questions for handliners

[landshark]

ok I baught a A&S handlining reel tonight. What other gear should I buy? I have no clue what other gear is needed. or do i tie leaders like we use for whipping. also what size weight do i need?

[alex-v]

Do a search of the Warm Water fishing forum and the child forums under it. Use "wirelining" as one search and then use "handlining" as another search. More info will come up than you dreamed possible.

Once you have digested it I am pretty sure that most of your questions will be answered and the specific questions will be easier. Example is that sinker weight is both a personal preference and depends on what river and where on that river you are wirelining. As an example I am in the process of writing an article based on the fishing trips of a guy who has pulled wire on every major river, and some minor rivers, in the United States. (The reel is permanently mounted to his boat.)

Then, there are those who pull wire out in the lake. So, jump into the msg threads that will show up after a quick search.

[TimEye]

i see you live in utica, so gaunder mountain is probably your nearest place for handlining gear. if you plan on only river fishing to start, get the 1 1/4, 1 1/2, 1 3/4, and a 2 lb weight for the sinkers. they have nice 5 foot shanks, they are hanging on the end of one of the isles as you approach the fishing area. the ones coiled up and in packages are the same as the ones hanging. the weights should be at the end of one of the isles down about 4 isles. they have lots of pencil plugs to choose from as well as rapalas. the leaders i would recommend mason hard tight leader line and that location just started to carry it for me but last time i was there it was only in 10 yards spools, which may be good for you to start cause you may want to run 15' and 30' (foot) leaders, i think they carry 17, 20 and either one is good, this line does not tangle as easy when you bring them in. i sometimes use 20 lb iron silk but only when i run short leaders as in 15 and 30. right now i use 40, 20, and 6 foot leaders. use a small wire snap at the lure on your leaders and some kind of swivel at the shank.