Handlining is fishing by hand, using just a line, lure or bait, and hooks to catch fish. Aside from noodling or spearfishing, it’s the most fundamental and traditional fishing method practiced in the world. The simplicity of the gear makes it easy to travel with while still enabling anglers to catch nearly everything they would with a rod and reel.
One of the key benefits of handlining is its straightforward tackle, which makes it affordable and easy to repair. The basic nature of the gear results in lower costs. You can also handline while moving to and from fishing locations without the hassle of managing long lengths of line.
Using a fishing rod, the elevated line causes trolling lures to bounce and dive erratically, a bending rod adds to the chaos. The lower angle of handlining allows lures to glide smoothly along the surface or desired depth.