Walter Hix
Top 5 Fishing Gear Picks for Bushcraft Life Near Water
Introduction
Securing a reliable food source is one of the pillars of wilderness survival. While trapping requires patience and hunting requires energy, fishing often provides the most consistent return on investment for the bushcrafter. Bodies of water are lifelines in the wild, offering hydration, navigation routes, and an abundance of protein. However, relying on a bulky fiberglass rod and a tackle box full of lures is not always feasible when you are trekking through dense underbrush or trying to maintain a lightweight pack.
Bushcraft fishing is about adaptation and efficiency. It involves mastering handlines, utilizing passive techniques that work while you sleep, and ensuring you have the tools to process your catch quickly and safely. Furthermore, life near the water comes with its own set of environmental challenges, specifically insects, which can break your focus and morale. Investing in quality fishing gear designed for the rugged demands of the outdoors ensures that you can harvest resources effectively without being weighed down. The following list details five essential items that streamline the process of catching, cleaning, and surviving near the water.
Main section
What it is: The Exotac xREEL is a modern, tactical evolution of the traditional Cuban yo-yo or hobo handline. It is a compact, handheld fishing kit machined from high-strength polymer. The unit features a textured grip for secure handling and an internal storage compartment that houses hooks, weights, and floats. The kit comes pre-loaded with high-test fishing line and includes a "Roundabout" tackle organizer to keep your terminal tackle from becoming a tangled mess inside the handle.
What problem it solves: Standard fishing rods are fragile and cumbersome to carry through heavy brush. If a rod tip snaps, your primary method of food procurement is gone. The xREEL solves the durability and portability issue. It provides a virtually indestructible fishing system that fits in a pocket, allowing you to cast lures or bait with surprising accuracy and distance using only your hand. It eliminates the mechanical failure points of reels and the fragility of rods.
Practical considerations: Handline fishing requires a different technique than rod fishing; you feel the bite directly with your fingers, which offers incredible sensitivity but requires gloves or care to avoid line cuts with large fish. The kit is buoyant, so if you accidentally drop it in the river or lake, it will float to the surface for easy recovery. It is the perfect primary tool for the minimalist angler or a backup for the boat.
Speedhook Emergency Fishing/Hunting Kit
What it is: The Speedhook is a specialized spring-loaded device designed for passive fishing and trapping. It consists of a simple wire mechanism that holds a baited hook under tension. When a fish (or small game animal) bites the bait and disturbs the trigger, the spring snaps open, setting the hook instantly and firmly. It was originally developed for military survival kits to allow downed pilots to catch food while attending to other survival priorities.
What problem it solves: Active fishing is time-consuming. In a survival situation, you cannot afford to sit by the water for hours holding a line when you need to be building a shelter, gathering firewood, or boiling water. The Speedhook solves the time management problem. It acts as an automated force multiplier, fishing for you while you sleep or work. It turns fishing from an active chore into a passive trap line, significantly increasing your chances of eating.
Practical considerations: Because this device is so effective, it is illegal to use in many jurisdictions for non-emergency sport fishing. You must check your local game laws before using this for recreational camping. In a true survival scenario, however, it is invaluable. It works best with natural bait like worms or grubs found near the water's edge.
What it is: The Stansport Mosquito Head Net is a piece of defensive gear that is often overlooked until it is too late. It is a lightweight, fine-mesh netting designed to be worn over a hat or cap. It drapes down to the neck, usually secured with an elastic band or drawstring, creating a physical barrier against flying insects.
What problem it solves: Water sources are breeding grounds for mosquitoes, black flies, and gnats. Attempting to clean fish or tie knots while being swarmed by biting insects can destroy your concentration and morale, leading to mistakes. This net solves the psychological and physical toll of insect pressure. It allows you to operate near the water in peace without using chemical repellents that might contaminate your bait or tackle.
Practical considerations: Visibility can be slightly reduced in low light, so it is best to wear it with a wide-brimmed hat to keep the mesh away from your face and eyes. It is small enough to stuff into a pocket or the handle of the xREEL, meaning there is no weight penalty for carrying it. For the bushcrafter living near stagnant water, this item is as critical as the hook itself.
What it is: The Revolt REMUV is a utility and skinning knife that features a rapid blade-exchange system. It uses a lightweight, rubberized handle that provides excellent grip even when wet. The key feature is the ability to swap out the blade instantly with the push of a button. The blades are razor-sharp and designed for precision cutting tasks, making them ideal for processing game and fish.
What problem it solves: Fish scales and bones are notoriously hard on knife edges. A dull knife slips easily on slime-covered fish, leading to dangerous cuts on your hands. The REMUV solves the maintenance issue in the field. It ensures you always have a surgical-sharp edge for filleting, regardless of how many fish you have processed. You do not need to stop and struggle with a whetstone while your hands are covered in fish slime.
Practical considerations: Hygiene is critical when processing food. The removable blade system allows you to remove the blade to clean the housing thoroughly, preventing bacteria from growing in the pivot point. While the blades are replaceable, they are robust enough to handle the skeletal structure of most freshwater fish. Keep a few spare blades in your kit to ensure you are never working with a dull tool.
Grim Workshop Bushcraft EDC Survival Card
What it is: The Grim Workshop Bushcraft Card is a credit-card-sized sheet of hardened stainless steel that utilizes a patented "Tool Retention System." This card allows you to pop out various tools, use them, and in many cases, return them to the card. It features an assortment of fishing hooks, arrowheads, a saw, and an awl. It is thin enough to fit into the credit card slot of a wallet or an Altoids tin.
What problem it solves: Tackle gets lost. Lines snap, and hooks get snagged on underwater logs. If you lose your primary kit, you lose your ability to fish. This card solves the redundancy problem. It provides a complete backup tackle box that takes up zero space. It ensures that no matter what happens to your pack or your xREEL, you still have the terminal tackle necessary to catch food.
Practical considerations: These tools are small and lack the eyelets of standard hooks, often requiring specific knot-tying knowledge (like the snell knot) to attach them to a line. Think of this as your last line of defense; it is not for daily use, but for emergency procurement. The stainless steel is reusable, but be careful not to bend the smaller hooks during extraction.
Conclusion
Life near the water offers abundance, but it demands respect and preparation. The difference between a frustrating day of tangled lines and insect bites versus a successful harvest lies in your equipment choices. The Exotac xREEL provides a mobile and durable way to cast, while the Speedhook allows you to multitask by fishing passively. The Stansport Head Net preserves your sanity against the inevitable swarm, and the Revolt REMUV ensures your catch is processed safely and cleanly. Finally, the Grim Workshop Card guarantees you are never without a hook.
When assembling your riverside bushcraft kit, focus on durability and multi-functionality. Your gear should work with you, not against you. By incorporating these specialized tools into your loadout, you transform the water's edge from a challenging environment into a sustainable home base. Tight lines and stay safe.
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