HANDLINE... aka traditional, ghetto, yo-yo, old school, or whatever

me or Ericb. If you mean me I never got it.

Sorry man, It was EricB. Anyway, here is the link:

 http://www.woodcraft.com/

I tried to find a handline local..no luck. Only found a tuna handline. Guess i'll have to order one online. I hate ordering online, I have no patience and go crazy waiting for stuff to arrive..lol. I want one of these bad.

I was down in Baja and was surf fishing in Cabo with some locals for Jack Trevalle (Toro) in the 10-20# class. A brutally powerful fish in the surf. similar to small Ulua in Hawaii The locals have always used handlines with old spark plugs for sinkers and cut bait but recently they came up with this cool PVC invention. It is a 4-6" diameter PVC pipe which is cut to about 12-18" long. At the end of the pipe they mount a dowel for a handle. For casting and retrieving, the fore-arm is inside the tube and grips the handle. After casting, the PVC tube is rammed into the sand and you sit next to it and pop open a beer. Very simple, cheap and effective. They were catching 3 Toro for everyone I caught, however, I was using artificals only. 

The PVC is genius!  Thanks for the pics, Scott. 

I have my uncle working on a prototype, similar to the one Lino has.

I may just end up selling all my rods n reels.

I may just end up selling all my rods n reels.

After landing 2 halibuts and 1 ling in the past 2 months, I have the same thought but may keep those with mojos (only conventionals though, not my fly fishing gear).

Hope you and Chuck score soon.

Well you probably knew this was coming.  I built my own version of the Baja PVC Handline using 4" pipe and two female-female connectors. The 2" gap is enough to hold 150' of 100# test. I added some felt padding for comfort. Fits in my plano box. Total project cost is under $7.00 not including the line. Crazy thing is that I can cast a 1 oz swimbait over 50'. Accuracy is a problem.  No fish caught yet.

Well you probably knew this was coming.  I built my own version of the Baja PVC Handline using 4" pipe and two female-female connectors. The 2" gap is enough to hold 150' of 100# test. I added some felt padding for comfort. Fits in my plano box. Total project cost is under $7.00 not including the line. Crazy thing is that I can cast a 1 oz swimbait over 50'. Accuracy is a problem.  No fish caught yet.

This is so cool, Scott.

I tried to cast my 8" spool with a 6" swimbait on a 2oz head and can only go ~30ft. I will try a 4in/1oz setup. And you're right. Accuracy is an issue. I think this is a big deal when there is a boil. I'd like to see your rig. I wonder how to work the drag if a big one hits you.

Man, I  like that PVC design.  Better than the plastic coke container I saw them used when I went fishing in PI this year.  I think I'll make one too.  Thanks for sharing.  So, will the DFG treat this as a an extra pole?

Well you probably knew this was coming.  I built my own version of the Baja PVC Handline using 4" pipe and two female-female connectors. The 2" gap is enough to hold 150' of 100# test. I added some felt padding for comfort. Fits in my plano box. Total project cost is under $7.00 not including the line. Crazy thing is that I can cast a 1 oz swimbait over 50'. Accuracy is a problem.  No fish caught yet.

I wonder how to work the drag if a big one hits you.

In Mexico they run straight 100-200# test. If they get a big one the "drag" is running down the beach after the fish.    Actually they dig their heels into the sand and go mano-y-mano. Since I have a 30# leader, the only way to give line with tension is to point the open end at the fish and palm the line. Kind of like palming the spool on a fly reel.

Man, I  like that PVC design.  

So, will the DFG treat this as a an extra pole?

My guess... they will.

In Mexico they run straight 100-200# test. If they get a big one the "drag" is running down the beach after the fish.    Actually they dig their heels into the sand and go mano-y-mano. Since I have a 30# leader, the only way to give line with tension is to point the open end at the fish and palm the line. Kind of like palming the spool on a fly reel.

Let's go for an outing and compare notes. This is beginning to get more interesting. I may have to build one but with no handle, rather make something to grip on at the circ-edge of the pipe...

Man, I  like that PVC design.  

So, will the DFG treat this as a an extra pole?

My guess... they will.

In Mexico they run straight 100-200# test. If they get a big one the "drag" is running down the beach after the fish.    Actually they dig their heels into the sand and go mano-y-mano. Since I have a 30# leader, the only way to give line with tension is to point the open end at the fish and palm the line. Kind of like palming the spool on a fly reel.

Let's go for an outing and compare notes.

Sounds good Leno. I will be bringing it on the "Pay It Forward Paddle" and slinging some swimbaits for whatever. It is suprisingly fun to cast. The other thing I noticed is that the 4" diameter pipe allows for a very slow, stop and go presentation for the swim bait which should work well for rockfish, ling cod and halibut.

Scott

Now, just when will you guys get the bone hooks? Then there is the line problem. Catgut? No seriously, very cool. I saw EricB's last weekend and it would be cool to try. I guess as you use it the wood will polish up so its not so rough. Anyone bringing one to Albion? I would like to check it out.

Anyone bringing one to Albion? I would like to check it out.

I can loan you one just like EricB's... but promise to return it back 
PM me if interested.

i have one you can check out craig 

Thanks James! 180 point perch comin' up.