Introduction to Hand Line Fishing

Introduction to Hand Line Fishing

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go back to the ancient ways of fishing, without all the flashy, new age gear and technology? Long before rods and reels, with lots of moving and machined parts, there were simple tools. They were based on a few basic laws of physics. This article will explore the legitimacy of the age old method of hand line fishing using a simple reel and basic tackle. This technique is modest yet effective. Lets start off with the basics.

THE KIT:

Hand reel fishing is based on one simple piece of hardware, the hand reel, as the name suggests. This can be anything from a beautiful lathe turned piece of walnut, to a tin can found in the trash. Line is spooled around a handheld piece of round material, that can be cast and reeled in, almost like a spool of thread. Many people in third world countries still rely heavily on food procurement using this exact setup. They often use bottles or cans found virtually anywhere. The line can be fishing grade monofilament, braid, or fluorocarbon tied directly onto the reel of choice. The line can also be any type of cordage. Some less often but equally useful options are woven fibrous line made from plants or even plain string found in the average household all over the world. So long as the line is strong enough to retrieve a fish, once the hook has been set, the exact type should not matter. Other than the reel itself, and line to spool onto it, you will need hooks and bait to begin fishing on your hand reel. 

ENVIRONMENT: 

Setting and location play a key role in hand line fishing. I always like to think “common sense” will get you a long way in this style of fishing. Utilizing common sense will save you frustration, time, and energy in most scenarios. Look for areas where bodies of water join.  Look for streams feeding into ponds or lakes, providing food and oxygen to the fish you are trying to catch. Deeper pools, shaded areas, or types of underwater structure are also key. Focus on fishing early in the morning, or later in the evening, as these are times when fish are feeding more than other periods of the day. The goal is to “think like a fish” and this mentality will open more chances of landing your first hand reel trophy. Always keep common sense in your mind at all times.

CASTING AND RETRIEVING:

There are many ways to cast your hand reel, but each method will usually be based on the lure or bait you are using in that exact moment. The weight of the lure or bait will also play a key factor in how far your cast will travel. The basics of casting are simple: point your reel in the direction you plan to cast, and using the other hand, cast in a way that allows the line to unspool in the same direction. Whichever hand you are dominant with will be the hand casting with, while the other will hold and use the reel. This allows your dominant hand to be free for hook setting, and jigging the lure in a way that may entice the fish. Take your time and don’t get frustrated with your first few casts. You will have a few poor casts before you get the hang of it.  

HOOKING A FISH: 

Once you have learned casting, and found an appropriate bait, you can focus on getting your first fish. Whatever the species may be, you will want to be careful setting the hook, and fighting the fish to without losing it. If you are using a float or bobber, wait until you see it go under the water from a bite, and only set the hook once you feel it has a good bite on the bait. Setting the hook too early will result in simply pulling the hook right out of the your fish’s mouth before it has swallowed it enough to allow a solid hook set. If you are using a floatless setup, with some type of weight, you will be basing the hook set on feel only. You will want to keep the dominant hand on the line at all times. Wait for the line to move indicating a bite before setting the hook. Set the hook hard enough to puncture the mouth of the fish, but softly enough to not injure your hand or fingers. The diameter of the line will affect how hard you can set the hook safely. Thinner line has a greater risk of injuring the user if used improperly. Once the hook has been successfully set in the mouth of the fish, reel in the line by rotating the reel in your non dominant hand, while controlling the line with the other. Keep enough tension on the line to keep the fish from getting off the hook. You can achieve this by walking backwards on the bank, while also reeling, to help eliminate slack. Work the fish up to you until you can grab it by hand safely.

RELEASING OR COOKING: 

Whether you plan to consume the fish, or release it, always do so humanely. Don’t handle the fish too long if you plan on releasing it. If you plan on cooking it for a meal, dispose of it quickly, and clean up any messes you may leave during the field dressing process. 

These tips are a few of the basics to get you started in the wonderful field of hand line fishing. This is a mostly forgotten method, competing against modern technology, in a world dominated by sporty rods and reels. While all methods of fishing bring a unique aspect to the sport, this particular style with take you back in time while still giving you the same joy in the outdoors. Whether you chose a handcrafted reel, or a home made tin can with line, you will still have a complete kit that is portable in all scenarios. The packability and compact nature are the most desirable factors in the wonderful hobby of hand reel fishing. Enjoy connecting with nature in a more primitive form, have fun, and good luck.