On P4 in December an saw lots of guys jerking on a line fed into a big reel that is mounted about 1/2 way up on the gunnel.
What is this technique called? And are they typically pulling stick baits on a three way or what? Where is this type of equipment purchased?
Looks goofy…..but saw at least 10-15 boats “jerkin it”, so it must be working.
Please reply with details.
Hand lining is the name and you have a very good grasp on the operations.
http://www.riverwalleyes.com/art-handlining.html
A quick google search on HL reels and other info will fill you in quick.
I’m sure it works fine, but to me its sort of a dumb concept. I’d rather troll with long lines or bottom bouncers than haul around a 2lb weight on a wire string all day.
I’m with you, like the way I do it today too, but if I start seeing them pulling some in, it might be tempted….wasn’t much got caught with any tactic the day I was up, so I’m not convinced.
2 lbs???…curl that all day long, you would want to pick up the evening sodas with your other hand
Although handlining can be a workout on your arms after a full day, there are certain conditions where it is absolutely deadly and well worth the extra effort.
I’ve had the pleasure of spending a few days on the water with some truly great handliners and theres quite an art to it believe it not. It’s definetly a tactic I enjoy learning more about.
If you were over the dam from Truman Lake in the river waters of April or May, I’d think you were snaging for SpoonBills. That will put some arms on ya’ as well!
DEAN MARSHALL is the BEST handman i know. 
…rrr
Quote:
I’m with you, like the way I do it today too, but if I start seeing them pulling some in, it might be tempted….wasn’t much got caught with any tactic the day I was up, so I’m not convinced.
Watch those guys a little closer. Some of them old geezers can slip a walleye over the gunnels and into the livewell in a way that’d make Houdini jealous.
If they let it be obvious where the sweet spots are in the channel,some yahoo will certainly anchor above it and try soaking minnows…dragging his anchor thru the spot a couple times before he gives up,but not before screwing it up for everyone else.
Some tournies don’t handlining it so they’ll grudgingly use as close of a system as possible with a rod. Handlining keeps the bait in the fish zone far better,without losing as many baits as I’ve done trying to come close to what they’re doing using a rod/reel.
I don’t hit the big river often enough to invest the time and money into a good handlining reel and other stuff…But if I hit the lottery before things get better at home,I won’t be moving to Cancun,I’ll buy a trailer in Ferryville.
I’ll agree there is a science to being a good or great hand-liner. I have fished with several guys who really have it down and work hard at it. I had a few years there I had hand-line set ups on my boat. I’d say if you are a river tourney guy, you must have this in your bag of tricks. There are certain days where it not only out produces everything else, it’s the only technique that puts fish in the boat.
On the flip side, I HATE HAND-LINING !!! Personally, I’ll never spend another minute doing it. Just where I am in my fishing career I guess. If hand-lining is the only way to boat a fish, I’ll be the guy who gets skunked that day.
-J. 
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