Fishing Gear for the Survivalist

Fishing has been an effective survival strategy for centuries. If your boat breaks down or you get stranded in the woods, knowing how to fish could save your life. Even if you are planning on a simple fishing trip, it is always wise to think ahead. It is much better to be overly prepared than to face a dangerous situation in the wilderness. 

But, even seasoned survivalists have trouble deciding on the best gear. Is it better to have compact, collapsible supplies? Is it wiser to buy heavy gear with stronger capabilities? It can be difficult to know, especially if you don’t plan on going for a long trip.

Whether you are an advanced angler or a novice survivalist, it is always good to know what you’re doing. To feel completely prepared for your fishing trip, you want to have the best supplies available. Here is everything you need to know about fishing gear and how to use it for survival. 

What to Look for in Fishing Gear

When looking for the best survival fishing gear, it is important to keep landscape, fish, and necessity in mind. If you’re fishing near your local freshwater lake, you won’t need the same kind of line that you would use for a large, saltwater ocean. 

You need to be prepared with hooks, lines, and rods that match your fishing environment. Including miscellaneous supplies such as flies, first aid, and bobbers will also be essential. Keeping your gear as compact as possible will reduce unnecessary stress and disorganization. 

Above all, when it comes to survival, reliability is the most important factor. You do not need a specific kind of rod, hook, or kit when it comes to survival fishing. While you should have necessities, none of it has to be fancy. Sometimes, all you need is a rod, a line, and a few extra hooks. That will give you enough to survive out in the wilderness. 

The Best Survival Fishing Kits

Fishing kits will change depending on the type of fish you are looking for. Freshwater fish won’t need the same thick, heavy lines used for saltwater fishing. The need for a larger kit also won’t be necessary when fishing for survival, especially if you need food for fuel. 

With that in mind, basic fishing kits should include all the essentials. They should also be more compact to avoid clutter or weight promotion. Generally speaking, you won’t be fishing for food that is large or difficult to catch. This isn’t always the case, but it is better to plan for general fishing than intense sport angling. 

The most recommended fishing kits include Uncle Flint’s Survival Fishing Kit, the TRS Survival Fishing Kit, and the Best Glide ASE Survival Fishing Kit. All these are small in size while carrying the most essential fishing gear. If you would like to make your own survival fishing kit, here are all the materials you need:

• Pole with Reel
• Hooks
• Lines
• Sinkers
• Swivels
• Bobbers 
• Bait 
• Pliers or Multi-Tool

The Best Survival Fishing Rods

The most important thing to know is that a survival fishing rod never has to be fancy. A basic rod will work as well as one designed for intense saltwater fishing. Even so, it can be helpful to buy a rod designed for compact and simple survival. 

Survival rods can also be great for backpacking trips. They provide another option for obtaining calories while camping. Since there are rods designed for minimalist survivalists, many of these poles are small and capable of compression.

The best survival fishing poles include coil rods, spinning rods, and portable rods and reels. All are designed for compact and lightweight fishing, allowing you to carry your gear anywhere. Since it is harder to pack a rod, having the ability to slip it in your backpack can make it perfect for survival.

How to Make Bushcraft Fishing Gear

The most self-reliant form of fishing gear comes with the art of bushcraft. Whether you intend to survive or need bushcraft gear for an emergency, it can be an essential asset. Knowing how to make bushcraft gear could save your life, especially if you didn’t intend to get lost in the wilderness.

To make a bushcraft rod, follow these steps:

1. Find wood
2. Cut it down to size with a knife, axe, or sharp rock
3. Carve a comfortable handle
4. Add line and hooks (hooks can be carved into the rod if you do not have access to your fishing kit)

Plan Your Fishing Trip With Survival Gear!