Fishing in a survival situation will provide a more reliable form of food source than any other form of hunting. That's because fishing has been used as a survival technique since the very beginnings of human history. Even today, fishing can feed you and give you the energy needed to survive and self-rescue (should this ever occur).
So I asked my friends at Outdoor Gear Reviewed for some tips on this important skill. They gave me these 8 Survival Fishing Techniques that could one day save you and your family's life.
Best Survival Fishing Techniques To Learn Now
1. Using A Fish Trap
A fish trap is built using an inverted funnel entrace and surrounded by a fence-like structure. This allows the fish to enter the trap easily but difficult for it leave. In order to build the trap, start by placing sticks in a fence like position in a bowl shape with an inverted funnel opening. Use some meat or worms as the bait and check your trap every few hours with a spear or fishing net to gather up the fish.
2. Fishing Weir
A fishing weir is much larger than a trap and is usually a permanent structure. It does use the same principle as a trap, however will take much longer to build. It has a bowl with a funnel entrance, much like a trap, but you will need to seal the entrance to check the weir. This fishing technique can often produce sizable catches, however you will have to be waist or chest deep in water to gather the fish. And you will probably need a large net.
3. Hook And Line
By far the most common method of fishing today is with a rod and reel. If you have these with you in a survival situation, count yourself blessed. Many people carry hooks, line and sinkers for survival purposes in a pack. Buying a travel fishing rod for this purpose can pay huge dividends if you are ever stranded. Digging up worms or using bits of food you may have can be used as bait. Lines can be attended or left out to catch fish. You should consider getting yourself a Full Fishing Rod & Reel Kit just like this one.
4. Hand Fishing
Hand fishing is perhaps one of the oldest survival fishing techniques known to mankind. This involves reaching into the water and grabbing a slow-moving fish with one or both hands. But today one of the most common methods of catching a fish by hand is the method of hand grappling catfish. This is also known as noodling and hogging. It involves you getting right out into where the fish live, going underwater and pulling the fish out of its hole by hand.
This is certainly not for the faint of heart as it is considered an aggressive form of fishing. I always use a good pair of gloves whenever I am practicing this method.
5. Spearing Fish
Spear fishing is not always the best method of catching fish, especially small ones. It is better to use this when targeting the larger fish family. This method takes patience and practice to be used correctly and I recommend reading this guide on spearfishing tips. Though it an be a highly effective method of catching fish such as salmon, carp and salt water species in shallow water.
6. Gill Net
Yet another ancient form of fishing is by using Gill Nets. This utilizes nets with openings just big enough for part of the fish to enter and then become trapped. The nets are placed in an area where the fish are in a migratory run or stream. The fish attempts to swim through the net but becomes entangled by its gills, hence the name of the net. Gill nets require some patience, however can be extremely fruitful and provide a reliable source of food if the timing is right.
7. Netting
Using fishing nets is very common today and is a great method for trying to catch fish in a survival situation. It requires patience while usually waist deep in water, for long periods of time. A word to the wise though, this can be one of the most frustrating methods of catching fish as it is often met with a high degree of failure. But it beats trying to catch a moving fish by hand. Here's a great Fish Net Set to get you started.
8. Gorge Hook
Gorge hooks are not a hook in the normal sense of the word. They are sharp sticks, thorns or bone with bait over them that are cast them out like a normal fish-hook. Once the fish swallows it, the gorge hook lodges itself in the fish’s stomach or throat and allows you to slowly bring them in. This can be highly effective if you have some sort of line and bait with no normal hooks.
Best Survival Fishing Techniques Conclusion
No one plans to get stuck in a situation where they have to survive off the land. But in the rare case that it happens I hope you’ll be prepared. Learning what type of fishing is best for you, how to catch, dress, and properly prepare a fish in the wild could save your life one day. Even if the situation isn’t dire, practicing a few handy survival fishing techniques is a great way to spend time with the family. And if you're ready to start buying the best fishing fear you'll need to achieve this, I recommend heading over to McFly Fishers. A site all about fishing gear, techniques and great reviews.
Great ideas. When I was in Vietnam we used hand grenades to fish with. Although we caught plenty of fish to eat Grenades are not advisable today. However, in deep water you can place some heavy rocks in the bottom of a mason jar, fill the jar with black powder, poke a good hole in the top for a waterproof fuse then screw the top on tight. To make the entire thing waterproof pour some candle wax around the fuse hole. Be careful to melt the wax in a double boiler and do NOT just drip the wax from a burning candle. You could easily light the fuse and blow yourself, your Lovely Lady and the rug rats up not to mention the family dog. Do NOT use this in shallow water unless you have a death wish. The glass WILL come right out of that shallow water and tear everything within reach to pieces. This is NOT for children or the mentally challenged.