......Fishing is a sport. For those who make a living from it, it is an occupation. For those who may require the nutrition the fish provides, fishing is life. While sportsmen and commercial fisherman are governed by rules and regs, in a survival scenario all of these become irrelevant. Since there is a direct correlation between what is illegal and what is effective, look at the methods poachers use to improve your survival fishing return. Multiple barbs (double and treble hooks) can be weighted close to their eye and used to snag. Long lines involve rigging a single line with multiple hooks spread out on individual, drop-weighted leaders and leaving it unattended. Multiple species can be caught with this, and foul hooking is likely. Catch small fish and use them as bait (even if bait fishing is illegal). One of the best options for catching fish is gill netting. Nets can be created out of paracord, mosquito netting or just about any mesh. Be careful your net gauge (i.e., the size of the opening) is smaller than the fish you wish to catch.
Even shooting fish can yield results. My father told me of a story of a laborer who worked the fields in the Philippines who took an air rifle to the head of a catfish in a muddy creek. What I’m trying to convey is, your survival is your priority. In a true survival situation, obeying the law is an afterthought. Besides, in cases of survival, the court turns a blind eye to “poaching” means.
Primitive curved hooks are not easy to make, and when they are made well, they work only on fish with mouths large enough to swallow the glued or tied-on barb. Face it, there is nothing like a quality, modern fishhook. The only primitive fishhooks worth a darn are gouge/gorge hooks. These double-pointed hooks enter the fish’s mouth, are swallowed, and then are turned sideways with a tug. If you decide to make primitive hooks, or wish to bend a nail into one, at least pack what works as a reliable backup. Ask yourself this question, is it more important to carry makeshift hooks or know how to make them? If you’re relying on makeshift hooks in your emergency kit, aren’t you deliberately handicapping yourself? While you are at it, don’t carry a tarp and hope for no rain. Hope isn’t a plan......
