Someone wanted the contents of the mil spec fishing kit, so here goes:

Verbatim from kit:


Fishing Kit, Survival


Spec. No. MIL-F-6218C (ASG)

NSN 4220-00-244-0764

Wt. - 6 1/2 ounces

Dim. - 4-5/8 x 2-13/16 x 1-1/8 inches

List of Components

1-Fishing Instruction Booklet

1-Aluminum Case

2-Treble Hooks, Size 1

2-Straight Shank Hooks, Size 9/0

1-Leader Packet, Assorted

1-18 lb. Test, 50 ft. Monofil-Line

1-63 lb. Test, 50 ft. Monofil-Line

1-Assembly of Assorted Hooks

1-Assembly of Assorted Needles

1-Assembly of 8 Size 3 Safety Pins

1-Small Stainless Steel Spoon

1-Large Stainless Steel Spoon

1-Red & White Stainless Steel Spoon

1-Leaderknots and Hitches Card

1-Single Edge Razor Blade



New Horizons
of Oakland County, Inc

(The “assorted hooks” are twelve hooks of different sizes ranging from 3/4 inch long (5 each) to 2.5 inches long, with three 5/8 inch long sinkers.

Leaders are 2 each of 2 different sizes, with swivels and snaps.

Needles are 8 straight needles in pairs, looks like six upholstery type and two garden variety.

Needles and Safety pins are on gold and red material (to use as lures). Spoons of course are the lure and not the soup variety.

Pretty spiffy, and very tightly packed.

I wonder why they include so many spoons. I would rather have a few flys or jigs; something like a Mr Twister.
Spoons can be jigged but are best when trolled or retrieved.

I have a theory, based on the fact I don't fish very much and only as a social activity and for practice:

I can use a spoon. If I can use a spoon, anyone who isn't in a coma and has the use of one hand can use a spoon. I can't use a fly very well (pierced my ear trying), and I'm not entirely sure WHAT a jig is. *laughs*

Survival gear that is bulk packed, like most of the military gear, should be idiot proof. If you build your own, ok. But if people who fish less than I do are expected to use it, it is KISS time.

billym is right that spoons work best when trolled or retrieved. In the SAS Survival Handbook it's recommended that you let spoons sink as deep as possible then 'reel' them in by hand.

Fish are attracted by shiny objects and movement which is I'm sure why spoons are included in even the most basic of kits.

The nice thing about flies is that if you have a fly which floats you can technically leave your line out (or many lines) and wait for a fish to think it's getting an easy meal. Unfortunately it's a low percentage method (I liken it to setting snares) because it's the fly landing on the water which gets the attention of the fish most times...not their presence just sitting on the surface of the water. That's why fly casting is such an art and a vital part of fly fishing.