Hand line or rod ?

Nether,
Expanding bait ... a grenade. I've used it in the past, works very well, and catches all sorts of fish. A bit hard to find in the bait shop though!
Bazza.

a rod is better then a handline.

Use corn or bread for bait.

Had a job in a smallgoods factory near the River Torrens Adelaide saw the guys heading off lunchtime with rods and when asked they said carp fishing - records 5 pound. Right i said tomorrow I bring my rod and the record goes down. Next day sure enough 5 and a half pound by rod. Next day record fell to a fijiian guy with a bit of stray line rapped around a coke can. make of that what you will

As I've always said "Happiness is having a rod in your hands"

Cheers to all,

Smocky.

Rod and reel better casting (to snags etc), better control of fish because can lift it over snags etc if required, more fun, good shock absorbsion

Handline, more basic, cheaper, not likely to break, easier to pack.

My vote rod and reel because more fun, sport and that is really what you are after especially when carp fishing. Get a really light one and small reel, light line and you will have to use skill to land the fish.

Have fun

D-Jack