noun. A line used or pulled by hand for some purpose; especially a fishing line used without a rod, typically attached to the side of a vessel. Now chiefly in form hand line. A line attached to a hand lead, marked at regular intervals up to 20 fathoms, used for taking soundings in shallow water.

What is the meaning of handline?

(Entry 1 of 2) 1 : a line managed chiefly by direct contact with the hands: such as. a : any of several comparatively simple arrangements of hooks and line designed for use in the hands of or under the immediate and continuous supervision of a fisherman —opposed to setline.

What is a handline used for?

Handlines are also used to trail a bait or lure behind a boat that is moving through the water propelled by an engine or by sail. This is particularly effective when the handline is trailed behind a sailing dugout canoe, as the fish are less likely to be disturbed in the absence of the vibration and noise of an engine.