handlines

Handlines are a simple form of fishing in which a single line is held by the fisher and used to catch fish with a baited hook. The technique is ancient and remains widely used in many parts of the world, particularly in small-scale and artisanal fisheries. Handlining can be employed from boats, piers, or shorelines and covers a range of depths and species.

Gear and method typically involve a main line made of nylon, fluorocarbon, or traditional fiber, sometimes with a small handheld reel or simply retrieved by hand. A terminal tackle includes a leader, a hook or lure, and bait such as live fish, squid, or cut bait. Weights are used to reach the desired depth, and a float or buoy may be added to position the bait. In some regions a drop line is used, where a shorter line with a hook is lowered from a larger main line to target specific depths.

Handlining targets a variety of species depending on depth and location, including snapper, grouper, tuna, reef fishes, and flatfishes. It is practiced in coastal, nearshore, and offshore waters, often from small vessels, piers, or shorelines, and can function as a primary or supplementary method to more complex gear.

Advantages of handlining include low capital cost, portability, and relatively selective fishing with limited bycatch when managed well. Limitations encompass limited gear capacity, labor intensity, and sensitivity to weather. Sustainable management may involve gear restrictions, size and species regulations, and community-based rules to ensure long-term viability of fish stocks.