Gear

Handline Fishing Gear Guide

Everything you need to fish with a handline — and nothing you don't.

Reels

Reel Types

From the original Cuban yo-yo to precision-machined sidecast reels.

Flat-lay of handline fishing reels and accessories — colorful discs, cases, floats, and nets on a dark wood surface

The handline reel ecosystem — from traditional discs to modern precision designs, cases, and accessories.

Traditional Cuban Yo-Yo

The original flat disc handline reel. Notches around the perimeter hold the line, casting is a sidearm frisbee toss. Available in 6-inch (hand-lining), 7-inch (mid-size), and 9-inch (trolling) diameters. Runs $3 to $8 and available at Bass Pro Shops, Amazon, and tackle shops everywhere. Brands: Lee Fisher, Offshore Angler.

Modern Handline Reels

The handline market has exploded with innovation. Daggerfish Gear, KP Micro Reel, GoReel Pro, Chill Reel, and EZ Reel have all reimagined the handline with CNC-machined metals, ergonomic shapes, and premium materials. The Yoyito — a CNC-aluminum Cuban yo-yo — bridges traditional and modern.

Vintage Collectibles

Reels like the 1960s ‘Mr. Fisherman’ by Olympic Reel Company are prized collector items that still fish beautifully today. Vintage handline gear shows up on eBay and in antique shops — a reminder that this style of fishing has deep roots.

Sidecast Reels — YO Reel

The evolution continues. YO Reel combines Cuban Yo-Yo DNA with a 90-degree sidecast mechanism — rotate between retrieve and cast positions for cleaner line releases and controlled recovery. Same handline philosophy, engineered forward.

Learn more

Line

Line Selection

Your line choice affects casting, sensitivity, and fish-fighting ability.

Braided Line (Recommended)

  • Best for: Most handline fishing, casting from disc
  • Weight: 20-30lb test for general use
  • Why: Lays flat, zero memory coils, casts smoothly, maximum sensitivity
  • Brands: Diamond Braid Gen III, PowerPro, Sufix 832
  • Caveat: Will cut bare fingers — always wear gloves
  • Capacity: 50-100 yards for casting setups

Monofilament

  • Best for: Heavy-duty handlining, trolling, beginners who skip gloves
  • Weight: 40-60lb test (some commercial fishers use 80-200lb)
  • Why: Built-in stretch acts as shock absorber, won’t cut fingers as fast
  • Brands: Ande Backcountry, Sufix Siege, P-Line
  • Caveat: Memory coils from disc wrapping can hurt casting
  • Capacity: 200-400 feet for trolling setups

Tackle

Terminal Tackle Essentials

The small stuff that makes or breaks your rig.

Leader Material

2-3 ft of 20-30lb mono or fluorocarbon. Provides abrasion resistance against structure, teeth, and rough surfaces. Connect to mainline with double uni knot or Alberto knot. Add wire leader section for toothy fish (mackerel, bluefish).

Hooks

Mustad 3407DT, sizes 1/0 to 4/0 for general saltwater. Circle hooks for bottom fishing and catfish. Match hook size to target species and bait size.

Weights

Egg sinkers (1/2 to 2 oz) for general use. Pyramid sinkers for anchoring in current. Heavier weights (2+ oz) extend casting distance. Bank sinkers for rocky bottoms.

Snap Swivels

Tie to the end of your leader for instant hook/jig/lure changes. Eliminates re-tying when switching presentations.

Hand Protection

Leather work gloves, fishing gloves, or the old Key West trick: bicycle tire tube cut into rings for your fingers. Non-negotiable when fishing braid.

Kit

The Minimalist Kit

A complete handline fishing kit that fits in your back pocket.

  • 1 × Cuban yo-yo or handline reel$5-$8
  • 50 yards of 25lb braid$5
  • 10 ft of 20lb mono leader$2
  • 6 × assorted hooks$3
  • 4 × egg sinkers$2
  • 2 × snap swivels$1
  • 1 × leather work glove$5

Total: under $25. Weight: under 1 pound.

See What We're Building

YO Reel is a sidecast handline reel designed for modern anglers. Same handline philosophy. Precision engineered.