Tuna Handline Spools

[blubeast]

Saw some spools being sold for Christmas lights that would work great for handlines.

Just picked some up at out local Ace Hardware store... $.50.

[Phil Layer]

Great idea, Blubeast!

I used these for wrapping up my Xmas lights this past weekend and they aren't worth a darn for lights. Handlines...they'd be perfect.

[corrirod]

Don't buy those plastic "H" shaped ones with the handle on one side because the arms break too easily. I made some out of wood that work much better and it takes no time at all to make them.

Just take a piece of 1/2" thick by 4" wide piece of wood, cut it about 12" long, then cut a "V" shape on each end, then attach a metal handle with 2 screws to the side of it. About $.50 for the handle and screws and a piece of scrap wood and your set.

Go to your favorite fishing supply store and ask them to save the empty bulk line spools for you. I have a few and they work well. Miss B told me about doing this. I have two large spools that industrial wire came on if anyone wants them, they should hold about 1000' of handlines.

[Pilar]

Keta, small wire spools are all I use. Make sure they are all plastic to prevent saltwater rust and staining your handlines.

Bluebeast, thanks for the tip.

[ 12-29-2003, 08:20 PM: Message edited by: Pilar ]

[Mello-Yello]

I tried collecting spools only to find that either no one had em, or they were already saving them for someone else. So, I made my own. They actually turned out pretty simple, but they work fantastic! I had some scrap material (can't remember what it's called, but it's some kind of pressed paper w/a waxy base), pressboard maybe?
Anyway, you should be able to recognize it from the pictures. If not, I'll run down the name.

At the time, I had access to a small bandsaw, which made them very easy to make.



It only takes a small wrist action to feed the line out...very quick. You'll note that I made a small flag w/duct tape and sharpie'd the line length on the handlines. Pretty handy when getting setup and anticipation is high.



Anyway, to each his own, but I'll take these over spools now. I just can't imagine anything working better. If I make it to the Jan. Tunaholics meeting I could bring a few for 'show and tell' if anyone's interested.

M-Y

[Beer Waggin]

I found some before Christmas too. They look like big line spools with a handle in the center. They came in a bag with five(?) spools. The bag is a cheap-o nylon thing, but I'm sure it will work.
Fred's only had one left when I was there or I would have bought more. I think they were $13.00 for the bag and five spools. That's $2.60 per spool if there are five in the bag. Pretty cheap in my book.
I'll try and remember to bring in the label to see if they can be located on the web next week.

[4 REEL]

Popeye has made some out of the HDMW (?), you know. The high density plastic. Flat with a 'V' on either end and on the side just has an opening as a handle. Quit simple but super effective and durable . Bruce...any coment [img]graemlins/program.gif[/img] ?

[WP]

My low tech solution is similar to M-Y's but not as nice! Just notched HDPB with a cut-out for my hand. It works better than anything else I have tried. Sort of like a spinning reel with a hand wind. Just remember to attach the end of the line to the reel as a hit as you get the line out can be expensive...don't ask how I know this!
Dave

[CATCH AND EAT]

Here's how I am setting up. 11# wire spools that I take off the welders work great. Not to bulky and just the right size to hold 400 ft of lines. Best of all is that I just pay for the wire. The spool is a freebee. :grin: You guys might consider haunting your local welding supply house or your buddies body shops or any business that does welding. Make a friend and get them for free.

Bernie