* 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

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A Beginners Guide To Jigs

Author: Bill Miller

Crappie and Walley are generally caught with either minnows or jigs. This guide will give you the basics of the most popular fishing jigs on the market and tips to catch more fish with jigs.



The Road Runner Jig



This is an old favorite of many fishermen. I have to be honest with you, I normally use this type of jig for White Bass, Hybrids and other fish more than I do for Crappie or Walleye.



The times when I do use the Road Runner Jig, it's normally in a stream or in muddy water where I want a little sound or vibration to help the fish find my jig. This is also a good choice when fishing for schooling Crappie in deep water.



Beetle Spin



The Beetle Spin has been around for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I've used the Beetle Spin with great results in old strip mines and ponds. As with the Road Runner, hang on because you never know what will eat these things!



I primarily use Beetle Spins for remote streams when I'm fishing for Bass, Bluegill or other fish. When fishing the Beetle Spin and the Road Runner for Crappie, I use a slow retrieve. Just enough to make the blades spin. Crappie are not real aggressive fish unless it's spawning season and they won't normally chase a lure very far.



Slider Weedless Jig



The Slider Weedless Jig is a jig that I use when when I'm fishing heavy grass areas, timber or lily pads. I'll also use this jig in timber depending on how thick and nasty it is. Although the name says "Weedless", you will get hung up once in a while on grass and other debris. This is a great jib for spawning Bass and Walleye in thick cover.



Maribou Jigs



Tried and true maribou jigs. The old favorite. They're not as popular as they should be. Crappie fishermen being like other types of Fishermen, are easily attracted to flashy lures and jigs that are designed more to catch your eye and wallet than to catch fish.



I use maribou jigs mostly around boat docks and other man made structures. The maribou hair gives the jigs a life like action that Crappie, and any other type of fish, can't resist. Sometimes, simpler is better!



Tube Jigs



Tube jigs are my all time favorite. I don't know why any fish love these jigs as well as they do, but they just can't seem to get enough of them. Perhaps is the soft body that feels like food, or the the little bit of movement the tail ads to the the jig. Whatever the reason, Bass, Walleye and Crappie love these "do nothing" jigs.



My favorite tactic for using tube jigs is to either pitch them along timber and weeds or delicately drop them into small openings in weeds or timber. My second favorite method is to drift them below a slip cork. I like this method when I'm working bridge pilings or submerged brush piles. If you know the depth of the brush, you can set the slip cork to carry the tube jig slightly above the brush pile. Most predator fish feed up an if you're close enough, they'll dart out and gobble the jig down.



Another trick I like to use is simply take a split shot and mash it onto a Tru-Turn 1/0 Crappie hook, then pull the tube jig over the hook and split shot. The Tru Turn hooks are great for any fish that comes along.



If you wanting to expand your fish catching methods, these 5 jigs and the tips to catch crappie will increase your numbers of fish caught.

About the Author:

Need the latest fishing tips? Join Bill as he writes about one of his favorite fish, the Crappie. You can find Bills Crappie Fishing Tips and Guide at his blog. While you're there, check out his popular article on Crappie Jigs.

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