Handline

The handline is the oldest type of fishing gear in Iceland as it has been used from the time of settlement. However, nowadays only the hook would be recognized by the earliest users as it has undergone many changes throughout the centuries. The line itself has changed from wool, to hemp, to nylon and the hook has also evolved to become more effective. However, the most revolutionary change was the computer controlled electronic jigging reel. In recent years they have been taken into use by most handline boats and have made the fishery easier and much more efficient.

The reels are attached to the ship's side. The line is often 50-200 m long with a 6-8 m extension of fine twine containing four to eight hooks. The hooks are often 10 cm long containing rubber bait to mimic prey. The line is let out and the reel automatically senses the bottom. The hook is moved up and down by the automatic reel and is reeled in when the reel senses the set minimum weight of fish on the line.

The difference in efficiency from the old days (before the mid 1980´s), where one man would be at each line and do everything manually, to the current way is immense. By having a computer control the jigging activity, one man can now easily operate many handlines as the fisherman only has to release the fish from the hook and then push a button for the reel to start fishing again. The number of handlines per boat can be up to 12 in larger boats but are usually 3 to 5. If the reels are too many, and therefore too close together, the lines can get entangled. In addition, many modern small boats are equipped with fishfinders, radar and GPS linked to a computer. This, of course, means that the catch per day at sea per boat is much higher for modern small boats given the same amount of fish in the sea.

Handlines are used by the small open boats usually of less than 6 grt. capacity in inshore waters all around Iceland. It is mostly used to catch cod and also a considerable quantity of saithe, but other groundfish species to a much lesser extent. The handline is primarily a summertime fishing gear as more than 90% of the catch is from May to August. A version of the handline has also been used to fish for squid. Handline fishermen have increasingly been using bait on the hooks.

The classical fishing rod is in fact also a version of the handline. It has been used by Icelanders through the ages to catch trouts and salmon in rivers and lakes. Sea angling has also been conducted as a sport for many decades, although it has only in recent years gained public popularity. It is also increasingly popular for foreign tourists to do some sea angling while visiting Iceland.

References and further information

References: (Gunnarsson, Jónsson, & Pálsson 1998), (Kristjánsson 1983), (Þór 2002), (Þór 2003), (Þór 2005)

For full citation and further information on fishing gear see this page.

Hörður Sævaldsson / Hreiðar Þór Valtýsson University of Akureyri