Is handlining really fishing? [Archive] - The Michigan Sportsman Forums

View Full Version : Is handlining really fishing?

sweatyspartan

07-08-2006, 12:32 PM

I had mentioned this in an earlier post of mine. Does anyone else view handlining as less skillful than other types of fishing. After going a couple of times and pulling limits both times, I've felt like it is more fish harvesting than fishing. I don't think its wrong now do I bad mouth people to do it. I, myself, will continue to go every now and then in the future to try new things. I just don't enjoy it as much as other methods of fishing. Maybe its just becasue I don't have a rod and reel in my hand...

Just wondering what other people thought about this

tight lines

Houghton laker

07-08-2006, 12:46 PM

wouldn't that be almost like comparing a Spartan to a Wolverine??:lol:

Cardinal

07-08-2006, 01:39 PM

Everyone has their favorite method / technique. I think you have to appreciate it for what it is. I have fished ultra-light tackle for bass, and I have fished for Walleye there in Port Huron using 1-2 lb weights with shark fishing rods, and everything in between. I enjoy it all. I think half of the fun of fishing is trying new methods and gear. Also, it's always good to have more than one method in your arsenal in case the one you are using isn't working.

Just my 2 cents

Go Blue!

ted stehney

07-08-2006, 02:23 PM

Hey Sweatyspartan if you have only hand lined twice and caught your limit both times I would think that you were fishing with someone that understands handlining. I have been handlining for several years and have had to learn the hard way. The first two times I handlined I caught an eight horse Honda and lost a few weights,shanks, leads, and lures to the river gods. To be good at handlining is kind of an art. I am not big on handlining, but do enjoy it from time to time. Especially in dirty water when jigging is tough.

El Diablo

07-08-2006, 04:46 PM

You have got to be joking sweatyspartan.:lol: Doesn't take much to figure out that Handlining is fishing. Just like it doesn't take much to figure out that you're "fishing" for an argument. Havn't you seen the other posts about this same topic on this forum? They turn out to be flame fests . . . bickering back and forth about nonsense. Catch your limit or don't any way you like. In my opinion a "real" fisherman doesn't limit himself to just one technique as you well know since you like to dabble in one of the purest oldest type of fishing around. (http://www.icefishingmichigan.com/forum/member.php?u=8974)
:evilsmile

Fishious

07-08-2006, 06:06 PM

Handlining is just another technique or option in your bag of angler skills. To some anglers it is no thrill and will never amount to one. To others it's what they were brought up doing and provides immense enjoyment. They look forward to every opportunity they can ply the technique Their is a large measure of skill and proficiency in handlining, one has to constantly work at squeezing out just a little more capability and talent to become a master of the technique. I assure you, it will humble you when you think you have the technique down pat. We are in a population high and it looks like it will remain their for awhile so fishing is easy. I'm inclined to think your fishing with someone who is quite experienced in handling the boat and putting you on fish. You'll find it a totally different world when your navigating your vessel by yourself, working a known to be productive area and doing your own netting without the aid of a partner while maintaining proper boat etiquette among a pack of other boats. Hang into four or five walleye in the six or seven pound category by yourself and sucessfully boat them without any assistance and I think you'll get a different appreciation. If you really want to measure your capability try a year of tournment fishing where handlining is recognized as acceptable. If you can remain in the top ten standing for the season or earn several win, show or place money positions then Your the Man! I'm still learning and I've been handlining for over 40 years, did my share of tournaments and collected a few cash prize positions. Consequently I remain humble or have been humbly put in my place more times than I would like to admit by Mother Nature, other anglers and my own "Piece of Cake" additude.
Still learning after all the years and loving every occasion I can wire line even when humbled by Ole Eye.

fish eater

07-08-2006, 06:16 PM

In answer to your question........ uhm....Yes. :cool:

alex-v

07-08-2006, 08:51 PM

Is handlining really fishing?
As "fish eater" says the answer is Yes. It is a very basic form of fishing and has been around in one form or another for centuries. Only in the last century or so did we get the use of flexible wire and self-winding reels. When you think about it humans have been fishing using their hands as the rod and reel forever.

There is a big difference between "After going a couple of times and pulling limits both times,..." and going out many more times and not getting a limit. Then, it starts to be a challenge just like rod and reel. The person has to learn where the fish are, what lures to use as the seasons change, and how to change the presentation.

It is probably harder to go out time after time and catch Walleye while wirelining than you really think.

Ed Michrina

07-08-2006, 09:28 PM

Silly question if you ask me?? """Is handlining really fishing?"""

I'll just leave it at that.

We have a great bunch of members on this site and proved it by the mature responses (post) they came back with.

Hotwired

07-08-2006, 09:34 PM

With a name like "HOTWIRED" you know my answer.

Muddpuppy

07-08-2006, 11:51 PM

It's an art that only a select few can master......I'm not a bragger by any means, actually the furthest thing from it.....that's why I'm not heard from very often here. I'll go up against any river fisherman any day with any method of their choice and show them how to put fish in the box with my A&S.

Good luck to ya......

sweatyspartan

07-09-2006, 10:52 AM

I'm not trying to start an arguement nor am I saying that I have mastered it or am a pro (which I already stated). I was just wondering if anyone felt any less enjoyment pulling a limit on wire versus conventional rod and reel methods.

As far as fishing with experienced handliners, no, not once. My partner and I are still in the process of trying to teach ourselves using reels that are over 50 years old that we tried to recondition.

I'm not trying to take anything away from anyones skill set in regards to fishing. I just personally enjoy a "conventional" method more than handlining.

I have not had the thrill yet of landing a large fish doing it (biggest was 21") so maybe thats what I'm missing out on. I do like the aspect of landing them using your hand versus a net.

Ed Michrina

07-09-2006, 03:26 PM

SS I truly hate to jig fish. I'll even handline when I know I could do better jigging. I'm all set up for both. I just don't like jigging. That is just me. I wouldn't call someone who like to jig any less of a fisherman and anyone else.

As most stated above, I would rather handline a river than jig it. but If I were in a tourney. or needed fish (IE: new person on board) I'd jig,drift,slip,bounce,whip,chug,slip bobber (yep I don't let that one out) or what ever it took.

I'm fishing for food not the challenge. otherwise I'd fish bass or musky. If it was legal to throw TNT in the water and scoop the fish out. I would be a happy man. Time to drink a beer and cut the grass with a cooler of fish.

My recommendation is yep handlining is a great way of fishing, If you don't like your limits, don't do it . Be prepared just when you think you have it down and can get fish any time, it will dry up and an old dude will show you his limit when he was fishitg right next to you;) Careful what you wish for.

I'll see you on the river in Jan or Feb. Bring a jigging rod:p

paul driggers

07-09-2006, 08:18 PM

If you are looking for someone to fight with just keep posting stuff like that,its funny everyone is catching alot of fish and when they try different methods and get there limits they start saying stuff like that wait till the fishing gets tough and then ask your self the same ?,there are alot of people on this site that will help you,you dont always have to say what your thinking :dizzy:

allucaneat

07-09-2006, 08:53 PM

Hooks, line, and sinker....DUH!!! Yeah I think i'd call that fishing.

sweatyspartan

07-10-2006, 10:02 AM

I thank those of you that gave good solid responses to my question. As for the people that just made fun of me or said something along the lines that I was looking for a fight, I do not appreciate it. All I was looking for was more opinions on it. Not people to tell me I'm stupid or make asinine comments about the whole topic.

I'm sorry if people were offended by this question, but I just wondered what people thought out there. I thought this forum was all about sharing ideas and thoughts, not trying to bring people down or make fun of them for what they believe. Guess I was wrong.

If the Mods want to close this topic, I would appreciate it. It isn't benefiting anyone anymore. Thank you.

Marbler

07-10-2006, 10:17 AM

Looks to me like handlining for fish is a good workout. If that is how you catch your limit than be happy with it. I catch my limit pulling bottom bouncers, that can be kind of mindless sometimes as well as jerking pencil plugs. It is all rewarding and better than working, so lets not bicker, just keep having fun however we do it! Does anyone remember 2-3 years ago when you couldn't buy a walleye around here?:smile-mad

kbkrause

07-10-2006, 10:20 AM

To me it's just another way to fish.
During ice season, is using a tip-up fishing? Sure, it's just another way to get fish.
As with most fishing, a person can make it as chalenging as they want. Some choose to limit their tackle, other choose to only go after the biggest fish, to me it's all fishing and an individual choice. I've handlined a few times on other's boats and enjoyed it. Do I with I had handline set ups when the fishing get tough, yes sir.

Go out, have fun and doent worry about it.

El Diablo

07-10-2006, 11:33 AM

Wow, don't be so sensitive . . . I don't think anyone called you stupid.
This post recieved spirited responses because this seems to be a "hot button" topic. Not sure how you missed that since it seems that you've been here longer than me.

Burksee

07-10-2006, 12:08 PM

Hey SS, don’t take it so personal! I think you’re the way you titled the thread ruffled the feathers of a few that take this type of fishing very seriously. Some "hand-liners" I think were just poking fun. It would be like titling a thread "Is sitting over bait really hunting?" :yikes: It's a different way of doing something and not everyone does it the same way. Asking for opinions in regards to that technique over others may have been a better question. I've never done it, but given the opportunity would love to try it sometime. ;)

Fishnmachine

07-10-2006, 12:59 PM

I fish with a rod and reel and I handline, I can tell you that I catch fish no matter what meathod I use, the same amount of skill is needed to catch fish no matter how you are doing it, just different skills, sometimes one way works better than the other depending on conditions, that is using your brain, not skill to help catch fish.

paul driggers

07-10-2006, 07:37 PM

try catching a 8-10 lber when you are handlining and you will really see which method you need more skill at.

alex-v

07-10-2006, 07:49 PM

try catching a 8-10 lber when you are handlining and you will really see which method you need more skill at.
Try getting it in the boat without a net.

Houghton laker

07-10-2006, 08:57 PM

Try getting it in the boat without a net.

:lol: :lol: Nothing like the sound of a 5-6 lb walleye slamming into the boat when you flip it in!!!:yikes: I agree...don't take it so personnal........I know my comment was ment for a laugh!! You just came off a little cocky!

allucaneat

07-10-2006, 09:07 PM

SS, as far as bringing people down or making fun of them I believe you chose to do that by insinuating that pulling wire does not take much skill and is not really fishing but harvesting fish. I am a handliner and as soon as I read your post I felt you were Knocking my method. I take offense to that. If your not looking for an argument you sure could have fooled me! Before anyone angrily responds to this post please take the time too read SS's original post and let me know how it comes off too you.

alex-v

07-10-2006, 09:11 PM

... walleye slamming into the boat when you flip it in!!!:.
Speaking of boats, I have a picture of your little river boat from Sunday morning. It looks pretty lonely just sitting there waiting for it's owner to take it out on the river. And, Stinky looks just as lonely.

Over the years I have tried all different types of fishing for Walleye and pulling wire is the one that I always come back to. It has the most challenge and the challenge is more than just using the right lure at the right time in the right place.

A good portion of wirelining is boat control and then boat speed. Just makes me want to go out for a few hours just thinking about it. But, maybe Wednesday if it rains and we call off work.

Dick Graves

07-10-2006, 10:01 PM

Although I have not done it for the past several years, Yes it is a "sport fishing" method. Fishing the St. Clair River after midnight, watching the shooting stars, peace and quiet, don't think it get's any better, snatching a few hogs off the bottom of the river, what else can you ask for?;)

ESOX

07-10-2006, 10:20 PM

Is it really fishing when you don't have to handle the line, you have a graphite rod to asorb the fight of the fish, and a silky smooth drag on the reel to ensure that any excess energy the rod doesn't absorb cant possibly break the line? Seems to me that kind of takes all the skill out of it.

seips

07-10-2006, 10:33 PM

I have never handlined before but from reading all these posts I was wondering why you dont use a net?

sfw1960

07-10-2006, 10:39 PM

cmpaquette88

07-10-2006, 10:53 PM

cmpaquette88

07-10-2006, 10:55 PM

[quote=Ed Michrina]

As most stated above, I would rather handline a river than jig it. but If I were in a tourney. or needed fish (IE: new person on board) I'd jig,drift,slip,bounce,whip,chug,slip bobber (yep I don't let that one out) or what ever it took.

Did you say slip bobber? Explain!!!:dizzy:

Ed Michrina

07-11-2006, 01:07 AM

LOL yes it will work in a river also. you need a large pike size slip bobber and lost of weight to make it neutral buoyant. It works chasing it from shore (where the bottom is known) IE> Canadian side across form the RenCen 30 foot to the wall. or following it along shore with boat. It also works with big lighted bobber using spot tails in the shallows along the wall IE by the black river or stag island at night.

Houghton laker

07-11-2006, 05:24 AM

Speaking of boats, I have a picture of your little river boat from Sunday morning. It looks pretty lonely just sitting there waiting for it's owner to take it out on the river. And, Stinky looks just as lonely.

I know....I.ve been neglecting her as of lately....two timing her with another boat out on the lake.....but I plan on making it up to her soon!!:lol: :lol:

alex-v

07-11-2006, 07:50 AM

I have never handlined before but from reading all these posts I was wondering why you dont use a net?
'Cause we don't need no stinkin' nets, thats why.;) :lol:

There is no rod, just the line leading to the lure in your hands. Pull the fish in and then when it is near the boat just lift and swing and the Walleye flies into the boat. It is a matter of not wasting time reaching for the net. Also, the chance of letting to much slack get into the line and slack is the enemy. Once the shank is in the boat I feel that most fish lost after that point in the retrieve are due to slack.

Bigger fish, let's say in the 3 to 4 pound range can be grabbed by hand and lifted in. But, after that a net is a good thing to have.

I picked up a limit Sunday morning with one of them being a couple of ounces shy of 5 lbs. I debated whether to grab and lift but asked for the net. So, yes, we do use nets but those small eater size fish do not need one for getting into the boat.

Next time you have a small walleye on when using a rod/reel put the rod down and see how much easier it is to lift that 16 inch fish in just using the line and your hands. Compare that to reaching for a net and then maneuvering the fish into the net. And, all this time the motor is still in gear and the boat slowly moving forward. Slack is the enemy and the boat keeps moving.

motcityman

07-11-2006, 08:18 AM

'Cause we don't need no stinkin' nets, thats why.;) :lol:

There is no rod, just the line leading to the lure in your hands. Pull the fish in and then when it is near the boat just lift and swing and the Walleye flies into the boat. It is a matter of not wasting time reaching for the net. Also, the chance of letting to much slack get into the line and slack is the enemy. Once the shank is in the boat I feel that most fish lost after that point in the retrieve are due to slack.

Bigger fish, let's say in the 3 to 4 pound range can be grabbed by hand and lifted in. But, after that a net is a good thing to have.

I picked up a limit Sunday morning with one of them being a couple of ounces shy of 5 lbs. I debated whether to grab and lift but asked for the net. So, yes, we do use nets but those small eater size fish do not need one for getting into the boat.

Next time you have a small walleye on when using a rod/reel put the rod down and see how much easier it is to lift that 16 inch fish in just using the line and your hands. Compare that to reaching for a net and then maneuvering the fish into the net. And, all this time the motor is still in gear and the boat slowly moving forward. Slack is the enemy and the boat keeps moving.

Guess you guys said it all about just how handlining is fishing...sometimes you dont get your limit and its a workout with a 2 lb weight:lol: ..sort of.:yikes:

but it is like any other fishing...not just catching :rolleyes:

cmpaquette88

07-11-2006, 04:25 PM

Thanks for the info Ed. Thats a pretty interesting technique, I'll give it a try.
~cm

Fishious

07-11-2006, 09:02 PM

Hey, you got to appreciate all the serious diehard Michigan Sportsman Wire Liners and other occasional handliners on this site. Your all awesome and it is what makes this site so great. You folks are an absolute delight and should be proud of your accomplishments, your willingness to assist a lot of novice and seasoned veterans with your thoughts and genuine help. So many of you, like Big Laker, Hot Wired, Houghton Laker, RiverRat, the Swamphunter, Mushy and a lot of others that I can't think of at the moment truly make up the fiber of what this site is all about, sharing and caring. Yea we may not agree with each other or agree to disagree once and a while but I don't feel anyone truly disrespects or intentionally desires to trash anyone else or their thoughts. The watchdog, Ed Machrina, God Bless him, keeps us all on a level playing field ensuring things from getting out of hand.
I've had personal contact with a many of you, fixing and tweaking your handline trolling reels. Actually I'm really not new to most of you guys that handline, in fact I'm the person that repairs and services a lot of your Automatic trolling reels and have been the topic of conversation more than once, consequently I was unable to respond. I've been watching the site for a couple of years and could never get logged on however thanks to the assistance of folks like Big Laker, Steve Helinski and Staff they patiently worked with me even when I gave up in frustration. The bottom line is if your reading this thread your passionately tied into the out-of doors in some way sharing something in common, be it your passion of hunting,fishing, trapping, the shooting sports or the likes. Michigan Sportsman has something for everyone and is made up of people with passions emotions and thoughts that test the fiber. This is what makes this site so darn interesting and unique. I'm glad to be a part of it especially now that I can share my thoughts. Sweatyspartan though you indicated that you felt like got mauled, I appreciated your thoughts. They are your personal feelings and you have my respect even though I'm a avid handliner who's passion evolves around the technique and enjoyment derived from applying it. I probably won't change a whole lot and you won't either. Choose the technique you get the most enjoyment and pleasure out of and pursue perfecting it. That's what it's about any way enjoying the out-of doors.

Houghton laker

07-12-2006, 05:22 AM

Good to see you made it on the site Bill;)

TeamSnapper

07-12-2006, 11:13 AM

well this looks like a good place for me to ask. I have never handlined before and i just got a free handlining reel that basically fell into my lap. I definately want to give it a try (detroit river), so what do i need to know guys? I know almost nothing about it, not even which rig, weight, speed etc. I know the reel i have is a cable around a spring loaded reel thats all :) . Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

SuperHunter18

07-12-2006, 11:54 AM