Gear - Handline Fishing

handline fishing pole

When I was younger, you could often find me at the rivers, ponds, streams and lakes close to my home near Washington, DC. Moving first to Brooklyn, then northern Italy, fishing kind of took a back seat.
Recently getting back into backpacking and camping, I caught the fishing bug again. Nowadays I like to do thing minimalistic, more natural and simple. I stumbled on traditional handline fishing, and got interested.

Going back to the very basics: a hook, line and something to hold the line, I get a taste of rustic fishing where experience is more important than high-tech gear.
Now I have 2 handline rigs, both made from tree branches.

rough carving spool and handle

On my walks through the woods, I pick up fallen branches, gripping them to find a comfortable handhold. Once I find a comfortable branch, I cut it to a length that allows a good handhold and a spool for the line. I carve out the basic spool and clean up the handle to be more comfortable. tie on about 20 meters of line, and I'm ready to go fishing.

handline fishing pole with 20 meters of linen line and wrist lanyard

Once you get your pole ready, get out and fish! Catching a fish is more intimate, without the bendy rod you feel more directly the fish's movements and energy. Being compact, you can fit a full fishing kit in your pocket, so you can bring it with you on day hikes.

grass carp, 24 cm, Agliate (MB)

Does it work? On my first outing, I caught a 24cm grass carp on the Lambro river at Agliate (MB), shown in the above photo.
Whether using a bobber or weighing things down for bottom fishing, a simple handline pole lets you carry your gear easily and throw your line in just about anywhere.