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#1
07-10-2009
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A Simple Handline for Trolling while Sailing
Fresh fish is always a treat while cruising. One easy way to catch fish is to build a set of of handlines that can be trolled behind the boat while easing along under sail.
Several folks have asked me to writeup how to make a handline for trolling so here goes. There are any number of ways to build one, here's mine. These are simple but effective fishing rigs that can be made for just a few dollars. They are easy to store even on small sailboats. Materials : For each Handline One 3/8 " or 1/2" Plywood or starboard sheet approx 8"x 8" square (for the D-Handle) 3 - 4' of small nylon line. 3/16" or 1/4" is plenty big for the Tie Rope. This tie rope will be used to attach the handline to a hand rail or cleat while trolling. Feel free to make it longer if necessary. 3' of small nylon line 3/16" for a snubber safety line 2' of 1/4" or 5/16" bungee cord. This will be used to provide a snubber in the system to take some of the shock during a fish strike. 50 - 75' of 80 - 100 Lb test mono filament or braided nylon fishing line 2 Snap swivels (30 - 50 lb load) 1 small fishing planer ( http://www.seastriker.com/downloads/clark.pdf) Size 1 or 2 but no larger or you won't be able to handle it on the handline. 6-8' 30 lb test mono leader or steel leader material 1 Clark Spoon (smaller for mackerel and blues, larger for kingfish, wahoo and dolphin) Good luck with the handline if a big wahoo grabs your hook ! Fresh water sailors please substitute your local fish species and favorite trolling lures  .Build instructions - Saw the D-Handle out of your plywood or starboard sheet as shown in the photo. The opening in the handle for your hand is made using a 1" forstner or spade bit then sawing between the holes and sanded smooth.  Drill 3/8" holes as shown in the photo to attach the Tie Rope and bungee cord Attach the tie rope to the D-Handle through one of the 3/8" holes at the top of the handle using your favorite secure knot. Attach one end of the bungee cord and the snubber safety line to the D-handle thru one of the 3/8" holes, once again using a secure knot for both.  The small snubber safety line should be 12-16" longer than the bungee cord and acts to stop the bungee from stretching longer than the safety line. When the bungee is stretched out the loop will be pulled tight and ensure the bungee is not overstretched.  Tie the loose ends of the bungee and safety line together and then securely tie one end of the mono or braided nylon fishing line to these two lines. Study the photo of this connection below to get the idea. I recommend you sew and whip this connection using waxed whipping line for added security.  Tie one of the snap swivels to the loose end of the fishing line. This snap swivel will attach to the sliding ring at the front side of the planer as shown on the left side in the photo.  Tie the second snap swivel to one end of the 30 lb leader material and tie the spoon to the other end of the leader. Attach the leaders snap swivel to the back end of the fishing planer as shown in the photo above. The handle is used for storage of the lines. So starting at the D-Handle, wind the safety lines, bungee and fishing line around the handle and secure the hook tip safely in the line or one of the holes in the handle.   You're ready to go fishing! Next time you are sailing along, unwind the line, set the planer to dive mode by moving the sliding ring to the peak of the bale (see next photo) and get ready to catch fish. Planer set in "Dive" Mode  Drop the hook and leader into the water and then lower the planer into the water but hold on as the planer will dive and pull hard once it does. Pay out the fishing line until it is deployed and then carefully attach the tie rope to a stern hand rail or cleat and sit back. The wooden handle remains inline while you are fishing but is not used to wind the line around when you catch a fish. You can wind the line up every time if you wish but it is not necessary. When a fish hits the spoon, the back edge of the plane is pulled down, the sliding ring runs forward on the bale and the plane will trip up and the fish will rise to the surface behind the boat. Planer in "Tripped" Mode Pull the line in, hand over hand, being careful not to wrap the line around your hand or fingers. I recommend you drop the line into a small bucket as you bring it in hand over hand to minimize tangles. Once you have unhooked your fish, simply reset the planer to dive mode, drop the leader , hook and planer back in the water, pay the line back out and get ready for your next fish.... Have fun. Regards, John
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 US East Coast 1962 40' Auxiliary Cutter S.S. Crocker - Design # 330 "ONE WHO DOES NOT ANSWER TO THE HELM, WILL ANSWER TO THE ROCK" Last edited by Whampoa; 08-21-2009 at 11:02 AM. Reason: Added updated photos and new text for clarification as requested... 
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#2
07-10-2009
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John...I never fished anything in my life..could you build me one of those, please??
I didn't understand what the things you talk about are..I ever fished...but would love to try... I once dragged a plastic fish, but it was on the surface and I caught a seagull and my prop!! thanks Alex
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#3
07-10-2009
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Giu...You need an old shoe to fish!
John...great little project idea! Thanks!!
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#4
07-11-2009
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John… Thanks for that! It's simply brilliant.
For those who would rather buy than build, a D-handle can be purchased from most kite supply companies like this one (I have no affiliation): http://www.windpowersports.com/accessories/reels.html
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Jon Longworth Longitude BoatLogix software
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#5
07-11-2009
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I'd point out that some of our boats don't go slowly enough to troll for fish effectively.
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You know what the first rule of sailing is? ...Love. You can learn all the math in the 'verse, but you take a boat to the sea you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of the worlds. Love keeps her going when she oughta fall down, tells you she's hurting 'fore she keens. Makes her a home. —Cpt. Mal Reynolds, Serenity (edited)
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#6
07-11-2009
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Personally, I never seem to catch any fish no matter what equipment I use
though, it struck me IMHO this little gizmo would be a great addition to an emergency 'ditch kit' (when not "in-use" that's where it should be stored). Great idea/execution, John. Your woodworking craftmanship always comes through on everything you do (e.g., your wood handle for this looks "store-bought" but I know you made it and took time to make it well). Thanks! Michele
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#7
07-11-2009
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Morning All,
Alex, I'll be happy to put one together for you. I will be in touch to sort out where to send it when it's ready. Cam, they work well and are easy to use even in the dinghy. A bunch of the kids at the dock all made one for their recent sail out to Cape Lookout and had a ball bringing in over 20 mackerel and blues during the trip from Oriental. The fish stories were fun when they got back  .Jade, thanks for the link. Many folks don't have the simple tools needed to make one so that will help. Some folks prefer the yo-yo style spools as well but I like the D-Handles as I find them easier to hold and control. I carry a 5 1/2' boat rod and reel as well but seldom rig it up. Have a great weekend. Regards, John
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US East Coast 1962 40' Auxiliary Cutter S.S. Crocker - Design # 330 "ONE WHO DOES NOT ANSWER TO THE HELM, WILL ANSWER TO THE ROCK"
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#8
07-11-2009
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Your loss dawg
 ! We catch fish on the rig up to about 6 knots sometimes 7 knots but after that seldom. I've never seen more than 8.6 knots from Whampoa so I get to fish most of the time and suffer through the fresh grilled fish at the end of the day!We usually get underway early in the day and pick up enough fish for the days meal in the first hour of the sail so the pain of going so slow might be tolerable for a short period. Or not......... You're too kind Michele...  Regards, John
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US East Coast 1962 40' Auxiliary Cutter S.S. Crocker - Design # 330 "ONE WHO DOES NOT ANSWER TO THE HELM, WILL ANSWER TO THE ROCK"
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#9
07-11-2009
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I am with John 100% on this one! John, I like your hand rig!
9 times out of 10 if my wife is on the boat we are trolling. She is the type who would rather fish than do most anything else. She has caught a 36 lbs. striper off the back of our boat. I know that might sound like big fish (and it was) but the record striper for the Hudson is 54 lbs. We love sailing and there is nothing like trolling on a light air day, when she yells "Fish ON." It breaks the boredom of those days when the best the boat can do 3 to 5 knots. If it makes her happy then I am happy! NY State Striper Records New York 76 lbs 0 oz Atlantic Ocean Bob Rocchetta 7/17/1981 New York 55 lbs 0 oz Hudson River Dan Mangold 5/9/2003
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#10
07-11-2009
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Dawg, I've been thinking and with the benefit of a few more cups of coffee I think I have an idea for you guys on fast, multi-hull boats!
Instead of the bungee and braided line, insert your JSD between the D-Handle and planer. That should ease your speed enough to allow you to bring a some fresh fish and get a break from kippers and crackers once in a while .Of course the typical D-Handle may not accommodate all of your JSD but looking at the typical cat or tri, the hull shapes look like a good substitute to wind the JSD around till you need it next. Now back to the leadmine! Regards, John
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US East Coast 1962 40' Auxiliary Cutter S.S. Crocker - Design # 330 "ONE WHO DOES NOT ANSWER TO THE HELM, WILL ANSWER TO THE ROCK"
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#11
07-11-2009
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Wow, that looks like a nice little bit of kit.
I am firmly in the camp of people who love the idea of catching fish while cruising, but who have had only limited success over a few abortive attempts.... Maybe we have found a new secret weapon...
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#12
07-11-2009
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That's it...no more rum in your coffee...
BTW, we can go as slow as you...we just prefer not too... off to the boat now... Quote:
__________________
You know what the first rule of sailing is? ...Love. You can learn all the math in the 'verse, but you take a boat to the sea you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of the worlds. Love keeps her going when she oughta fall down, tells you she's hurting 'fore she keens. Makes her a home. —Cpt. Mal Reynolds, Serenity (edited)
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#13
07-11-2009
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Hey Dawg...get on with your POD job..this post deserves it!!
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#14
07-11-2009
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I have sailed a few times below 7 knots....I know I can do it...I just need practice! BUT I CAN DO IT!!!
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#16
07-11-2009
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shhhh..
tu nao gostas de grelhados!!!
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#17
07-11-2009
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TG, I think you are onto something!
We leadmine sailors are always willin to help out so here's a link to get Alex started in his search for the perfect BBQ. CD will help too I'll bet http://www.defender.com/category.jsp?path=-1|406&id=552 Alex, while your at it buy 7 of the ones you like and mount one on the top of one of your wheel towers and then drag the other 6 out behind you on Dawgs JSD. That will keep the weight out of the boat while affording you some moderation in your speed..... Boy I love it when folks get excited about fishing and BBqingGlad I could help out, even just a little bit.... Regards, John
__________________
US East Coast 1962 40' Auxiliary Cutter S.S. Crocker - Design # 330 "ONE WHO DOES NOT ANSWER TO THE HELM, WILL ANSWER TO THE ROCK"
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#18
07-11-2009
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Quote:
Please...don't give her ideas... TG...it's ugly and very heavy, honey!!! really..we will sail slower..believe me..besides it stains the teak...and you don't like grilled food...
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#20
07-11-2009
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Oh NO , not banishment too! First the dawg takes my rum away and then dad issues my first ban warning
OK I'll fly right but I did have one last question for TG. TG did you mean to say Alex was "winning" or "whining" I wasn't sure Hope you guys are having a great time up in NYC. Alex do you want your D-Handle made of wood or starboard? Regards, John
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US East Coast 1962 40' Auxiliary Cutter S.S. Crocker - Design # 330 "ONE WHO DOES NOT ANSWER TO THE HELM, WILL ANSWER TO THE ROCK"
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#22
07-11-2009
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ahahahah
good one Whampsie!! I don't know what is starboard..whatever is easier for you..I am not picky... Can we fish while heaving to?? I can do a knot or 2 then...
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#23
07-11-2009
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I had a huge strike yesterday while trolling under mainsail in light wind.Coincidentally a 20' power boat passed by on my port side just after I made a course change to port.The rod tip curled in a circle and the line snapped.Another big one got away!!
Phil Last edited by Philsboat; 07-11-2009 at 12:06 PM.
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#24
07-11-2009
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Alex, it's possible to troll at such slow speeds but you will likely want to change out the planer for a trolling weight of say 1-2 oz. A #1 (small) planer might also work well at those speeds but 3-6 knots is best for trolling with these planers.
Torpedo Sinker  or a swiveled trolling sinker  #1 Planer  Wood it is then.... Phil, sounds like a 12 guage might have been in order for that strike. Regards, John
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US East Coast 1962 40' Auxiliary Cutter S.S. Crocker - Design # 330 "ONE WHO DOES NOT ANSWER TO THE HELM, WILL ANSWER TO THE ROCK" Last edited by Whampoa; 07-11-2009 at 12:36 PM.
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#25
07-11-2009
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John, once you build the Whampsie Fising Rig©™, can you please give me instructions to use, as if I was 10 years old...I never fished...I mean..I dipped the line, but never got anything...(except a seagull)
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#26
07-11-2009
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It's simple to use and I will write up a cheat sheet to send along.
Have a good day folks. I need to run off for a while. Regards, John
__________________
US East Coast 1962 40' Auxiliary Cutter S.S. Crocker - Design # 330 "ONE WHO DOES NOT ANSWER TO THE HELM, WILL ANSWER TO THE ROCK" Last edited by Whampoa; 07-12-2009 at 07:09 AM.
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#27
07-11-2009
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The joys of hand-lining!! Fished commercially in Hawaii for a few years, mostly hand-lining for Ahi (yellow fin tuna). You really get a feel for the fish hand-lining that just isn't there with a rod. One note of warning, though. Don't wear gloves! If you do hook into a monster, gloves can result in missing digits and/or a quick dunk! The way to bring in the line with a large fish is to take a single wrap of the line between the thumb and forefinger, wrapping around the width of the palm (not around the finger area). Do this hand over hand with your right hand rotating clock-wise and your left counter clock-wise (thumbs pointing up) until the monster is close enough to gaff and haul in. I know most of us (including myself) don't carry a gaff while sailing. If the fish makes another mad dash, just release by pointing all fingers forward, toward the fish. Just be careful dealing with larger fish. Not worth loosing a finger over.
PS - Hope I described the procedure well enough. Its easier to perform than to describe.
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#28
07-12-2009
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Cabron99, Welcome to the AS Forum. Thanks for adding your good and sound advice.
Regards, John
__________________
US East Coast 1962 40' Auxiliary Cutter S.S. Crocker - Design # 330 "ONE WHO DOES NOT ANSWER TO THE HELM, WILL ANSWER TO THE ROCK"
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#29
07-12-2009
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Whampoa - This is great, I can't wait to make one and try it out. I have been impatiently waiting to get in some line time but trying to figure out a rod holder that wont foul with the bimini/pushpit and gear and still allow fighting room.
This would eliminate that problem entirely. Thanks
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#30
07-18-2009
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Just to tie up this thread, here's a link to a followup post from Alex and my writeup for him on how to use the hand line.
Good luck with your fishing adventures! http://www.anything-sailing.com/showthread.php?t=2843
__________________
US East Coast 1962 40' Auxiliary Cutter S.S. Crocker - Design # 330 "ONE WHO DOES NOT ANSWER TO THE HELM, WILL ANSWER TO THE ROCK"
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#31
07-18-2009
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thanks John..great thread
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#32
08-09-2009
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Just a quick note,
Following a number of questions from folks, I have updated the pictures and some of the text to try and clarify how to put one of these together. Thanks to all who have provided feedback. Let's go fishing! Regards, John
__________________
US East Coast 1962 40' Auxiliary Cutter S.S. Crocker - Design # 330 "ONE WHO DOES NOT ANSWER TO THE HELM, WILL ANSWER TO THE ROCK"
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#33
08-09-2009
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NO!!!
THANK YOU JOHN!!! because of you I have caught fish, somethiing I have never done in 35 years at sea!! the probloem is the emarrasment of having to buy a BBQ!!
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#34
08-09-2009
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Man....I caught this BEAST 2 weeks ago, and am still digesting it...tough bastard!!!
 
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#35
08-09-2009
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Quote:
__________________
 Only bad witches are ugly.........Glinda, The Good Witch of the North
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#36
08-09-2009
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Quote:
Did you know the fight thata monster gave me?? Watch me fight him on my cockpit!!! 
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#37
08-09-2009
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Quote:
Hey, maybe I should have you cater my daughter's wedding.....Big ol' fish fry. 
__________________
Only bad witches are ugly.........Glinda, The Good Witch of the North
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#38
08-09-2009
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sorry...too late...after we fed my kids, the remaings of that monster fish were sent to Africa, where famine was cured by its sheer size
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| cruising, fishing, handlines, sailing, trolling rigs |
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