Street
fishing line
What does fishing line mean?
A line made of torn cloth, string, or elastic, weighted at the end, used to slide contraband, notes, or food between cells.
"He rigged a fishing line to pass smokes two doors down."
Origin
From the resemblance to angling; 'fishing' for items across the tier floor.
Frequently asked questions
What is a fishing line in prison?
It is a homemade weighted string, made from torn cloth, elastic, or thread, used to slide notes, food, or contraband from one cell to another across the tier floor.
Why is it called a fishing line?
Because using it resembles angling: inmates cast the weighted line out and drag items back, as if fishing for them across the floor.
What is passing items this way called?
The act is often called 'fishing,' and the notes or items sent along the line are sometimes called 'kites' when they are written messages.
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