You don't need to have a reel on your improvised fishing pole, just tie the line on the end. If you catch something, pull it in with your hands, or if you're on shore, just back up.

If you have just one reel of fishing line in your kit, and you attach the whole thing to your fishing pole, you could lose the whole thing if you dropped it (or a big fish pulled it out of your hands!)

As is often said, Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best, and don't put all your eggs in one basket.

Kristina, I see that you are like me... hardware dept: "What ELSE could this be used for?"

Sue