question for handliners

[nuts]

Im in the process of rigging up to give handlining a try. What type of wire or line do you guys use for your mainline? Also how much of it do I need to put on my reel?

Thanks for any advise

[andy capp]

You have to get the handline reel, its not a regular fishing reel

[nuts]

I have the reel part figured out. I just need to put some wire on it.

[andy capp]

Is it spring loaded? If its is which it is supposed to be you will have to take it where they sell them, Mine has 300 yards i think

[nuts]

I was down to the river this past weekend and talked with a few different handliners and even was able to look at a few of there rigs close up. Then i seen a couple of guys that were using the automatic type fly reels (spring loaded) and my buddy had one that he gave me so I could give it a try. I am in the process of mounting it on my boat and making some weights. But the reel has fly line on it and I need to replace it with wire but I am not sure exactly what type of wire is used or where I can get some. I will also need to find the wire deal with the clevises on it. I think I will just buy a couple of them to get started and then maybe make my own if I stick with it.

[Gone Fishing]

I see your from Ovid so I'm not familiar with any stores in that area. Typically any store that sells hand line reels will have pre-packaged coated wire for sale along with hand line shanks. I don't know the proof strength of the wire but my guess is probably 100 lbs. I rarely fish in water over 30 ft deep so the line amount does not need to be that long. I would think 200 feet would be plenty in case you get snagged up and have to circle back.
Sorry, I know that wasn't much help but I have never had to re-spool my reels in many years and when I did I just picked up the pre-packaged stuff at Lakeside Fishing Shop.

[andy capp]

If you go back down river the shops will have the wire. The ends are called shanks, there like $2. Are you coming back down? If noy I maybe able to help. The rating on the wire goes from 30 to 75 pounds, Now you have to decide if you want coated or uncoated. LIke i said if your not going to come down I may be able to get the stuff you need for you and send it to you

[nuts]

Yea I will be back down on friday. Thats my biggest problem is that I live up here where nobody even knows what handlining is, let alone try to go to a baitshop and try to get the supplies.

So when I finally do get all the equipment around would you guys suggest using only one bait untill i get the hang of it alittle?

Also a guy told me to use smaller baits on bottom and larger on top....is that the norm? His rig had about a 2 1/2 in rap on the bottom and a larger one on top. he said that he gets most of his fish off the bottom lure so I was thinking I would just try one on the bottom my first time out.

[andy capp]

No run two, put the bottom one in the water, put he sinker in the water, and throw you top out away from the boat. Then run to the bottom and bounce. I run #7 raps. Never put bigger on top I run the same size. Bigger is your opinion

[nuts]

Ok thanks for all your help andy. Also thanks for the offer to send the stuff up to me but Im not sure if it would get here before friday so I may as well wait and get it when I come down then.

One last question. I dont really know where any other bait shops are located besides bottom line. I assume they will have what I need there. Is there another shop that you would suggest?

[andy capp]

No go to bottom line there the best

[BigDaddy]

This may also help you.

http://dwfonline.com/articles.htm

[Hotwired]

nuts,
Lakeside Tackle( 10mile & Jefferson)has everything you need,

I like to use Mason Multistrand uncoated 60lb. 300 ft. spool goes for $12.95
The sell shanks also but I can show you how to make your own.
I also use 3 leads, 5' with a snubber on the bottom a 15' in the middle and a 40' on top.
I suggest you use 2 leads until you get the hang of it.

I live 5 minutes from Lakeside so PM me if you want me to meet you there to pick up supplies and we can even head back to my place and I'll spool the reel for you.

What kind of reel is it? (A&S, GoldCap...)
I own about 20 handline reels and have spooled every kind.
Later,
Hotwired

[nuts]

Well hotwired thats the thing. I seen a guy out there that was using the automatic type flyreels instead of a regular handline reel. A friend of mine had one of the fly reels and gave it to me to try. I figured Id give it a shot that way and if I liked it then maybe invest in a couple of handline reels.

[Hotwired]

I don't see how it is possible to use an automatic fly reel for handlining.
There is not enough tension nor is there enough capacity for the amount of wire you'll need.
Some handline reels look like larger aotomatic fly reels is that possible what you saw?


Did it look like this:

http://www.lakesidefishingshop.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=shopping&Product_Code=165010

[nuts]

Yea I even talked to the guy for a second as he went by on the river. He said they work the same but are alot cheaper. It almost looked like he was using a different type of wire than everyone else because his looked almost white line some kind of string, but he said it was wire.

If It dont work does anyone know where I can pick up a used reel at a decent price to start up with? maybe a trade, Ive got some new rods and reels and such sitting around that I was selling on ebay but gave it up.

[Hotwired]

Put a "Want to buy" post on the trading post and see what kind of responses you get.
If you ever get one give me a shout and I'll help you set it up.
Later
Hotwired

2 A&S reels just sold on Ebay for $70 and $75.

[ESOX]

Originally posted by nuts
maybe a trade, Ive got some new rods and reels and such sitting around that I was selling on ebay but gave it up.
Have you tried selling that stuff here?

[nuts]

No I havent really tried esox. Its just been sitting around my basement. Maybe I should give it a try. Hopefully Steve wouldnt mind a going outa business sale.

[AL D.]

My friend has an a&s reel for sale $70. He will be at the Lake St. Clair Walleye Assoc. meeting tonight. There is a swap and shop at the meeting tonight at 7:30 pm eagles hall 8mi. and Gratiot. If you are interested e-mail me and I will have him hang on to it for you. My e-mail is aa9000@wayne.edu Contact me before 4:30 today, after 4:30 cell # is 313-980-6561 Take Care~~~~~~~~~~><> AL:D

[Hotwired]

Here's another god site to learn from:


http://www.fishtheriver.com/articles/handlining.html