When hunting fails or when you are near a body of water, fishing becomes your best ally.
It allows for quickly feeding a group, while requiring less physical effort than other techniques.
In this article, discover 5 simple and effective fishing methods to master in survival situations.
1. The gill net: making a passive trap
The gill net is an excellent solution for capturing multiple fish without constant effort.
You can make it with hangers, some string, or makeshift rope.
Stretch it between two trees, form regular meshes, then install it in a watercourse.
A well-placed net can trap medium-sized fish in a few hours.
2. The trap and natural traps: ancestral technique
The trap is a funnel-shaped trap made with poles and vines.
It allows the fish to enter but prevents it from coming out. It is an autonomous and reusable system.
You can also take advantage of the natural formations: depressions in the rocks, marine pits, or sandbars.
Install barriers with stones or piles to trap fish at low tide.
3. The lucky harpoon: fast and precise
The harpoon is ideal for shallow waters. Make it with a long stick, sharpened to a point or equipped with a knife, bone, or sharpened metal.
He doesn't dive in: you must hook the fish with a quick motion, then grab it by hand.
Beware of light refraction, which can distort perception underwater.
4. Machete fishing: surprising nighttime method
At night, fish are attracted to light. Use a headlamp or a flashlight, and hit them with the back of your machete.
This technique requires precision but can be remarkably effective.
It is especially useful if there are many fish and you have no classic equipment.
5. Natural poison: discreet and effective
Some tropical plants contain rotenone, a component that paralyzes fish without harming humans.
Just crush the seeds or roots, then throw them into the water.
Among the usable plants: Anamirta cocculus, Tephrosia, Derris eliptica, Croton tiglium, or even nut hulls.
This type of fishing requires collecting all the dead fish to avoid polluting the area or raising suspicions.
Conclusion
Fishing provides a stable, quiet, and adaptable food source.
Whether it's through a net, a trap, a harpoon, or even a machete, there is always a method to catch fish, no matter your equipment.
By knowing these techniques, you maximize your chances of survival and autonomy at the water's edge.
