How to Hand a Line in Kayak Fishing

Hand line fishing refers to using a hand-held spool to manually let out and take in fishing line. The spool is typically a foot long or so and about six inches wide. Often made from one-quarter-inch thick plywood, hand reels hold up to several hundred yards of monofilament line and are ideally suited for trolling. Hand line fishing reels are compact, easy to use and take up little space on small kayak boats.

Things You'll Need

  • Hand line spool
  • 125 yards monofilament line, 40-pound test
  • 20 feet monofilament line, 20-pound test
  • Fishing lure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate a spot where you have determined that trolling will be effective. Begin spooling line from the wooden reel. Use your hand to pull the line off the spool and allow the lure to drop into the water.

    • 2

      Pull enough line off the reel to allow the lure to reach a depth where you believe fish are holding or actively feeding.

    • 3

      Allow the kayak to slowly drift and pull the line and lure through the water. The slow movement of the kayak is a great speed for trolling a deep-diving lure.

    • 4

      Set the hook when a fish takes the bait. Do not immediately begin to spool the line back on the reel. Allow the fish to play out and tire itself before attempting to retrieve it to the boat.

    • 5

      Wind the line around the wooden spool as your retrieve the fish. Avoid the temptation to simply pull the line in hand over hand and allow the line to pile up on the kayak. This is a great way to end up with a bird's nest mess.