Fishing

Does anyone have any advice for learning how to fish? Nothing fancy. Just the sort of fishing one is likely to do with the PSK fishing kit. The thing is I'd like to add fishing to my tool kit of skills, but I don't really know anyone who fishes and I don't want to buy a lot of expensive equipment.

Also, how many people who include hooks, sinkers and line in their PSK have actually tried fishing with very basic equipment. How effective is it? Are you confident in it's usefulness?

Hi there,

There are plenty of webpages out there that can help you with learning how to fish (Google is your friend!).

As for including hooks, sinkers and other fishing items in a PSK, a while ago I added what I know would allow me to catch species I already know about (lake trout, for example). However, i'm not so sure i'd really catch something in a real situation. In other words, it might not be worth the energy expenditure to rig up and play around trying to catch fish. Your energy should be kept for important tasks such as feeding your fire and making sure you're ready to signal overhead aircraft.

It is well documented that you can survive for a while without food. I think it's safe to assume that if you are to be rescued, you probably will be before you starve to death.

I am considering taking the fishing items out of my PSK, as I think they're only "feel good" items.

My 0.02$. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I keep 25' 6# test and 5-6 small hooks in the handle of my BK10 knife. I fished with a similar setup on 3 separate occasions years ago while backpacking. The bait, if I recall, was small grasshoppers and worms. I caught nothing on two occasions and two small trout (probably planters) on the other. Not exactly a ringing endorsement I know, but I was just successful enough that I have carried a very minimal amount of fishing gear with me while in the outdoors ever since. Some leader and a few hooks take up little space and weigh (and cost) practically nothing.

I consider them "feel good" items as long as TEOTWAWKI doesn't happen. Then their "status" would definitely change in my PSK. I always keep in mind other uses for the kit like catching birds (Yum).

Brings to mind: I was out and about with someone and we decided to take out our rods and fish. "We don't have any bait. We have to go and buy some bait," he said. I rolled my eyes, whittled the end of a stick into a chisel and dug up some nightcrawlers 20 feet from the riverbank. I knew how and where to look though. Caught some nice redear.

Some of the best fishing I ever did was in a trout stream with some 4 lb. test monofilament, a small hook (salmon egg hook basically), one or two split shot, and grasshoppers for bait. It was early in the morning probably around 7:30. It was cool, and the grasshoppers were sluggish and easy to catch. Once it warmed up, the grasshoppers were about as easy to catch as shooting a flying duck with a rifle.

Very good question. I have read that gill nets are very effective for fishing, though they don't fit in PSKs.

If you have a local fishing spot nearby where other folks are fishing; talk to someone there. Most fishermen love to give tips.
Other than that get a simple rod with 4lb test, some #10 bait holder hooks and some splitshot sinkers. With this simple set up you can catch most North American pond and stream species like sunfish / bluegills, trout, bass, etc.
Use worms and grasshoppers for bait. All other fishing is to add a challenge (fly, lures) worms are great for when you want to eat. The key is to get a natural "drift" either toward the bottom and or with the current.
Bill

my only advice is to go fishing. books will help you with baiting the line properly and howto make a proper knot but I think the best is experience. I would still keep a small fishing kit available as doesn't take that much space unless you want to use gil net or the SpeedHook... my own experience with this subject (with a rod) is doesn't take much energy and definitely worth while if you can get some fishing in morning before gets to hot.
Of course every survival situation is different, and sometimes you must adapt to the area... But up here in canada and being someone who grew up with fishing it's definitely worth taking about same space as my whistle to put a small fishing kit.

If you want to fish as a sport, then it can get pretty complicated with all the different kinds of fish and artificial bates/lures.

If you want to buy a fishing pole, then the simplest setup is a bamboo or fiberglass pole without a reel. This works surprisingly well while shoreline fishing, especially for kids. That is just about all my dad used during most of his life. The next steup up would be a fiberglass pole with a spincast reel. My advice is to go to your local sporting goods store (or Kmart/Target/Walmart) and ask the salesperson for help finding a basic setup that comes with the rod/reel/line already together.

If you want to catch fish, then the simplest method is to use a monofiliment line, tie a hook to one end (Google "fishing knots" for a how-to), put a small lead sinker about 8 inches above the hook (keeps the bait from floating), and then put a float (usually a plastic bobber) on the line above the sinker. The float should be attached so the hook lies a foot or more above the bottom of the lake/stream ... so fish can find the bait.

In general the best all-around bait is worms or any kind of grubs you find under logs and such. Most insects will do too, though you don't want them too big or spiny.

Spear the bait on the hook and throw it out into the water. Then wait for the float to move - indicating a fish is grabbing the bait. At that point you need to jerk the line with a fair amount of force to "set" the hook before the fish trys to swallow the bait. Then pull in your fine catch.

Here is a nice basic web site:
http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/fish/fishing/bobber.htm

You can get started for little of nothing. Bass Pro and other stores sell small spinning rigs that are packable and can easily catch most species...depending on your local. I live in OK and if there is a pond, stream or lake nearby I can catch enough small perch to feed myself easily.

Now...PSK fishing is a bit different, but same principal applies. You need a few small hooks, split shot and line and then basically you tie it to a pole and have at it...here we call it perch jerkin. A bobber helps, you can use a dead piece of wood that floats, or a small piece of cork. Use worms dug up or grasshoppers...which incidentally you can cook and eat...but I prefer fish.

Now all of this really depends on you getting stranded where there is a place to actually attempt to get a meal...so you have to make the call. It may be comfort gear, but who knows, you might get lost right by a nice little pond. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

a plastic film canister makes a great holder for a fishing kit. you can put a few hooks and split wieights , a steel leader or two and a small float along with some line. I like braided spider wire, very strong . this kit can be used from shore and is good to catch perch,sunfish ,bass,trout.
i've caught turtles using the steel leader and hook with intestines of fish as bait. you can also use the fish carcass to catch crawfish. put the carcass of a fish in a bottle or jug with a good size opening , tie the spider wire around the neck and sink it just off shore. the crawfish crawl into the jug to eat the fish. let it sit for a few hours and pull it up . the crawfish can't get out of the bottle.
you can also use this kit to catch birds. not very nice but if your in a survival situation, you have to eat

best time to fish is morning or just before sunset. nighttime you can fish for catfish. have fun <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I thought it might be fun if one day if we have an ETS / PSP fishing derby.
You must only use the fishing components from the Pocket Survival Pak to catch fish; you can add a expedient pole and float that you improvise. Then we post photos of what we caught and a panel (?) votes on winners or something like that.
Where I usually go Bluegill fishing there are always folks hand-line fishing and they always catch fish with just a string and a baited hook.

I also like the braided spectra lines, like Spiderwire. I know some people have trouble tieing it, but it's no worse IMHO than the 69# thread that is the PSP.

Along with using the leaders for birds, you can use them for squirrels and chipmunks and the like. Add a very small hook, bait it with something they'll like, and put it on a branch. They eventually swallow the hook or it snares in thier paw, the struggle, fall of the branch, and dangle there until you fetch them. As Bubbajoe said, not very nice, but it works.

And your crawdad trap sounds like my minnow trap. Minnows aren't much, but it's just like goldfish. Head back, mouth open, drop, swallow.

Like other posters have mentioned, there's no substitute for going out on a quiet morning and putting your bait in the water. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Stores like Wal-Mart, as much as we sometimes love to hate them, have a good basic selection of fishing gear. I think I picked up a name brand rod & reel combo there for no more than 14-15 bucks. For about $20 you could walk out ready to get started.

Also, definitely get your fishing license. Never know if that fisherman standing next to you is actually a game warden! <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

One little item to not overlook, making an edible food from fish caught!
Fishing is relaxing, fun and a real pleasure. Often we "catch and release" so the fish can be caught again by someone else, thus not depleting the resource.
There are times that keeping a fish or fishes for that special camp meal is really an experience not to be missed.
The trick is, you need to know how to clean and perhaps scale the fish, and how to prepare the fish by a variety of means. It is not hard, just one more skill to be looking into. CHeers!

I often considered that too, removing the little fishing kit. I can also recall that on a few trips I was able to catch a nice trout or panfish after making camp and it was a real departure from the packaged meals being carried. All it took was a few minutes and a few ounces of fishing gear. Of course the fish have to cooperate too <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
While an average person can survive many days without food, remember that food provides energy and calories to help the body stay warm and the energy helps with being able to cope with other survival challenges.
Besides, I like eating <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Fishing is like building a fire. Sometimes it is a little harder than it looks. The more experience you have, the better luck you will have. Part of experience is learning the "fishy-looking" spots.

If you have never done much fishing I would suggest picking up a very basic book like "Fishing for Dummies". That is not intended as an insult. I have thumbed through one and it looks like it covers the basics for a beginer.

I do not know where you are, but check the website for your state Department of Natural Resources or Fish and Game Division or Wildlife Division (name will vary by state) Many state, national and local parks will have places you can fish. You will need a licence. You should be able to find some of this info at your State DNR website.

Depends on where you are, but some state parks put on various types of educational programs. I know some states do fishing clinics. Search for your state and fishing clinics.

You do not need to spend a great deal on fishing equipment. You can get everything you need at WalMart or such places. A few assorted hooks, some assorted small lead sinkers, a few bobbers, an inexpensive rod and reel combo and a can of worms and you are in bussiness.

Warning - you might enjoy it !

Check your state regulations before you practice with gill nets. Not legal in some freshwater areas. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

In fact, read your state regulations before you do any type of hunting or fishing. (A google of "your state DNR Fishing Regulations" will probably get you close.) Limits, size restictions, seasons and types of equipment allowed vary from state to state.

Of course, if you are lost and starving use what you have and hope the game warden shows up to arrest you.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I've got some basic gear. I'll go looking for a place and get a day liscense. Hopefully I can beat winter here.

My fishing kit consists of a bamboo pole, 12' of line, a few hooks and a few floats and a few sinkers. For bait I use worms, dead flies I find in the windowsill, bits of scrap meat and occasionally some blobs of stale bread dough. The most expensive item in my fishing kit is the hook, at $1.29 for a package of a zillion various hooks. I use 12lb test for everything, I get my line for pretty much free at yard sales.

Here's how to fish.

1. Put some kind of bait on a hook. I usually cut a worm up and put that on the hook.
2. For some fish, set your float to hold the bait 6-10" below the surface - I catch bass and bluegill and crappie and sunfish this way, but I've also caught 24" carp this way.
3. For some fish, you make your bait go just above the surface. For some fish you put the bait just above the bottom of the lake/river/ocean. I have no idea what fish prefers what level, all I know is that I catch trout and bass and carp with the same rig. In the ocean, you need an actual rod and reel, as the 12' of line I use won't reach the bottom where the fish seem to be.

Then basically, you wait. that's it. fishing is about guessing where the fish are and then waiting.

Just as an FYI - for the vast majority of the USA, most (perhaps all) freshwater fish are basically toxic. Don't count on fish for LTS, just short-term. The levels of mercury, PCB's and the like in fish is dangerously high. PREGANT WOMEN SHOULD NEVER NEVER EVER EAT FISH CAUGHT IN THE WILD!

Here's some references:
http://epa.gov/waterscience/fish/advisories/newsmar05.htm

"PCB's found in Morewood Lake, Massachusetts. Fish from a small lake at the Country Club of Pittsfield in Massachusetts have been found to be contaminated with PCBs. The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) said the fish taken from Morewood Lake have the same level of contamination as those found in the Housatonic River, which is heavily polluted with PCBs from the General Electric plant. The state is now considering an advisory warning people not to eat any fish caught there. A spokeswoman for the state agency said it appears that Housatonic fish have been migrating into Morewood Lake through a culvert that floods when the river is high."

http://www.delawareriverkeeper.org/newsresources/factsheet.asp?ID=23
WASHINGTON, DC (September 19) Mercury pollution is making its way into nearly every habitat in the U.S., exposing countless species of wildlife to potentially harmful levels of mercury, a new report from the National Wildlife Federation shows.

http://www.commondreams.org/pressreleases/feb99/020399a.htm
"Report Finds Forty States Advise Limited Fish Consumption Due to Mercury Contamination; Calls State Protections Inadequate; U.S. Tuna Foundation Joins Call for Reduced Mercury Emissions"

It's well known Great Blue Herons and the like transfer undigested roe from "whereever else" to isolated ponds to stock them with bream, etc. I've seen evidence of it occuring time and time again on farm ponds and private lakes with no feeder streams, so I doubt it's a myth. Will these fish carry any levels of mercury or PCB's once they're eating size? (Assuming the water and rain is unpolluted, of course)

Yes. First of all, you can't assume water & rain are unpolluted, no matter what.
As shown in this article (one of many):
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-03-13-pollution-_x.htm

Almost every place in the USA has suffered from the effects of imported air pollution, at least occasionally. Some of the most serious impacts:

• Mercury emitted by power plants and factories in China, Korea and other parts of Asia wafts over to the USA and settles into the nation's lakes and streams, where it contributes to pollution that makes fish unsafe to eat.

• Dust from Africa's Sahara Desert blows west across the Atlantic Ocean and helps raise particle levels above federal health standards in Miami and other Southern cities.

• Haze and ozone from factories, power plants and fires in Asia and Mexico infiltrate wilderness spots such as California's Sequoia National Park and Texas' Big Bend National Park, clouding views and making the air less healthy.

There's nowhere - nowhere - on planet earth where wild areas aren't affected by this.

Now, here's the other half of the issue - basically, fatty tissues acumulate toxins, and the further up the food chain you go, the more toxins you get. So that nice big trout you got - the one that at a few hundred pounds of smaller critters - it's going to have more toxins than if you made a nice minnow smoothie. The ecosystem of the water is much more connected - nothing does not get eaten by something, and there's lots of stages from the smallest to the biggest. So the stuff builds up!


Sorry to be gloomy on this topic, but for LTS, freshwater fish are NOT the choice to make if that's you're plan. You better get good at identifying nuts and berries and capturing small game.

<img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />Thanks for a good, straightfoward answer to my question. This kind of makes me glad I'm not addicted to fishing like I used to be. I have not eaten any freshwater fish from the wild for years. I have either given them away or did catch and release. The last I ate was white crappie in the late '90s out of Kentucky Lake/Tenn River, and that was only in the Spring of each year. I will admit to eating farm-raised catfish every so often though.