* FISHING THE HANDLINE METHOD

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We have so far examined in detail all those factors that are involved in preparing the handline to fish. These included the selection of materials to make bait, the handline and the time and place to use it, but what we have not considered are those activities that could be collectively described as fishing. On land the same activity could be called hunting; this involves similar judgements about time and place, but the big difference is that the handline fisherman cannot see below the surface of the sea and cannot see where the line has settled nor whether there are fish on the seabed. The handliner has to guess where the fish are and test whether the guess was correct by feeling for fish feeding activity through the handline. This often requires a great deal of patience. A fisherman who simply lowers the handline into the water and passively waits for fish to come would catch some fish but would probably not be a very successful fisherman. Let us now consider some of the options open to the handliner who is “actively” hunting for fish.
Handlining from the shore
Changing positions along the coastline or along a jetty or outcrop of rocks might produce better results. Other influences include season of fishing, time of the day of night, water temperature, tides, currents and wind strength and direction.
On the other hand, changing position during the search for feeding fish too often may lead to catching less fish than patiently waiting in one spot (Figure 32). With experience the handliner will learn to judge how long to remain in one spot before moving on. One may also learn to identify those conditions that are not right for fishing and may learn when not to waste further time and effort on persisting to fish. Perhaps at such times the handliner can do something more productive such as making up some new fishing gear or even gardening.
Handlining from an anchored canoe
The handliners in Figure 33 have chosen a spot near some rocks where they suspect fish may be found. The following activities are appropriate for handlining in this type of situation:

• You can raise and lower the line to draw attention to the bait.
• You can leave the line with dead bait in one place.
• You can try positioning the bait on the bottom or in midwater. (In strong current, more weight will be needed to keep the bait on the bottom.)
• You must have the line running freely into the water to feel for bites.
• You must be ready to strike or jerk the line when a fish has taken bait.
• You must be alert and sensitive to fish feeding behaviour, currents, tides, etc.
• You should check and renew bait frequently.
• You can change position according position according to expectations.
• You can use a surface float. (This can be set for midwater or bottom fishing.)
• Moving the line up and down may also involve the use of feathers and squid jigs.

Figure 32. Handlining from the shoreline


Figure 33. Handlining from an anchored canoe



Note that moving the line up and down may bring the bait to the notice of the fish and may lead the fish to make a hasty bite at the bait as it moves away. On the other hand, jigging may disturb the fish. Experience will determine which approach to use.
For midwater fishing in very deep water, a sea anchor (drift anchor) can be used in place of an anchor. Instructions for making a simple sea anchor, appropriate for use in handlining as well as in squid jigging, are given in Part II (see Figures 73 to 75).
Handlining from a drifting canoe
From a drifting canoe (Figure 34) the following activities are suitable:
• You can hold the line passively, feeling the sinker move along the bottom.
• You can use live bait.
• When drifting over rough ground, feel the sinker touch the bottom and draw the line in so that the sinker does not snag on obstructions. (You must guess how high the rocks or obstructions are.)
Figure 34. Handlining from a drifting canoe


Trolling from a sailing canoe
The handliner in Figure 35 can see shoals of fish on the surface. They would be suspected swimming under and well under the surface as well. If fishing for shark, splashing the water may help to attract them.
Note that the distance between surface and sinker can be altered to suit the depth at which the handliner sees or guesses the fish to be feeding. The bait used should be fairly close in size, shape and behaviour to what the target fish are feeding on, otherwise it will be ignored.
Figure 35. Trolling from a sailing canoe



Source
Originated by: Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
http://www.fao.org/

Text: B. A. Bjarnason
Illustrations: M. Carlesi

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
David Lubin Memorial Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

Bjarnason. B.A.
Handlining and squid jigging
(FAO Training Series, no. 23 )
ISBN 92-5-103100-2