old school handlining

[sweatyspartan]

I recently bought two old Victrola (sp) handlining boxes. Is there anything that I need to do differently than I would have done with the Red Cap I had been using? Does anyone out there still use this set up and like it better/worse?

Also, one of the reels was spooled with lead core instead of a wire line. has anyone used something like that before? I'm not sure how it would work, but I guess I'll give it a try.

[Gone Fishing]

I recently bought two old Victrola (sp) handlining boxes. Is there anything that I need to do differently than I would have done with the Red Cap I had been using? Does anyone out there still use this set up and like it better/worse?

Also, one of the reels was spooled with lead core instead of a wire line. has anyone used something like that before? I'm not sure how it would work, but I guess I'll give it a try.
My dad had some of the old time Victrola reels but I personally have never used them. As far as the lead core line, I think I would change that out. It’s not anywhere near the strength of the wire and when the lead is fatigued, it will break and then you only have the sheathing. It might save you a few lures and a some lost fishing time.

[Mister ED]

Change out the core. The core is greater in diameter and, I think, will cause more drag and blowback than a wire line ... for this application at least.

[Wall-llard Willie]

I have a buddy that has 2 and uses/loves them. I've offered him some of my backups to use but he likes his boxes. His are very smooth and have worked great for him for about 5 years now. The only difference in using them is how you mount them, he clamps his down somehow but I'm not sure if you even have to do that.

[eyecatcher]

No you dont want to use those old boxes, I'll get rid of them for you.:D just kidding.
I use mine all the time. the old victrola box is very smooth. my second choice is a schaller reel almost as smooth and far better then any of the new reels. I would get rid of the lead core get stainless steel wire. I think masons is available most places. I dont like the coated wire to much drag so you have more wire out for the same depth as uncoated. I just sit my reel box on a seat towards the front of the boat never had a problem.