Survival Fishing Kits...Where to start?

 

Fishing or Angling has fed man since the beginning of time. Catching fish has became a sport like most primitive skills have. But the modern man may have to depend on those skills to save his life. A survivor will spend less energy fishing versus procuring food by hunting.

Fishing as a kid sparks many fond memories, and many adults haven't fished since childhood. Could you tie a Palomar knot today? Do you remember what fish to target with what lure or bait? Many folks don't and they carry fishing kits in their survival gear. Fishing is a skill and a perishable one. The time to learn is not when your stranded, starving, and possibly wounded. I'm not saying go spend your weekends with hand lines or survival fishing techniques. But go fishing for recreation, take your significant other, spouse, or kids. Learn where fish hangout, different species diets, and what time of day is best to name a few.

Carrying fishing equipment with your survival gear will be location dependent. Most areas in the World other than desert regions you may have the opportunities to catch fish. Your equipment may also vary by your location. You may want to carry larger hooks and a spear gun if traveling over the ocean. Or carrying more flies or "salmon eggs" if your in a mountainous region.

The kit I keep in my Go Bag is a modified Basic Survival Fishing Kit from Best Glide. It comes well stocked with plenty of room to add more gear. This kit can be used in most regions for a variety of species. I also include two Sail cloth needles to use with braided fishing line for repairs, and a razor blade to facilitate cleaning fish. The braided line and hooks could be used to make an improvised trot line. I suggest carrying mono-filament as well as braided line, many fish are spooked by braided line. Carry a wide range of lead weights, hooks in various sizes for different fish species and baiting options. Carrying a few different lures or flies will be useful if live bait is difficult to acquire. A few corks to detect those bites that aren't felt.

You should always carry a fishing kit with your survival gear. For the size to calorie ratio, it doesn't make sense not to have one with your kit. Include the items I've mentioned above or any destination specifics you may need (i.e. spear guns/fish nets). As the saying goes "You can give a man a fish, he will eat one meal. You teach him to fish he will eat for a lifetime." Get out there and fish!


Best Glide fishing kits:
http://www.bestglide.com/fishing_series_survival_kits.html