1. a fishing line held and operated by hand, without a rod or reel
Usage: nautical; fishing
2. a person who fishes using a handline
Usage: nautical; fishing

Examples

• The fisherman cast his handliner into the deep water.
• Handliners were common on small boats before modern fishing equipment became widespread.
• She preferred using a handliner for catching mackerel off the coast.
• The old handliner technique required skill and patience.
• Many commercial handliners worked the waters near the harbor.