The mackerel handlines used in the fishery basically consist of a weight, a trace of thirty hooks each bearing a length of coloured plastic tubing attached to a heavier backline.

There is a considerable level of standardisation of the fishing gear used in the fishery by the five vessels, all using the same brands of hook, polyamide line, plastic tubing and size of weight, with the emphasis on quality and durability.  This is the result of independent experience, experimenting with new products and the constant exchange of ideas between fishermen.  Departure from the standard rig, due to poor availability of supplies, often results in reduced fishing efficiency caused by failure in the components of the handline, including poor quality hooks straightening out and unaccountable breakage.