Food strategy is an essential part of survival preparation. Whether it's growing, catching or hunting your food, it is important to have a strategy in place. Today, we're diving deeper into the art of DIY survival fishing - a skill that might just save your life one day. Let's embark on this step-by-step journey together.
1. Crafting Your Own Fishing Rod
Crafting a rudimentary fishing rod can seem intimidating, but with patience and resourcefulness, it's a feasible task. It's actually much easier than you expect and can be relatively cost free.
Find a Suitable Branch
Your first step is to find an appropriate branch that serves as your fishing rod. The ideal branch should be about six feet long, sturdy, yet flexible. Bamboo, willow, or yew are preferred if you're in a wilderness area. Here's a great resource on how to identify trees
Attach a Fishing Line
Next, you need a fishing line. This can be a piece of string, thread, or even dental floss (seriously). If circumstances are dire, your shoelaces could also be utilized. Tie one end of the string securely around the top of the stick. Learn how to tie strong knots here
Fashion a Hook
Creating a hook might require some ingenuity, but it's very feasible as long as you are flexible. You could use a piece of bone, a safety pin, or a soda can tab. Carve the bone or bend the metal into a hook shape, and securely attach it to the end of your line. Here's a great guide on how to make a fishing hook
2. Assembling a Handheld Fishing Line
If space is limited or materials are scarce, a handheld fishing line, or "handline", is a compact and effective option.
Find Your Line
Similar to the DIY rod, your line could be a string, thread, or dental floss. For handlining, it's beneficial if the line is longer - about 10-20 feet to reach deeper waters.
Secure Your Line
To prevent losing your line and to help manage it effectively, wrapping it around an object like a soda can, a bottle, or even a piece of driftwood can help secure it. Ensure that you can comfortably hold this object as you'll use it to reel in fish.
Attach a Hook
Like with the DIY rod, the same materials can be used to create a hook. Make sure it's secure and sharp enough to catch fish.
3. Designing DIY Fishing Lures
No live bait? That's not a problem for the DIY Fisherman. You can craft your own lures to attract fish.
Bright Objects
Shiny objects are attractive to many types of fish. It's pretty simple. You can utilize pieces of aluminum foil, soda can tabs, or anything that sparkles. Attach it near the hook to draw fish towards your line.
Feathers or Fabric
A small piece of cloth or a feather can mimic the movement of baitfish in the water. This will help attract more fish. Secure this to the top of the hook to give your bait some lifelike motion.
4. Building a Fish Trap
If you're stationary for a period, a fish trap is a passive way to gather food while you attend to other survival tasks.
Constructing the Trap
Fish traps can be assembled using rocks or branches in shallow water. Arrange them to form a corridor that progressively narrows. Fish enter the wide end and get trapped in the narrow end. Here's a great video on making fish traps
This is a very important skill as you never know where you can be in a situation where resources are limited and food is even more scarce. Fishing is a skill humans have been perfecting for their entire existence, and being able to do it w/o the proper materials is essential for survival.
Be safe out there
I am an independent safety and survival expert and consultant. I have over 15+ years of experience working with corporations and individuals to help identify, remediate and prepare for threats and and disasters. I help clients understand risks and blog about my thoughts and techniques at DisasterShelters.net
