Fish Traps
You may trap fish using several methods (Figure
8-21). Fish baskets are one method. You construct them by lashing several
sticks together with vines into a funnel shape. You close the top, leaving a
hole large enough for the fish to swim through.
You can also use traps to catch saltwater fish, as schools regularly approach
the shore with the incoming tide and often move parallel to the shore. Pick a
location at high tide and build the trap at low tide. On rocky shores, use
natural rock pools. On coral islands, use natural pools on the surface of reefs
by blocking the openings as the tide recedes. On sandy shores, use sandbars and
the ditches they enclose. Build the trap as a low stone wall extending outward
into the water and forming an angle with the shore.
Spearfishing
If you are near shallow water (about waist deep) where the fish are large and
plentiful, you can spear them. To make a spear, cut a long, straight sapling
(Figure 8-22). Sharpen the end to a point or attach a knife,
jagged piece of bone, or sharpened metal. You can also make a spear by splitting the
shaft a few inches down from the end and inserting a piece of wood to act as a spreader.
You then sharpen the two separated halves to points. To spear fish, find an area
where fish either gather or where there is a fish run. Place the spear point
into the water and slowly move it toward the fish. Then, with a sudden push,
impale the fish on the stream bottom. Do not try to lift the fish with the
spear, as it with probably slip off and you will lose it; hold the spear with
one hand and grab and hold the fish with the other. Do not throw the spear,
especially if the point is a knife. You cannot afford to lose a knife in a
survival situation. Be alert to the problems caused by light refraction when
looking at objects in the water.
Updated:
12 January 2008 |
|
Born on 28 October 1999 |