Handline Fishing: A Perfect Addition to Your Bushcraft Toolkit
There’s something primal about fishing with nothing but a line, a hook, and your hands. No rods, reels, or flashy tech—just you and the water. Handline fishing embodies the bushcraft ethos: simplicity, resourcefulness, and a connection to the land. Whether you’re sitting by a quiet creek or exploring a remote lake, a well-stocked handline kit can transform any bushcraft outing into a feast-worthy adventure.
Ready to add this timeless skill to your bushcraft toolkit? Let’s dive in.
Why Handline Fishing Kits Are a Bushcraft Must-Have
Ultra-Portable: Because Every Ounce Counts
You can’t afford to lug a six-foot rod and a tackle box through the backcountry. A handline fishing kit? It’s pocket-sized, weighs less than your morning coffee, and can fit snugly into your backpack, belt pouch, or even your hat (more on that later).
- Pro Move: Keep one in your go-bag, another in your car, and one more in your “I’ll totally survive the apocalypse” drawer.
Built for Any Water, Any Time
Handline fishing doesn’t care if you’re waist-deep in a river, perched on a dock, or casting off a kayak. If there’s fishable water nearby, you’re good to go. It’s the equalizer of fishing methods: simple, effective, and not reliant on fancy gadgets.
- Specificity Wins: Carry a mix of small lures, weights, and hooks to adapt to different conditions. Think you’re snagging trout in a stream? Tiny lures and finesse hooks are your ticket. Trying your luck in a lake? Add some weight and go deeper.
Bulletproof and Ready to Go
Fishing rods are delicate creatures that break if you sneeze on them wrong. Handlines, though? They laugh in the face of abuse. No moving parts, no fragile tips—just you, the line, and your survival instinct.
- Durability Hack: Opt for a handline reel made of sturdy materials like ABS plastic or carved wood. Bonus points if you make your own (keep reading for DIY tips).
Key Components of a Kickass Handline Kit
Building a great handline kit isn’t about overloading it with stuff—it’s about choosing the right stuff. Here’s what separates the “meh” from the must-have.
Braided Line: The MVP of the Outdoors
Monofilament is fine for lazy Saturday fishing trips, but in survival mode, braided line is the real hero.
- Tangling is the Enemy: Braided line doesn’t have “memory,” so it won’t coil into a tangled mess when you need it most.
- Multi-Purpose Wizardry: Need to sew up a ripped backpack? Repair a busted tent? Tie up a quick snare? Braided line has your back.
Pro Tip: Stick with 15–30 lb. test braided line. It’s strong enough for most fish and versatile enough for other tasks.
Flared Hand Reel: Cast Like a Champ
Ever try casting with a flat spool? Spoiler: it’s awkward, inefficient, and annoying. A flared hand reel solves that problem.
- Why It Matters: The angled edges let your line flow off smoothly, giving you more distance and precision.
- Real-World Benefit: When your dinner depends on reaching that far-off fishy hotspot, every extra foot counts.
A Tackle Kit That Punches Above Its Weight
Your tackle selection can make or break your fishing trip. A good kit includes:
- A mix of hooks (small for panfish, medium for bass, and a couple larger ones just in case).
- Split-shot weights to keep your bait where the fish are.
- A handful of trout magnets, jigs, or soft plastic lures to match your fishing environment.
Hack: Pack it all into a small tin. Add foam padding to prevent rattling, because stealth matters when you’re in the wild.
How to Use a Handline Like a Pro
Using a handline may look simple, but like all bushcraft skills, success comes down to technique. Finding the right spot, setting up your gear, and mastering the cast are essential steps that transform a humble spool of line into a reliable tool for catching fish.
Whether you’re fishing for dinner or just sharpening your outdoor skills, following these steps will ensure you’re prepared to make the most of your handline setup. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Scout the Right Spot
Fish, much like people, prefer cozy spots with plenty of food. Target areas with calm eddies in fast rivers, shaded banks, or submerged structures like logs and rocks. These are natural gathering points for fish and increase your chances of success.
- Look for calm eddies in fast rivers.
- Target shaded areas under overhanging branches.
- Check around submerged logs, rocks, or vegetation.
Bonus: Attach a small weight to your line and cast it out to feel the bottom structure. It’s a simple way to gauge depth and terrain if the water isn’t clear.
Step 2: Rig It Up Right
The simplicity of handline fishing is its strength, but setting it up correctly makes all the difference. Attach a hook and sinker to your line or opt for a small lure if that’s more your style. Natural bait like worms, grubs, or insects is ideal, but brightly colored lures can work wonders when bait isn’t available.
- Attach your hook and sinker (or a small lure).
- Bait the hook with what you’ve got: worms, grubs, or insects found nearby. No bait? Use bright-colored lures to mimic prey.
Pro Hack: For surface-feeding fish, skip the sinker and keep your setup light for better results.
Step 3: Perfect the Cast and Retrieve Technique
Casting with a handline is simple, effective, and fun to master. Here’s how to make every cast count:
- Prepare Your Handreel: Hold your handreel steady, ensuring the flared side faces the water to let the line peel off smoothly.
- Control the Line: With your other hand, pinch the line a few inches above the lure or bobber to keep it steady before casting.
- Make the Cast: Use a backhand motion across your body to toss the lure. A smooth, controlled flick helps the line fly farther and land accurately.
- Let It Sink: Allow the bait or lure to settle to the desired depth. Keep the line slightly taut to feel any movement.
- Reel It In: Retrieve the line hand-over-hand or wind it back onto the reel as if you’re spooling it. Maintain steady tension to avoid losing your catch.
With practice, this technique becomes second nature, letting you focus on the thrill of the catch.
Get Creative with Your Handline Setup
Handline fishing is as much about resourcefulness as it is about simplicity. Customize your kit to match your bushcraft style and make it even more versatile.
Stash Gear in Everyday Items
Hidden compartments in a Wazoo Cache Cap or belt are perfect for carrying extra hooks, small lures, or line. This approach ensures your essentials are always within reach, even on short trips or when you don’t want to carry a full pack.
Build a Pocket Kit
Photo: owleyeswilderness
A small tin, like an Altoids container, makes a fantastic pocket-sized tackle box. Add foam padding to keep hooks and lures organized, and include braided line, a few sinkers, and a couple of lightweight lures. This DIY kit is as compact as it is functional.
Carve Your Own Hand Reel
For a truly personalized setup, try carving a hand reel from a sturdy branch. Shape one end into a flared spool for holding your line, and sand the edges smooth for comfort. Add a paracord wrap for grip, and you’ve got a custom tool that’s as effective as it is satisfying to use.
Photo: Bushcraft Kelso
Why Handline Fishing Is the Bushcrafter’s Secret Weapon
Handline fishing kits aren’t just tools—they’re survival insurance, creative outlets, and a link to age-old fishing traditions. Whether you buy one or build your own, a good handline kit equips you for success in the wild.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your kit, hit the water, and show those fish who’s boss. And when you’re ready to step up your game, check out The Ultimate Guide to GoReel Fishing.
Author: Mike McKearin