Fishing for Survival
Fishing is one of the best ways for inexperienced hunters to gain momentum. While protein and fats are difficult to find in plants and lean mammals such as rabbits, they are rampant in fish. Fishing is great for beginners and possible in nearly every area worldwide.
Modern fishing requires basic gear such as a spinning rod, reel, hooks, fishing line, worms, jig heads, single-tail grubs, and bobbers. In most areas, fishing licenses are also required, which are handled by the state.
There are two types of fishing: active and passive fishing. Active fishing involves casting a rod and reeling in a fish or using a spear or bare hands to catch your meal. Passive fishing is when you set up a net, trotline, or trap to catch fish, enabling you to be elsewhere.
The best solution to bait fish is obviously to use something they are enticed to eat, such as a worm or a shiny object that glimmers underwater. Other types of live bait include crawfish, tadpoles, small fish, or salamanders. Many of these slimy creatures can be found under rocks near the water’s edge or on moist ground that can be easily dug into.
Almost all natural bodies of water have fish, but the challenges of catching them can arise based on weather patterns, water ecology, and time of day. The best times to fish are when they are most hungry, at dawn or dusk. Keep this in mind when feeling discouraged. Also, ensure the area chosen can provide cover, structure, and changes in the water.
Certain techniques can help you catch fish, such as jigging, which is where the bait skips along the bottom of the body of water and reels in. Let it sink again, and repeat. Twitching the bait is done by twitching the rod around in short bursts after the lure is in the water. This erratic movement makes noise and draws attention to your lure. Jerking the bait is similar; however, you use longer, slower movements and sweep the rod back and forth while reeling in.
When it comes to fishing, patience is imperative. The fish will spook and swim away if you yank on the rod too quickly. When you feel a nibble, wait a few moments, promptly jerk up, and steadily reel the fish in, allowing only brief breaks for rest without giving any slack to the fish to build momentum and break the line to swim away. Check the basket funnel trap, gill net, trotline, or fishing weir regularly for passive fishing. Be sure to reset your traps for ample opportunity.
The best way to enjoy fish is to cook it to 145°F to kill any parasites that might be present. If cooking isn’t available, it’s best to eat saltwater fish raw because the salt decreases the chance of parasites. Freshwater fish should not be eaten raw. If not eaten immediately after catching it, preserve the meat or use a holding tank to keep the fish alive until you are ready to eat.
Some traditional methods of storing fish include freezing, canning, smoking, salting, and pickling.
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