1. Plural of handliner; fishing vessels or fishermen that use handlines (fishing lines held and operated by hand) rather than nets or other equipment.
Usage: nautical; commercial fishing

Examples

• The handliners in the harbor prepared their lines for the morning catch.
• Small handliners are common in coastal communities where traditional fishing methods are still practiced.
• Unlike trawlers, handliners have minimal environmental impact on the seafloor.
• The crew of handliners worked steadily throughout the day, casting and retrieving their lines.