Hand Line fishing from Hobie Kona - total newbie

My 8-year old son and I would like to experiment with some kayak fishing this summer. I was thinking about getting (or making) a couple of hand lines just to give it a shot. We will be in Long Island Sound. Is this an advisable first step?

The general idea would be to paddle out a bit, drop a line over, and drift. I'm no fisherman, but I was thinking of using the type of jig where there is a weight at the bottom of the line, with the hook on a short extension about 1 foot up.

We would not keep anything. Strictly catch and release. Do we need to worry about licenses or anything?

Thanks for any help (or links) that you can provide.

Steve

Well, never mind the license question. I just got a CT marine fishing license online for $10. That was easy.

But the rest of my questions still stand.

I fish a handline when I'm not going fishing, just in case I run upon a bunch of fish and don't have a rod and reel. I have a couple of handline reels that I purchase in the local sporting goods store. You can also find them online. Cost about $4.00. Their is no great trick to it. I find it best to turn side-to when I get a fish on to keep the line away from the rudder and drive unit. Other than that have fun.

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I'm right 98% of the time. The other 3% I don't worry about.