Crabbing with a trotline requires some effort and expense, but it is worth it. The catch is fast and plentiful if the crabs are running. Still mornings after hot muggy nights are best for this method of crabbing.

The trotline is a baited, long stout line (5/32 inch nylon is best) that is weighted on the bottom with 2 to 3 feet of galvanized chain. This rig is attached to anchored floats (buoys) at either end.

The line is usually set parallel to the shore, where the bottom drops off, in water 5 to 12 feet deep. Bait is tied on the line with a simple slip knot, every 4 to 5 feet. The best bait is salted eel, cut in 3 inch pieces, 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter. Chicken necks work well, or bull lips, cut 1/2 by 3 inches.

A roller or hook is mounted off the side back quarter of the boat. As you approach the upwind buoy, pick up the start of the baited line and slip it over the hook, or roller. The line should rise from the water at about a 30 to 40 degree angle, and not be slack at all. Normally, it is best if two crabbers work together so that one tends the boat and line, while the other nets the crabs. A small mesh wire net is best for this operation because the crabs don't cling to the wire as they do to a nylon or cotton net. Be quick, because the crabs will drop off the bait as soon as it breaks the surface of the water. Try to prevent casting your shadow on the line.

Be careful not to reach over too far for the crabs while netting, their last movement may catch you over-extended. If the boat is moving too fast, or the crab harvest is thick, you may not have time to deposit each crab in your container before the next one shows up! Experienced trotliners dip several crabs with the net before putting them all in the basket. Practice and coordination take time.

The trotline is allowed to drop back into the water as the boat moves toward the other buoy. When the length of the trot line is "fished" the crabbers wait awhile, then begin again at the first buoy. Some energetic crabbers like to set a line of crab traps nearby, to check while they wait to run the trotline again. Maryland crabbing laws do have restrictions and limits that you should know.