How to Run a Trotline: A Time-Honored Appalachian Fishing Tradition
If you’ve ever sat on the banks of an Appalachian river, watching the water ripple under a late afternoon sun, you’ve probably heard whispers of the trotline—a fishing method as old as the hills themselves. For those of us in Appalachia, running a trotline isn’t just a way to catch fish; it’s a rite of passage, a nod to the resourcefulness of our ancestors who worked these waters with nothing but grit and know-how.
Whether you’re after catfish in the Clinch River or aiming to haul in a mess of crappie from Cherokee Lake, a well-run trotline can turn a quiet day into a fish fry legend. Here’s how to do it right.
What’s a Trotline, Anyway?
A trotline is a long, heavy fishing line stretched across a body of water with multiple baited hooks dangling from shorter lines, called “drops” or “leaders.” Anchored at both ends, it sits patiently, doing the work while you sip coffee or swap stories. It’s low-tech, efficient, and perfect for targeting bottom-dwellers like catfish or schooling fish like bluegill. In Appalachia, it’s a go-to for anyone looking to feed a family—or a holler—without breaking the bank.
Gear You’ll Need
Before you head to the water, gather your supplies. You don’t need much, but every piece counts:
Main Line: A strong, durable line like 300-pound-test braided nylon or paracord. Length depends on your spot—50 to 100 feet is typical.
Drops: Shorter lines (12-18 inches) of 50- to 100-pound-test monofilament or nylon, tied to the main line every 3-5 feet.
Hooks: Size matters—#2 to #8 circle hooks work well for catfish or panfish. Bring plenty (20-50, depending on line length).
Weights: Sinkers or old spark plugs (a mountain favorite) to keep the line down—5-10 pounds total, split between ends.
Swivels: Optional, but they prevent twisting and tangles.
Bait: Chicken liver, worms, cut shad, or stink bait—whatever the fish are biting.
Anchors: Cinder blocks, rocks, or heavy metal weights to hold each end.
Boat or Waders: Unless you’re a champion swimmer, you’ll need a way to set it across the water.
Knife and Pliers: For cutting line and unhooking fish.
Bucket: To haul your catch.
Check local regulations too—some states limit hook numbers or require tags. Tennessee, for example, caps you at 100 hooks per line unless you’re a commercial fisherman.
Step-by-Step: Setting Your Trotline
Pick Your Spot: Look for a stretch of river, lake, or creek with slow-moving water and good fish habitat—think submerged logs, drop-offs, or muddy bottoms where catfish lurk. Avoid heavy current; it’ll tangle your line faster than a coon in a trash can.
Prep the Line: At home or on the bank, tie your drops to the main line, spacing them evenly. Attach a hook to each drop’s end. Pro tip: Use a barrel knot or clinch knot for strength—fish don’t give participation trophies.
Bait Up: Some folks bait before setting, others after. If you’re baiting first, keep it quick—liver spoils faster than gossip in a small town. Stink bait holds up better in warm weather.
Anchor One End: Tie your first weight to the line and secure it to the bank with a stake or rock. In a boat? Drop the anchor overboard and let it sink.
Stretch It Out: Paddle or wade across, paying out line as you go. Keep it taut but not banjo-string tight—fish need room to bite, not bounce off. Drop your second anchor on the far side and tie it off.
Fine-Tune: If you didn’t bait earlier, do it now. Hang weights mid-line if it’s floating too high—catfish won’t chase dinner to the surface.
Mark It: Tie a jug or bright cloth to each end so you (and other folks) can spot it. Some states require your name and license number too—don’t skimp on the rules.
Running the Line
Here’s where the magic happens. Check your trotline every 6-12 hours—dawn and dusk are prime time. Bring a buddy if you can; it’s safer and more fun. In a boat, approach one end, lift the line with a stick or paddle, and work your way across, unhooking fish and re-baiting as needed. On foot? Wade carefully—wet rocks are slicker than a politician’s promise. Keep your catch in a bucket or stringer, and watch for snapping turtles—they love a free meal.
Tips from the Holler
Timing: Set your line late afternoon for overnight catfish action—those whiskered rascals feed when the sun’s down.
Scent: Smelly bait rules. If the wind carries the stink, the fish’ll find it.
Patience: A trotline’s not instant gratification. Let it soak, and trust the process.
Safety: Wear gloves—catfish spines sting worse than a hornet. And never wrap the line around your hand; a big catch could pull you in.
Why Trotline?
In Appalachia, trotlining’s more than a method—it’s a connection to the land and water that’s sustained us for generations. It’s quiet work, letting the river do the heavy lifting while you soak in the peace of a foggy morning. Plus, when you haul in 20 pounds of catfish, you’re not just feeding yourself—you’re feeding the stories around the fire.
So grab your gear, find a good stretch of water, and give it a go. The fish are waiting, and the hills are watching. Happy fishing, y’all! Let us know your thoughts on using a trotline in the comments below!
*It's important to note that regulations regarding trotlines vary by location, so be sure to check local laws before using this fishing technique.*
