trotline

1. (fishing) A long fishing line with many shorter lines and hooks attached to it (usually suspended between buoys).Examples: "He scrubbed the deck every morning, spliced broken lines, climbed nimbly amongst the yards and ratlines to let out or take in sails, ran trotlines from the stern to augment their meals with fresh fish and served spells at the helm, although never on his own and never at night."