2/6/05
STUDENT HANDOUT
SURVIVAL FISHING
TERMINAL LEARNING
OBJECTIVE
In a survival situation, and given a survival kit, procure
fish, in accordance with the references. (Chap 12 )
ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES
(1) Without
the aid of references, list in writing the fishing locations, in
accordance with the references. (Chap 12 a)
(2) Without the aid of references, construct a field expedient hook, in accordance with the references. (Chap 12 b)
(3) Without the aid of references, conduct fishing, in accordance with the references. (Chap 12 c)
(4) Without the aid of references, consume a prepared fish, in accordance with the references. (Chap 12 d)
OUTLINE
1. FISH. In a mountainous region, fish are normally an abundant resource. Not only are they a food source, the “left overs” provide an excellent bait for traps and snares.
a. Fishing locations. (Chap 12 a) Fishing in mountain streams is generally best done with a hand line. When fishing these streams, always look for these places to fish.
FISHING LOCATIONS
2. FISHING EQUIPMENT. Depending upon your location, resources available to you, type of water source, and type and/or size of fish, certain fishing equipment may be needed.
a. Expedient hooks.
(Chap 12 b) Although hooks should be carried in a survival kit, the
survivor should be able to construct additional hooks if the
situation arises. Expedient hooks are made
to become lodged in the throat of the fish. Below are a few examples.



EXPEDIENT HOOKS
b. Fishing Spear. If you are near shallow water (about waist deep) where fish are large and plentiful, you can spear them.
(1) Cut an 18-24” long straight hardwood sapling, fire harden if green.
(2) Sharpen one end of the sapling.
(4) Carve barbs on the prongs.
(5) Notch main staff to support prongs.
(6) Lash the prongs to the main staff.
(7) Prongs that do not easily flex under the weight of a finger need to be shaved and thinned, prior to lashing.
(8) To spear fish, find an area where fish either gather or where there is a fish run. Place the spear point into the water and slowly move it towards the fish. Then, with a sudden push, impale the fish on the stream bottom. Do not try to lift the fish with the spear. Hold the spear with one hand and grab and hold the fish with the other. Do not throw the spear as you will probably lose it.
FISHING SPEAR
c. Fish Gaff. A fish gaff is an effective method to procure fish from a concentrated area near the bank or to lift fish out of the water when hooked on a hand line. It is made from a single piece of wood and sharpened on the short end.

d. Chum Basket. The chum basket is a loosely woven basket that is filled with fish intestines and hung over the waters edge. Within a couple of days, maggots will form and drop into the water, causing the fish to concentrate in the area. The maggots can be used for bait on a hand line.
3. Fish Traps. A fish trap can be effective if you have a shallow stream and time to construct it. A basic fish trap is nothing more than a barricade of rocks or sticks across a stream with another barricade using a funnel-type entrance which fish can be driven into but have a difficult time finding their way out. Once fish are trapped between these two barricades they may be speared, clubbed, or grabbed. This can be very effective when certain types of fish are moving in large groups to spawn. This type of trap is very effective in catching fish. A door can be constructed at the mouth of the trap so that excess fish can be kept live until needed.
FISH TRAP
4. FISHING SET LINES. In a survival situation, fishing sets are means to catch fish while working on other tasks or weathering out a storm. Set lines are an effective method of fishing while conserving energy. Put them out over night with several baited hooks attached. Place them with the hooks either on the bottom or suspended off the bottom, until you have determined where the fish are feeding.
a. Standard Set Lines.
GILL NET
5. PREPARING FISH FOR CONSUMPTION. (Chap 12 d) Fish may contain many parasites, which if prepared improperly can infect the human body.
a. Cleaning fish.
(2) With your knife, cut the fish open starting at the anus and work towards the gills.
(3) With your finger or thumb, push all the guts out and wash thoroughly. Look throughout the intestines to find out what the fish has been eating. It may aid you in procuring more fish.
b. Cooking fish. To ensure that all parasites have been destroyed, fish should be boiled in a canteen cup or similar container.
REFERENCE:
1. Larry Dean Olson, Outdoor Survival Guide, 5th Editon, 1990.
2. Chris Janowski, A manual that could save your life, 1989.
3. AF
64-4, Search and Rescue Survival Training, 1985.