Hand-held lines of many types that have been used in fisheries worldwide since pre-historical times. Can be used from the shore but mainly used on small-scale fishing crafts.
Handlines may be used with or without a pole or rod. For fishing in deep waters the lines are usually operated using reels. The bait used may be natural or artificial. This category includes the jigging lines, operated by hand and used on small boats. Handlines can be worked mechanically, using powered reels or drums. They are generally used on medium size vessels, but they may also be used on relatively small boats.Pole-lines can also be mechanised, e.g., for tuna catching, with the pole movement being entirely automatic. ( Nedelec and Prado, 1990).