Trot-lines are great, but the smallest one I have ever used that is feasible is 1'X1' box.with 50 hooks, a bit bulky to tote. Unless you have an AWFUL lot of time on your hands, use a box. You're better off with a different rig fishing from the bank, even using small 10-hook trot lines. (Haven't had the notion to run one while wading or swimming, but you'll end up doing alot of both if you catch fish) Trot lines, in my experience, are best used from boats. Caught a twelve-pound Channel Cat on one once. Where I come from, yer a "furiner" (foreigner) if you don't know how to run a trot line LOL