Handline fishing

[BIGfryFish]

Do any of you go handline fishing?   If so, how often, what does your handline setup look like? 

What fish do you like to target with your handlines?  How is your luck using a handline?

 

Over a year ago I purchased one of those Squiddies handline reels.   I haven't used it yet.  :(   But I plan to soon.

I'm even going to try making one made from an old 1 liter bottle.

 

I like the idea of getting back to the basics of fishing (line, hook, bait, fish). 

 

 

[Mike L]

Not me.

Only time I'll handline is if my line or rod breaks. 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

 

 

[Deleted account]

5 hours ago, BIGfryFish said:

Do any of you go handline fishing?   If so, how often, what does your handline setup look like? 

What fish do you like to target with your handlines?  How is your luck using a handline?

 

Over a year ago I purchased one of those Squiddies handline reels.   I haven't used it yet.  But I plan to soon.

I'm even going to try making one made from an old 1 liter bottle.

 

I like the idea of getting back to the basics of fishing (line, hook, bait, fish). 

 

 

Oh yeah, like they say "When in Rome". I've fished a lot in places where most everyone uses a hand line. It does take some time to get used to doing it, as the mechanics are totally different than using a rod. Large diameter stiffish mono works best, and normally, one is fishing bait, although at times lures work. Oh, and if you want to be legit, use an old spark plug for a sinker, more street cred with the locals.

 

Don't use a plastic bottle. It will crush. You can buy or make some hard spool. Some folks cast from the spool, like a spinning reel, others lay the line out before casting. Either works.

[Bankbeater]

When I was a little kid my dad would tie a small hook on the end of mono that was about 3 feet long. That would keep me busy with sunfish for an hour or two. 

[Deleted account]

That counts.

Some local NY tackle shops used to sell "snapper handlines" (snappers are baby bluefish) basically just a length of mono wound on a 9"x2" rectangular notched plastic holder, with a bobber, spilt shot, and hook attached. The fancy kids got a cane pole to go with it. In the late summer to fall you could catch as many as you wanted, plus sometimes some other things mixed in. Great memories.

[GreenPig]

I used to but my doctor made me stop. Handlining buzz baits will wear out your shoulders.?

[bish0p]

I catch catfish with a hand line. I use 20 pound mono, egg sinker, and a hook stored on a yo-yo reel. The fish fight is different when caught on a handline. No rod or reel drag to help you.

 

Not my setup, but similar.

 

[BIGfryFish]

^---  That's my hope.  I got a few friends that are ho/hum about fishing.    If I could get them to catch at least one fish using a handline.   Then they'd be hooked for life.  lol

 

 

[soflabasser]

I have an open mind when it comes to fishing so yes I have fished with hand lines. Have caught big fish on hand lines both in freshwater and saltwater.