Handlining

[kcud rellik]

Well, I dug out my grandpas old handlining reels. They seem to be all set up but I do have 1 question. On your leader line, do you use a swivel to the lure or tie line directly to it? They way these are set up is it is a 1 ft piece of wire with a swivel at bottom for clipping the weight. Then that is tied to a big 3 way. Then the 3 way is tied to the main cable. Is there any way I could make it so I can use more then one lure on the cablewithout cutting the cable? Should I practice with one first then move up to 2 when I get the hang out it?

[skamaniac]

Well, I dug out my grandpas old handlining reels. They seem to be all set up but I do have 1 question. On your leader line, do you use a swivel to the lure or tie line directly to it? They way these are set up is it is a 1 ft piece of wire with a swivel at bottom for clipping the weight. Then that is tied to a big 3 way. Then the 3 way is tied to the main cable. Is there any way I could make it so I can use more then one lure on the cablewithout cutting the cable? Should I practice with one first then move up to 2 when I get the hang out it?

If you go to one of the tackle/bait shops downriver they will set you up. I haven't pulled wire in years since i no longer live in the area. I used to run three leaders, the longest one on top and shortest on bottom. You can buy the section that goes between your wire and sinker already made up.

[Hotwired]

Here you go duck killer, hope this helps:

On the end of the main line should be a large snap swivel. After that use a shank with with clevises at different heights, you can make this or buy this.
As for leaders I would start with a 4-6' and a 18-20' then add a 30-40' when you feel comfortable. Use a snap swivel at the shank and a plain snap at the lure.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/533/1286rcwire1.jpg

[ArrowFlinger]

typically how heavy of a weight do you use?

[umas911]

1-2 lbs

[kcud rellik]

Thanks for the diagram hot but how do I attach the leader to the main cable? On the ones i have (which havent been used in YEARS) they tied a 3 way to the end of the cable then tied a another piece of cable to the 3 way for a weight. Is there some sort of clip that you can buy? Also, if i am only running one leader how long should it be? My dad tried saying only half a foot or so and to use wire as a leader..?
Also, where can I find new wire? On one of the reels there is old like braided line that looks nasty and I think it needs to be replaced...

[Hotwired]

Replace the line with Mason multistrand 60lb uncoated, put a large snap swivel, buy a shank, tie some leaders and go to it. If want me to meet me at Lakeside to but the stuff and come over to respool shoot me a PM, I'm 5 minutes from Lakeside.

[kcud rellik]

Lakeside.. You mean the half party store half bait shop place on Jefferson?

[Hotwired]

No, Lakeside tackle on 10 & Jeffrson.

http://lakesidefishingshop.com/

[Frozenfish]

Nice post. I would like to try this sometime. Can you get rigs fairly cheap? Is there an advantage/disadvantage to handlining? Is this a common practice? I have heard of it but never really new what it was until I saw the diagram.

[ICEGUY]

It is easier on my hands.

[Hotwired]

But it drags more in the water, use uncoated and wear a finger protector or glove.

[ArrowFlinger]

I saw a couple of guys last thursday using a stick instead of a reel. Not sure how many times the line would get nested up on the floor when they bring in a fish.

I think they used the stick to help them get unstuck from the bottom, not when they were actually fishing.

I am thinking of trying the same type of approach.

[kcud rellik]

My uncle said he saw people using handline reels doing what he called "chugging". He said they would sit on top of the hole in one spot and like bounce the line up and down or somthing...?

[Fishfoote]

I picked up a handline reel on ebay - seems to be in good working condition, but like kcud, it has very old copper wire on it. I was thinking of replacing it with braided nylon tip up line, would that work?

[Hotwired]

What reel did you pick up? Are you going to use it to handline?

[Fishfoote]

I'm pretty sure it's called a red cap. I bought it because it looked interesting (I like to get different kinds of hunting/fishing equipment when it's cheap). It seems to be in great working order, so I would like to try it out sometime.

[Hotwired]

If you're going to use it to handline then I woud go with 60lb Mason Multistrand uncoated wire.

[alex-v]

Drag your new-used wirelining reel down to the monthly meeting of the Lake St. Clair Walleye Association (meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of the month) and more than one person will be happy to show you the basics of setting it up and using it.

Find out about the types of wire, the shank, how to set up the leaders, how to tie them, and most importantly, how to get the lures and leaders into the water and back out.

[Ogre]

I'm sure that I am about to be slammed for asking a stupid question but that never stopped me before so... In the diagram above I'm looking at three leads. I thought that Michigan law stated two lines and two hooks per line as a maximum so how come the three leads?

[Hotwired]

Right from the guide:

Hook and line fishing: Fish so taken must be hooked in the mouth. Fish not hooked in the mouth must be
returned to the water immediately. No more than two lines per person (including tip-ups) nor more than four
hooks or lures may be used. Except: on Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior and the St. Marys
River, those persons in the act of trolling while targeting trout/salmon may use 3 rods/lines and attach no more
than six hooks total on all lines. *All hooks attached to an artificial bait or "night crawler harness" are counted
one hook.Hooks must be baited or attached to an artificial bait. You may use any number of hooks on one line
taking smelt in recognized smelt waters. Tip-ups and similar devices used for ice fishing must show the angler's
name and address. All lines must be under immediate control. Hook size regulations exist on certain streams
(see Exceptions to General Regulations by County (pages 14-17).

[alex-v]

As Hotwired brings up the wireline rig is counted as "one line" and there are 3 "hooks" or lures in use. It would be potentially possible to add one one leader and lure to the rig and this would be legal but awfully hard to fish with and still avoid tangles.

These are Michigan regulations. People fishing on boundary waters with Canada should check their regulations. For one thing, a hook is a hook so most pencil plugs are considered to contain 3 hooks in Ontario water but are considered "one hook" in Michigan.

[Houghton laker]

Where are the Walleye Ass. meetings held and what time.....I am new to handlining also and would love to hear some of the basic do's and don'ts and recomendations on any types of equipment!

[alex-v]

Meetings are held at the Eagles Hall on 8 Mile just a block west of Gratiot. North side of the road, go past the White Castle and then the empty lot that used to be the Oldsmobile dealership and there is the driveway.

We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month except for November. Meetings start at 7:30 but people are showing up by 7:00 pm. Come in the first door off of 8 Mile Rd.

Meetings are open to all interested.