have better luck catching fish.

You'll also want to look for areas where the water is calmer. Fish don't like currents; you have the best luck setting up your trot line in an area where the water is still. Avoid areas with rapids and aggressive currents, as the fish won't be present in these areas.

Finally, you want to look for areas that have lots of cover. Structure like logs, branches, and rocks provide cover for the fish, enabling them to hide and seek protection from predators. Look for spots around these types of structure, as they can often be prime areas for catching fish.

So keep these points in mind when choosing the location for your trot line camping trip, and you'll have a much better chance of catching more and bigger fish.

3. What You'll Need

Once you've chosen the best spot for your trot line camping trip, it's time to start gathering the equipment you'll need.

First up is the fishing tackle. The type of equipment you need will depend on the type of fish you're targeting. Catfish, for example, require a sturdier tackle than bass. So be sure to bring the right type of gear for the species you're after.

You'll also need a trot line – obviously – and enough weight or anchors to set it up. You can buy special trot line clips, or you can just use the standard clips that come with the line.

In addition to the trot line, you'll need a hand net to scoop the fish out and a pair of pliers for cutting your line or removing hooks.

Finally, make sure you have enough ice for keeping your catch fresh, and don't forget to bring coolers and waterproof bags for storing it.

All of this should be enough to get you off to a good start on your fishing trip. With the right location, the right tackle, and the right equipment, you should soon start hauling in some delicious fish.

4. Bait

Now that you have your equipment, location and trot line ready to go, you need to make sure you have the right bait. What bait you use depends on the type of fish you're after. Insects, worms and small pieces of cut-up baitfish are all popular choices. It can also be useful to have artificial lures ready in case the fish aren't biting.

If you’re not sure what type of bait will work best for the species you’re trying to catch, ask the locals. You can also check the fishing shop for advice or try a few different kinds of bait until you find something that’s effective.

Once you’ve chosen the right bait, it’s time to set up your trot line. Make sure you’re setting up your line with enough slack so that it moves freely in the water and doesn’t snag on anything. Try to keep the baits close to the bottom so they’re more likely to be picked up by the fish.

With your baits in place, all you have to do is wait for a bite. Soon enough you’ll have a delicious meal of fresh-caught fish that you caught with your very own trot line.

5. Lines

Once you have your baits in place and your line is set, it's time to get your lines in the water. Depending on the type of fish you're after, you may be lucky enough to catch them up close. If not, you'll need to be prepared to maneuver your line around the lake or river.

For slow moving bodies of water, you may only need one or two lines to cover a large fishing area. But for fast-moving water, you may need four or more lines to allow for larger baits and larger fish.

Most trot lines have several different-length lines attached to them for this purpose. For example, if you need to reach deeper areas, try using a longer line. If you're fishing for smaller fish, use a shorter line.

Make sure your line doesn't snag on any underwater debris, and be sure to mark your lines so you know where each one is. You don't want to accidentally snag someone else's line or get it tangled up with yours.

Finally, make sure you keep an eye on your lines throughout the day in case you need to re-bait or adjust the depth of the bait. Once you catch a fish, take it off the line and put a fresh one on in its place. With careful preparation and attentive maintenance, you'll be able to get the most out of your trot line campout.

6. Weights and Swivels

Weights and swivels are essential for setting the trot line. Weights keep the line weighted down, making it easier to cast and retrieve. They will also help to keep the bait at the right depth in the water. You can use a variety of different weights, depending on the type of fish you are targeting and the depth of the water.

Swivels provide an anchor point between the bait and the line, preventing the line from becoming tangled up or damaged while fishing. For bigger baits and deeper areas, you may need to use a heavier-duty swivel. Make sure that the swivel is connected securely to the main line and check it regularly to ensure that it hasn’t become loose.

Using the right weights and swivels can help you get the most out of your trot line. Make sure to check your line regularly and adjust the weights and swivels as necessary to ensure that you’re getting the best results.

7. Clothesline or Nylon Rope

The type of rope you choose for trot lining is an important part of your fishing adventure. Clothesline is great for shallow water fishing, whereas a heavier gauge of rope like nylon rope is great for deeper water where you may need a bigger bait or a weight. The advantage of using a clothesline is that it has small floats on it and this will help keep it visible in the water.

Nylon rope is great for deeper fishing but can be quite difficult to untangle if not cared for properly. When using nylon rope it is best to keep it stored flat in a loop so it doesn't tangle up. Care should also be taken when attaching the rope to the weights and swivels to prevent any snags.

The type of rope you choose will depend on the type of fishing you intend to do and the bait you plan to use. Clothesline or nylon rope are great options, just make sure to use the best ones suitable for your type of fishing.

8. Hooks

Hooks are another important piece of trot line equipment that should not be overlooked. Different styles of hooks can be used depending on the type of bait being used and the desired size of fish you want to catch. It's important to use the right size of hooks for successful fishing, and in some cases, you may need to use more than one hook. Some hooks have barbless or plastic tips for catch-and-release fishing, while others have barbs for live bait or for catching bigger fish. It's best to have a good variety of hooks in different sizes and styles to be prepared for any situation.

When using hooks, it's also important to make sure they are properly secured to the line to avoid any snags or slips. Hooks should be kept in sealed containers away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent rusting or weakening. Properly storing and caring for your hooks can ensure a successful fishing adventure.

9. Soak the Bait

The next step when setting up a trot line is to soak the bait. Soaking the bait allows it to become easier to handle and more palatable for fish. This can help attract more fish and increase your chances of a successful catch.

When soaking the bait, it is important to choose a bait that will stay on the hook and is attractive to fish. Soft baits such as worms, night crawlers, and grubs should be soaked until they become pliable while other baits such as fish fry require a longer soak. Different baits should be soaked for different lengths of time, and it is important to make sure the bait is fully hydrated before attaching it to the hook.

It is also important to properly store and care for the bait in temperatures that are not too extreme. Any bait left out for too long in direct sunlight can spoil quickly, so make sure to properly dispose of any unused bait. With the right bait and a little patience, your trot line campout will be a huge success.

10. Hang the Line

Now that you’ve soaked the bait, it’s time to hang the trot line. This is the last step before the fish start biting. You’ll want to hang the line in a straight line between two or more shorelines or from a boat in the middle of a lake.

The best spot to start is in an area with current or plenty of vegetation. It’s important to know the type of fish you’re after. Different types of fish prefer different environments and habitats. After you’ve determined the type of fish you’re targeting, tie the trotline to a solid structure such as a tree or post and hang it in the area.

Once you’ve hung the line, it’s time to start baiting the hooks. Start by adding the bait to each hook and tighten the line so that the bait doesn’t get pulled off. Make sure to adjust the depth of the line so that it reaches the depth of the water. Once all the hooks are in place, your trot line is now set up and you can start checking your line for bites.

11. Monitor the Line

Monitoring the trotline is the next step in the camping trip. You will need to continuously check the line to make sure that the bait is still secure and ensure that the line is taut. Ensure that the line remains taut to ensure strong pressure on the fish when biting the bait. This will also help you know immediately when you have caught a fish.

Another important monitoring activity is to pay attention to the locality and climate of the area. This will help you keep an eye out for any potential unwanted visitors, such as predators. Pay attention to changes in the weather and make sure to keep an eye out for any potential signs of danger.

Finally, make sure to monitor any changes in the water temperature. Stay away from areas with high water temperatures. High water temperatures can affect the taste and quality of the catch. Make sure to pay attention to any changes in the water temperature to ensure your catch is the freshest and highest quality.