Automatic Fishing Reel

Has anybody ever used these?

http://www.rockingaltd.com/mfish.html

Saw a bunch at walmart. Worth getting?

Passive fishing devises are illegal in most states. Do they work? yes.

I've got a couple dozen, they're effective, but to be legal (in Illinois), you've got to tag them, like a trap or trot line. I'd definitely have some on hand for putting fish on the plate if times got tough, but they're kind of bulky for a BOB.

Troy

Check with your local DNR Chris, they're probably legal if you tag 'em (I'm not 100% sure about Ca., but they're legal in Il, Wi. In. and Mi., not to mention almost ALL of the southern states).

Troy

Ah, walmart... trying to trick us into buying illegal stuff!

I don't fish anyway, this would just be for survival.

In a survival situation, you can acheive the same action with line and hook by using a triggered sapling or limb. What's the need for yet another device?

You ever actually made a trap trigger and then caught anything with it... how about starting a fire with a bow drill??? I've done the bow drill, and tried the traps... many times... and with my rate of success, I'll stick with yoyos (the common name for these automatic reels) and Conibears (a very effective trap). By the way, if you haven't tried any of the above... what are you waiting for... TEOTWAWKI???

Troy

I've actually been meaning to write a post about this for awhile. I got a bunch of Speedhooks several years ago and just tried one out the first time this last fall. These things are very effective. Much smaller too, you can fit a half dozen into a flat 2" x 7" bag. Tried one out in my stock tank (pond for you northern folks) and it worked very well. I was just catching perch, but I even set it to a light enough touch that I caught a fathead minnow. Normally those guys can strip the bait off a hook in a few seconds. Could use the minnow for bigger bait or eat it if you're hungry.

I was really impressed with how well it worked. Very simple, stainless steel, low bulk, and no coil springs to wear out. I just found they have a website now.

speedhook.com

I've got a few of the speedhooks too, they're great for hand angling, but if you're gonna hang it off of a tree or bridge, you'd better beef up the line, it's a little light to hold anything of size for an extended period. Replace the mono with Spiderwire, and you're good to go... they're great.

Troy

It's exactly the same as Yo Yo Fishing Reel, which has been available for years. And, yes, some states make them illegal for using.