trot line help

[Wyndigo]

I'm thinking about trying a trot line out at medard park, any suggestions on baits to use? I've never ran one, so any help is appreciated

Wyndigo

[Schoe]

Wyndigo, Go to the forum search at the right side of the front page and type in Trot Lines. There is some good info there.
Personally at that lake you specified I would use chunks of good fresh chicken livers or pieces of Gizzards that have been soaked with the livers. Sometimes I like to use pieces of Shad and or Golden Shiners or Skip Jacks if they are available. This is just my opinion from what I observed during the Tournament. Some of the locals from there may have better ideas. I hope this helps. Schoe

[blackpowderscout]

I grew up not to far from the resevoir and while I haven't run a line in it, I have an a lot a places around it. I really like a gizzard/liver mix cause the gizzards stay on better but the cats really like the liver. Cut bait works good too. You'll probably catch a few gar and softshells too!! Keep the turtles they are the best!!!

Adam

[gofish]

you can put the liver in the microwave for a few seconds to toughen it up a little

[Wyndigo]

Thanks for the quick replys everyone :) I'll give the liver/gizzards a try along with a few other things, maybe a little beef liver or those shrimp that Capt. Kirk like to use, plus some cut bait.

Schoe: I've heard of the skipjack, but dont think we have them here, I know we have shiners though.

blackpowderscout: I Hope to catch a couple of softshells :) good eating!

gofish: thats a good idea, nuke'm a little ... just make sure that they are covered or might be a mess lol

Wyndigo

[capt.kirk]

ALAN
The biggest problem that you may have is turtles getting hooked,if that
happens,since they are a favorite food of the gators,will you still have
a trot line left to check when you go back???
KIRK

[capt.kirk]

I for got to add any one wanting turtles to eat,come up to my place,
with some chicken livers,and you can probably catch more than you want,
i have caught them up to 60lb and 20 to 25lb you can catch every day,
there are so many that i cant use chicken livers to catfish with,the
turtles get it first,maybe i should have a turtle rodeo,with the prize being
all the turtle you want,at no charge.:D
KIRK

[Wyndigo]

Capt.Kirk what kind of turtles are they? havent had softshell in years

Alan

[capt.kirk]

ALAN
we have some real big soft shells in the 25 to 30lb range,not unsual to
catch snapers with heads as big as soft balls,i think they call them
alligator snapers around here,you need heavy tackle,they dont come
in easy,and a heavy pair of gloves will help also.
KIRK

[Wyndigo]

Capt.Kirk I need directions from dover (plant city/turkey creek area) :) would love to hang into one of those softshells and I have the tackle for it, deep sea rig

Alan

[capt.kirk]

ALAN
send me an e.mail with your phone number and we will get the directions
to you,and plan your trip.kirk38@verizon.net
KIRK

[wewamohawk]

hi kirk when i was there at turkey crek got a few turtles when fishing for catfish the mohawk

[dudly2252000]

as far as trot lines go, back home in la. they are everywhere, here is my .02 cents.... if there is a lot of bass fishing pressure there i would suggest running them deeply acroos creek arms or channels cause if you run them shallow or along the banks (which i prefer) the bass lures tend to get caught in them often and the bass fishermen will not hesitate to cut your trot line for there "expensive" lures lol, i preferred cut blue gill back home for trot line bait not sure if it is legal here or even whole gills up to 6 inches. any over hanging trees?..try some limb lines they are very effective as well. just my 2 cents...gl hope you catch a bunch.