We’re going to first talk about building our kit then we are going discuss how to use it to catch fish.
Look at two types of kits, the backpack kit, and the pocket kit. The backpack kit is obviously a little larger and can hold more gear, and the pocket kit will hold only the bare minimum of gear for fishing.
Select a suitable sized container.
An altoids box, a small snap top container, smokless tobacco can (dip/snuff) can work well, or a snap top plastic worm box or lure box from the Outdoor Man Store. Obviously, the larger the container the more you can put in it, but consider how you will carry it.
Contents of our kit
We are going to assume that you have a multi-tool on your person or in your bag, for cutting line, squeezing closed sinkers (weights), and removing hooks from fish. If not, you may want to include a small pair of needle nosed pliers and a small knife in your kit.
We'll need fishing line.
Weight depends on what you intend to use as bait and the size of fish you expect to catch. You may want to carry multiple weights, say 4lb line and 10-15lb line.
We want a minimum of 20' of line, and for the backpack kit, we'd suggest a minimum of 50' of line.
Some may want to carry a whole roll of 15-20lb in the backpack to have extra cordage or make a trot line.
Good options for storing the line can be a sewing bobbin, wrapped around a pencil sized wooden dowel, or wrapped around a flat piece of stiff cardboard.
Any way that keeps it from tangling is good.
We need multiple hooks of assorted sizes
Hook sizes are like shotgun or wire gauges - the larger the number, the smaller the hook.
You want an assortment of sizes.
For panfish, such as bluegill or crappie, a recommended fishing hook size is typically between #6 and #10. A commonly used hook size for trout fishing is between #10 and #14. Carry some size # 2 hooks for catfish and bass.
Sinkers, (or weights)
Split Shot: These are small, round weights that can be easily attached to the fishing line, a use for your multi tool.
Egg Sinkers: These weights are oval or egg-shaped and have a hole through the center. They are commonly used for bottom fishing and can help keep your bait in place in moving water.
Snap swivels
Swivels and snaps for easy attachment of hooks and lures. They keep the line from twisting when bait twirls in the water when retrieved. They are available in a number of sizes
Artificial baits
Size and number we can carry depends on our container size.
We might consider a couple of life-like fish lures, such as a Rapalla, or Thin Fin.
A Silver Spoon is a good option, especially in moving water. It looks like a hook soldered into a tea spoon, and flashes coming through the water,
Carry several fly fishing flies. Dry flies imitate insects that float on the water's surface, while wet flies, fished below the water's surface, can imitate emerging insects.
You might consider a couple of spinners or jigs.
Bobbers, or floats
Again, container size determines what size you can carry.
Bobbers keep your bait at the desired depth, and indicate you are getting a bite.
Ways to fish with our kit
Pole fishing
Cut a green stick about 1” diameter at the big end
Six feet or longer
A bamboo pole works well
Attach the line to the center of the pole & secure it on the end
End of the pole could break, losing fish, line, & tackle
Attach the tackle you want to use
You can dig worms, or find grubs under logs or rocks, or use artificial baits
Hand line fishing
Primarily for bottom fishing or with a bobber, with live bait
Attach a 10’-12' of line to a 6”or 8” stick
Attach your hook, sinker, bobber – whatever you want
Making a trot line
A trot line is a long, stationary line with multiple baited hooks to catch fish
Use paracord for the main line
Along the main line, tie fishing line onto the paracord every few feet
Use split shot to keep the baited hook at the desired depth
Cut bait, weenies, bologna, and chunks of spam are all good baits for a trot line
Secure the main line at both ends
Most of the line is just under the water
Leave the trot line in the water for a period of time,
Check it occasionally
Remove fish
Rebait hooks as needed
Hopefully, you are now ready to clean and cook your fish on an open fire.
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