Fishing is a potential source of food in a survival situation, sometimes the ONLY source of food.
A good survival kit should have some basic fishing line and hooks, but it's likely you won't have a pole. Even if you do, there are other ways to catch fish.
As Hank Williams Jr once said, "We're from North California and South Alabam', And little towns all around this land. And we can skin a buck, and run a trotline. And a country boy can survive"
There are three basic ways to fish without a pole or in a survival situation, some are better in the still waters of a lake, while others are better suited for running waters:
1. Limb lines. Basically, the tree is your fishing pole. You can easily rig several limbs in sequence, varying the depth and type of bait to see what works in your area.
2. Trot lines. As simple as a length of strong fishing line with hooked and baited drop lines hanging down every couple of feet and spread across a stream or pond. Keep the drop lines with the baited hooks about two feet apart and prevent them from sliding up or down the main line when fish are fighting to get free. Tie a small knot on each side of where the drop line is connected to the main line to keep it all in place.
3. Jug fishing. Like a trapper setting traps, jug lines can be a very effective way of targeting specific fish hangouts, and can even be drug behind your raft or canoe on the move.
Each one requires adequate anchor weights to hold them in place if stationary, or drift weights that will help prevent the escape of a large, wriggling fish. Weights are used to restrain and/or control a fishing line and can vary from lightweight sinkers to a big rock. Basic baits include grubs, worms, shad, minnows, local shellfish, “stink” baits, big tasty bugs, or whatever you can find.
NOTE: These methods should be used with caution or for survival only as they may illegal in many locations.
A good survival kit should have some basic fishing line and hooks, but it's likely you won't have a pole. Even if you do, there are other ways to catch fish.
As Hank Williams Jr once said, "We're from North California and South Alabam', And little towns all around this land. And we can skin a buck, and run a trotline. And a country boy can survive"
There are three basic ways to fish without a pole or in a survival situation, some are better in the still waters of a lake, while others are better suited for running waters:
1. Limb lines. Basically, the tree is your fishing pole. You can easily rig several limbs in sequence, varying the depth and type of bait to see what works in your area.
2. Trot lines. As simple as a length of strong fishing line with hooked and baited drop lines hanging down every couple of feet and spread across a stream or pond. Keep the drop lines with the baited hooks about two feet apart and prevent them from sliding up or down the main line when fish are fighting to get free. Tie a small knot on each side of where the drop line is connected to the main line to keep it all in place.
3. Jug fishing. Like a trapper setting traps, jug lines can be a very effective way of targeting specific fish hangouts, and can even be drug behind your raft or canoe on the move.
Each one requires adequate anchor weights to hold them in place if stationary, or drift weights that will help prevent the escape of a large, wriggling fish. Weights are used to restrain and/or control a fishing line and can vary from lightweight sinkers to a big rock. Basic baits include grubs, worms, shad, minnows, local shellfish, “stink” baits, big tasty bugs, or whatever you can find.
NOTE: These methods should be used with caution or for survival only as they may illegal in many locations.