Texas Trotline Fishing Rules: Legal Setup, Gear & Tips
🎣 Texas Trotline Fishing Regulations: What You Need to Know
Trotline fishing is a time-honored method in Texas for catching big catfish and other nongame species — but it’s strictly regulated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). This post breaks down everything you need to know before setting one: how many hooks you can use, what kind of gear is legal, where they’re banned, and even what floats and tags you’ll need to stay on the right side of the law.
🪝 What Is a Trotline?
A trotline is a long main fishing line (non-metallic), anchored at both ends, with multiple short droplines and hooks suspended off it. Trotlines let you cover a wide area and soak bait passively — especially effective for catfish in both freshwater and saltwater.
🛠️ Legal Passive Fishing Gear Types in Texas
- Trotlines – More than 5 hooks on a fixed main line; legal in freshwater and saltwater
- Juglines – Free-floating, up to 5 hooks; freshwater only
- Throwlines – Anchored at one end with up to 5 hooks and a float; freshwater only
🐟 What Can You Catch?
Freshwater Trotline Targets
- Channel Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Nongame species (carp, drum, etc.)
Saltwater Trotline Targets
- Nongame species (e.g., gafftop catfish, whiting)
- Note: Red drum, spotted seatrout, and sharks cannot be kept if caught on a trotline.
📏 Construction Rules & Gear Requirements
Freshwater Trotlines
- Max 50 hooks per trotline
- Hooks must be at least 3 feet apart
- Non-metallic mainline, max 600 feet long
- Float required at each end (any color except orange, min 6"x3")
Saltwater Trotlines
- Must use circle hooks with ≤ ½" gap and ≥ ⅝" diameter
- Natural bait only (cut bait or whole baitfish)
- Floats must be yellow with a 2" wide contrasting stripe
- One Saltwater Trotline Tag required per 300 feet of line
🧾 Gear Tag Requirements
- Must be durable and legible
- Include name and address or TPWD customer number
- Freshwater: Must include the date set out (valid for 6 days)
- Saltwater: Date not required, but tag must still be attached within 3 feet of first hook
You can make your own gear tags using waterproof labels and zip ties — or grab a pre-made waterproof gear tag set like this one to save time and stay compliant.
🚫 Lakes & Waters Where Trotlines Are Prohibited
As of the most recent TPWD regulations, trotlines are banned in these locations:
- Community Fishing Lakes
- Lake Bryan (Brazos County)
- Bellwood Lake (Smith County)
- Boerne City Lake (Kendall County)
- Brushy Creek Lake (and downstream)
- Dixieland Reservoir (Cameron County)
- Lake Bastrop, Lake Pflugerville, Lake Naconiche
- Lakes Davy Crockett & Coffee Mill (Fannin County)
- Tankersley Reservoir, Wheeler Branch Reservoir, and others
👉 Always double-check the current [TPWD Outdoor Annual](https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/) before deploying gear in any new location.
🎣 Best Practices & Tips
- Place lines perpendicular to shore near structure or channel edges
- Use fresh cut bait like shad, perch, or shrimp
- Check your line daily to stay compliant and avoid harming non-target species
- Wear gloves — trotlines can cause nasty hook injuries
• Magic Bait Big Catch Trotline with Stainless Steel Clips – Pre-rigged with 25 hooks, swivels, and droplines—perfect for chasing big cats legally and efficiently.
• Waterproof Gear Tag Set – Pre-labeled and durable, ready to zip-tie to your trotline or jugline.
• KastKing EZ Fillet Mat + Knife Combo – Makes cleaning catfish safer, cleaner, and more portable at the dock or campsite.
🎯 Final Cast
Trotline fishing is one of the most productive and exciting ways to catch big cats in Texas — as long as you follow the rules. From floats to hooks to gear tags and locations, it’s all about doing it right. Hopefully, this post gave you everything you need to hit the water confidently and legally.
Got tips, photos, or a favorite trotline setup? Drop us a comment — we’d love to hear your strategy!
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🧾 Trotline FAQs for Texas Anglers
What are the gear tag requirements for trotlines in Texas?
In freshwater, gear tags must include your name and address or customer number, plus the date the device was set out (valid for 6 days). In saltwater, no date is required but tags must still be attached at each end.
Are there color restrictions for floats on trotlines in Texas?
Yes. Freshwater floats must be any color except orange. Saltwater floats must be yellow with a 2-inch wide contrasting colored stripe.
How many hooks can I use on a trotline in Texas?
Freshwater trotlines are limited to 50 hooks per line and 100 total per angler. Saltwater rules don’t specify a max, but only one trotline is allowed per person and it must be tagged properly.
Where are trotlines prohibited in Texas?
Trotlines are banned in Community Fishing Lakes, some state park waters, and named lakes like Lake Bryan, Boerne City Lake, Lake Pflugerville, and others. Always check TPWD rules before fishing.
What species can I legally catch with a trotline in Texas?
Most anglers use trotlines to catch catfish and nongame species. In saltwater, red drum, trout, and sharks caught on trotlines must be released immediately.
