Survival Fishing Catch & Cook Challenge Part 1
We’ve been talking about getting some Bushcraft Challenges going amongst the GABC crowd for awhile, and this one is officially a go. It actually came about via a conversation with our good friend Bushcraft Kelso, and from there we decided on some parameters. In short, catch and cook a fish using only a Swiss Army Knife, or multitool if that is more your speed, 10 feet of 550 cord*, a ferro rod, and a fish hook. Bonus points for making your own hook if you feel like an extra challenge. You definitely want to get in on this challenge because we'll be randomly selecting one participants to win a GABC prize pack!
That asterisk is there because we discussed using the various types of paracord that included other materials as inner strands, and I had some type of survival cord in my stash. However, I was unable to ID it. The combo of inner strands doesn’t match up with the popular brands.
With my trusty Victorinox Farmer, a WAZZO Ferro Rod Toggle, and 10 feet of some survival cord, I was ready to get started. I cut a nice piece of Maple from a downed branch and decided a baton-style handline was the way to go. The cordage provided plenty of options with 10 feet of monofilament, 10 feet of Kevlar, 10 feet of hemp, and approximately 60 feet of inner strands. Plus, I still have the outer sheath to use for other projects.
From there, I shaped the hand line with a taper from the front to the area meant to hold the line, and a longer taper for the handle. With a rough version ready to go, I spooled up the Kevlar section and then attached the 10 feet of monofilament with a Surgeon’s Knot. I wanted to make sure it was casting well, so I headed to the creek. With a bit of weight and float, I was able to cast 10-15 feet when I was lucky.
I got a couple of hits on a Trout Magnet and finally hooked up with a small Green Sunfish. Now I’m going to refine the hand line a bit, work up a couple of options for improvised hooks, and head out for the second part. The end goal is to catch a fish worth a meal, start a fire with the SAK and WAZOO ferro toggle, and enjoy a nice shore lunch. In the meantime, we encourage you to start the challenge. Grab whatever multitool or knife you prefer, get some cordage, and get crafting. Post results on the GABC Basecamp FB Page, tag us on IG, or join our Discord and share your experience.