Homesteader Depot

Tag: fishing

  • Super Simple DIY Fishing Net

    Super Simple DIY Fishing Net

    Time is always scarce on a homestead so spending days on end catching 1 fish at a time is not the best use of your limited time.  How can you catch crazy amounts of fish in a short amount of time so you can get back to doing other necessary things on your homestead?

    If you use fishing and fish as a regular food source, a net is basically a mandatory piece of equipment. If you find you need a larger net than you want to spend your hard-earned cash on, you can DIY it for a fraction of the cost using some twine and nails.

     

    What you will need:

     

    • Nails
    • Hammer
    • Netting or other sturdy Twine
    • Scissors
    • Area large enough to work

     

    To start, decide how wide you want your net to be.  Then place two nails into a wall or beam high enough to accommodate the length of the net you want to end up with.

     

    Stretch a piece of your twine between the 2 nails and secure it so that the length is tightly strung with no dipping.

     

     

    Cut additional pieces of twine, each one double the length you want the final net to be.

     

    For example.  If you want an approximately 6’ x 6’ net, your nails will be 6’ apart and the cross piece of twine will stretch across that length.  Each subsequent piece will be cut to 12’ lengths.

     

    Next, attach the double lengths at even spaces across your cross string. To do this, fold the length in half, hold the center loop behind the cross string and feed the ends of the length around the cross string and through the loop, then tighten, creating 2 vertical strings hanging down the length of the net.

     

    Do this for each double length, spacing them evenly as you go and adjust as needed.

     

    The space between each tied length will determine how big the holes of the net will be.  If you want a tighter net to hold smaller fish, place them closer together.  This will also be what determines how many double lengths you need to make.

     

    As stated above, each double length creates 2 vertically hanging strings, or one set, when tied to the cross string. We are going to refer to each of the hanging sets as 1, 2, 3, 4 etc. and each set has a left string and a right string, so there will be 1 left, 1 right, 2 left, 2 right, etc.

    Start by taking string 1 right and 2 left and holding them together.  Make a loop around your finger with the two pieces being held together as one and feed the end through to create a knot, joining the 2 pieces below the cross piece.  Adjust as needed to balance the knot evenly between the vertical lengths to create an upside-down triangle between the knotted pieces and the cross piece.

     

    Continue this process with 2 left and 3 right, then 3 left and 4 right, making a line of knots across the width of your workspace until you have your first row completed.  At this point, strings 1 left and your last set’s right string will be hanging free on either end of the area and all the set will be joined to their neighbor by a knot.

     

    Start the second row by taking 1 left and 1 right and knotting them, then 2 left and 2 right, 3 left and 3 right, and so on.

     

    Continue this pattern until you get to the bottom of your twine, tie off the ends and presto!  Your very own fishing net.

     

    This technique can be used for any size net you may need.

     

    Alternatively, if you tie your double lengths to a pre-existing circular frame, you can use the same process to create a dip net, just make sure to keep alternating knot rows and tie off the bottom when you reach the depth you want.

     

    Happy Fishing!

     

    More interested in sport fishing?  Get the insider, professional fly-fishing tricks, tips, and techniques HERE.

     

     

  • 3 Creative Ways to Fish Without a Pole

    3 Creative Ways to Fish Without a Pole

    Fishing can be many things, from a food source to recreation, a type of meditation for some but to others a popular competitive sport.  Often a rite of passage full of tradition that is passed down from generation to generation.  Most of us are at least familiar with the concept of fishing, usually with a rod and reel, or if out on the high seas, with a really big net!

    But, are there other ways to get the job done, especially if you are looking to feed your family inexpensively?  You bet!

    Here are 3 ways to catch fish in any situation if you take the time to gather or bring the right supplies.

    Bucket Fishing

    This method has often been used by fishermen on Lake Bruin in Louisiana.  When catfish begin spawning, the locals use a technique they refer to as “bucket fishing.”

    To try it, you’ll need a lidded bucket and some strong line long enough to reach the fish.  Cut a semicircular hole in the lid of the bucket and add enough weight to sink it while still being able to pull it up when it’s full of water (and hopefully fish).  Depending on the size of the bucket you are using, it’s a good idea to tackle this type of fishing with a buddy.

    When you are ready, sink the buckets into the water deep enough to reach the fish.  During spawning, catfish enter the bucket to spawn and become trapped as the bucket is lifted up rapidly enough to keep them in.

    Once brought to the surface, either tie off the bucket to the side of the boat and transfer the fish one by one to a live well or stringer or lift the bucket fish, water and all into the boat and move on.  This technique has proven to be highly effective.

    Funny Video:  “This is not the bucket fishing I’m talking about”

    Bow and Arrow or Spear Fishing

    In a survival situation, this can be particularly effective if you have the skills and not a lot of supplies.  With a decent knife, you can create your own spear, smoothing it and sharpening the end then hardening the tip over the coals of a fire.

    Related Article:  “DIY Bow and Arrow”

    Once your spear or bow and arrows are created and ready, attach a line, if available, and go “hunting” under the surface of the nearest viable water source.  If you are fishing in a lake, an attached line will most likely be needed unless you are able to stay in very shallow water and have the fish come to you.

    Gap Netting

    Even with the barest of supplies you can build a net and use this method to get your next meal. All you need is a ball of twine and a knife or something sharp for cutting the twine. This method will work best in a shallow river or stream, but a natural viaduct between 2 larger bodies of water, like 2 lakes, will work if needed.

    If you already have a net, fantastic!  Here is what to do with it.

    Find an environment where water currents flow through a narrow area, like some rocks or fallen tree limbs, or a narrow crossing from one side to the other.  To create an area, fill in the space from either side with rocks or other debris.

    Learn More: Click here for MORE life-saving survival tips

    Position your net on the side of the gap that faces the current and secure it into place.  Run a stick through the top of the net to keep it from collapsing.  If possible, prop the stick upon the rocks you’ve used to create the gap.

    Now, you can encourage fish to swim in the direction of your net by beating the water or tossing rocks systematically further out and then closer to direct them toward you.

    After you’ve got through a systematic routine to herd the fish, stop and check your net.  Repeat the herding steps until you’ve caught something.

    Although some may feel these 3 methods aren’t very sporting, when you are fishing to feed yourself and your family and not merely as a form of recreation, that’s not what matters.  What matters is staying alive and healthy.