I am trying to decide what kind and weight of fishing line to use in my PSK.I have thought of using a super braid like Spider Wire.On this I could tie on a monofilament leader.Of course I would have this(super braid) wound onto a sewing bobbin.As some may know I live in Michigan(fresh water)and also in Nav.Reserves.This takes me onto beach ops around the world.Last year I had to go to Spain <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.I don't want two spools of line in my kit and I want it for fresh and salt water use.Also what kind of hooks would be good for both?Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
TANX
John

I just remade my fishing kit. fits in a tic-tac box. includes:

3 bobins - 1 with 20 pound spiderwire; 1 with nylon upholstery thread (brown) ~ equivalent with 10 pound spiderwire; 1 with dacron thread ~equivalent with 4 pound line. I went with these because this way I carry over 100 yards of line and it doesn't kink like the mono would when wound on small bobbins.

4 dry flies

7 #10 hooks

7 #6 hooks

7 steel split shot

1 Large hook for gaff

1 small wire brad for attaching the Gaff to stick

1 small daredevil lure

Around the outside I have a square yard of foil to make expedient lures and two large twist ties.

I still have a bit of room in there so I am wondering what else I could add.

Just some caution on the spyderwire. I havn't handled it, but i THINK that a different set of knots are required when using it. You can easily learn and practice them, but you might not be the only person who uses your PSK (one of the reasons that basic survival instructions are included in some survival experts' kits). If you do decide to use spyderwire, try include a knot sheet to try explain the knots to others (possibly when you can't <img src="images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />)

miniME: Consider adding a couple of swivels (or snap swivels). They could have a bit of tape around them to keep the rattling down when in the kit.

WOFT: Palomar is the name of the knot. It's been discussed on these forums. It is an easy knot, I do concur with your thought of having a knot "cheatsheet".

Regards,
Comanche7

I am not an accomplished fisherman, but since this is for a survival situation, I'd be inclined to pack the same tackle for both settings. Even in a salt water survival situation, you will probably be fishing in relatively still water rather than surf, and the fish you will most likely catch will be similar in size to what you'd catch back home, right?

For what it's worth, my fishing kit is stored in a single 35 mm film container. It contains a sewing bobbin with 20 lb line, a half-inch bobber and 3 tiny zip-lock bags. One of the zip-lock bags contains a half dozen split shot weights, another contains a half dozen swivels, and the other one contains a half dozen hooks. The hooks are about the size that you might use for catching bass. About #4, if memory serves. They'll be good for catching anything that I can hang onto, and can also be used for snaring birds, if need be.

I have a small cork for use as a bobber in my tic tac box fishing kit. A bobber is something that can be improvised easily enough in most situations, but I have the room, so it'll stay until I think of something better to take its place.

Chris.

Hi,

I'd like to add a fishing kit in my survival vest.
I have no experience in fishing whatsoever - I don't even understand the terms used in this thread (swivels ?).
I'd appreciate it if somebody could post a picture of a typical kit with some simplified instructions.
(Hopefully, based on that, I should be able to go to the nearest store and get whatever is required).

Thanks in advance

Chris
Try using one of them yellow foam disposable ear plugs as a float.They are very visable and boyant.You just have to thread the line through with a sewing needle.The ear plugs weigh next to nothing and can fit in any where.I've seen some place that by putting a hook in one it can be used to fish for water fowl.I would only do this in a true survival cituation.
Boatman
John

Good call, I had never thought of that even though I carry a couple pairs in my various kits.

Thanks,

Chris.

As with most things, the simplest solution is usually the best. If all you have are hooks, line, weights and a float, that'll do. I've fished all manner of rivers, streams and lakes in PA, VA and NC and this setup has never failed to catch fish. They're not big fish, mind you, but they make a good meal.
So, for starters you need

BAIT HOOKS, these hooks have little barbs on the back to hold the bait on more securely. Also, remember that a small hook will catch a big fish, but a big hook will not catch a small fish. They're small and cheap, have lots of 'em
LINE 15-20 lb test so it can be used for other things.
SPLIT-SHOT Lead or steel weights that can be pinched on and off the line.
BOBBER I really like the idea of the foam earplug that Boatman gave me, but whatever fits in your kit will do. It'll take a little trial and error, but be sure to match up your float to your weight, if the float's too small or the weight too big, the whole thing will sink; if the weight's too small or the bobber too big, you'll never see/feel the fish take the hook.

A lot of folks here have a gaff hook in thier kits, too. I have never found one to be necessary, but many people do, so I'll include it. I think it would be more useful for other things, and it doesn't take up hardly any room, so I have one.

That's it, until you're comfortable with this setup, there's no need to get more complicated.

Hope this helps,

Chris.