Pulling Wire….
I normally don’t refer to Handlining as “Pulling Wire” but if you read up on where this started and how it was originated that’s where it comes from…
I really enjoy handlining this time of year. It’s awesome when you can put a form of fishing together and become very productive doing it. No matter if it’s pitching Jigs and Plastics, Open Water Basin Trolling or even Slip Bobber Fishing… It all takes a little something extra that puts more fish in the boat year after year..
With the river stage on the rise brings a lot of debris coming down river. This can make for some serious messes when pulling 10 and 20 foot leads. If one of the cranks gets fouled and it tails out, you will get both lines wound up tight. So it’s very important to check for weeds often. And when you get it dialed in, rewards will come your way!!
We see a lot of crazy things day in and day out while fishing… Now we have all seen or heard of catching two fish on one crank bait… But never have I seen this while pulling wire.. Two fish on one crank bait.. Andrew had several 17” to 19” fish in the boat this day, but when this fish loaded up he knew the weight and fight was more than he had encountered. “Big Fish” he says to me Big Fish!! So I grab the camera and get ready to snap some action shots of his big fish!!! “Then I call out “It’s a Double”!! On the same Crank!!! Wooo Hooo !!!! We both high fived when they came to the boat… Not Monsters by any means but still something I have never seen..
If you are thinking about getting into Handlining and are curious as to what would the bare bones entry level to get into this bite let me help you out..
A Riviera Hand/Wire Line Reel will cost you $185 and it includes everything to get started for the reel package.
Half dozen Rapala stick baits $40-$50
Leader material and hardware $5
So for about $240 you could have a lifetime of fun
There are great places to pull wire and not so great places… back sloughs can be a great place to find walleyes during high water, but if it’s full of downed timber.. You’re going to lose a lot of $$ in gear and tackle in no time.. I have never heard of anyone pulling this set up in lakes either… bot that you couldn’t catch a fish or two, but this shines with a good amount of flow and not a lot of speed.. If you’re looking for more info on handlining.. Hook up with a good guide and have them show you the way of the wire… Or if you want to dig into the history of its origination do some Google searches .. It’s pretty interesting !!!
Till the next time,, The Tug Is The Drug !!