How to Fish Without Fishing Gear

Last Updated: February 17, 2022 References

In a survival situation, you may be called upon to catch fish without having any fishing gear. Fortunately, the old fashioned art of fishing without gear has been perfected over the centuries and there are many ways to capture fish with only a few simple tools--or even with your bare hands!

Method 1

Method 1 of 8:

Improvising a hook

1
Find an item that can be fashioned into a hook. Good candidates include:^{[1]
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- Paperclips
- Broken pop-tops
- Sharp twigs
- Bobby pins.
2
Twist the item into a hook shape, if necessary.

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3
Attach the "hook" to a line. Good items to serve as an improvised line include:^{[2]
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- Shoelaces
- Unraveled thread from clothing
- Twine, string, or yarn
- Long strong grass, flax, or seaweed stems.
4
Bait the hook. Items that can serve as bait include:
- Food scraps (meat is ideal)
- Bits of colorful plastic
- Leaves
- Dead insects
- Jewelry.
5
Dangle the improvised "rod" and "hook" into a promising location. Fish tend to hide in shadowy areas, such as the overhangs of banks, below overhanging trees, within water plants, or near rocks.
6
Wait for a fish to bite. Once a fish does bite, scoop it up. Don't try hauling it in with the line, which will likely break. Use your hands or an improvised net made from clothing or other items you have on hand.

Method 2

Method 2 of 8:

Using a trap

1
Get a container in which to trap fish. Good improvised items include:^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations
Specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for leading international efforts to end world hunger and improve nutrition
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- Clothing
- A bucket
- Jar or plastic container
- Plastic bag
2
Lay your trap in a likely fish hideout. Wait for a fish to swim in. If possible, hold the trap so that your hands will cease to alarm the fish as they grow used to your presence–be patient!^{[4]
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3
When a fish swims in, pull up your trap with the fish inside.

Method 3

Method 3 of 8:

Cornering the fish

1
This method is best if you have assistance. You will need to get something to block and corral the fish, such as a length of cloth.^{[5]
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2
Stretch out the length of cloth. This is best if your partner(s) holds the other end. Make sure that there is no escape route underneath.
3
Move slowly towards the fish, backing them into an area, such as a bend in the river, or the end of a tidepool, where they cannot escape.
4
Once you have backed the fish into a sufficiently small area, grab for them. It is a good idea to have a container handy to either scoop them, or to toss them into.

Method 4

Method 4 of 8:

Using scoops

1
This method requires speed and dexterity.
2
Get two scooping devices, such as buckets, empty containers, even plastic bags.
3
Find a group of fish in a relatively contained space, such as a tidepool or small pond.
4
Lower the scoops slowly into the water. When the fish are comfortable with the scoops and have settled between them, bring the two scoops together. Many fish will probably escape, but a few may be caught. This method is not recommended in a serious survival situation.

Method 5

Method 5 of 8:

Using a spearing device

1
Get an object with which to spear the fish. Useful improvised items include:^{[6]
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- Pocket knives
- Scrap metal, glass or hard plastic
- Scissor blades
2
Use twine, shoelaces, or other string to attach the sharp object to a stick or pole. Alternately, sharpen the stick itself.
3
Get used to light refraction. Water distorts the position of underwater objects, making the fish seem closer than it actually is. Warm up your perception abilities by taking some practice stabs at rocks and debris to make sure you understand how much you must alter your aim to account for this discrepancy.^{[7]
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4
Find a fish in a relatively contained area. Be aware that you will only get one opportunity to spear the fish successfully.
5
Aim and stab quickly.^{[8]
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Method 6

Method 6 of 8:

Collecting by hand

1
This method requires the most patience and skill on your part. First, select a fish hideout, and check for fish. It is best done in shallow water, such as low tide, or a shallower stream or river, although some people are adept at fishing in this way in deeper waters.
2
Stand in the water if safe.^{[9]
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3
Slowly lower your hand into the hideout, palm up, with your fingers extended towards the fish.
4
Keep your hand as still as possible.
5
After several minutes, the fish should be used to your hand. Begin inching it towards the fish.
6
When you can feel the fish's chin, close your fingers onto the fish's gills, and pull the fish from the water.^{[10]
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Method 7

Method 7 of 8:

Bailing out

1
This is a traditional method known well in Africa and Southern Asia.^{[11]
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Otto Gabriel and Andres von Brandt, <i>Fish Catching Methods of the World</i>, p. 17} This method is not beneficial if you're low on energy, however.
2
Find a small pond or small water area. This could be rock pools, tidal pools, smaller areas of water off a lake, lagoon, or river, etc.
3
Bail out the water from the pool using a container.
4
Try to attract fish to the container used for bailing (see method above for catching with a "trap"). You can also use a basket or netting to filter the water and catch fish at the same time, acting like a strainer.

Method 8

Method 8 of 8:

Using wax

This method is best done when "living off the land", at home.

1
Take a ball or piece of wax from Babybel cheese. Thread a very strong string through the middle.
2
Tie the string three times tightly to a sturdy branch. Dangle the bright red wax in the water. The size can be adjusted depending on the intended target fish's size.
3
Wait.
4
Pull up the string if it is very strong. You can use an empty thread spool attached to the branch with rubber bands to manually reel in the line, in which case, tie the line to the spool.
5
Remove the head, gut and fillet from your catch. Boil the fish, cool them, and smoke them over a candle/fire to dry.

Community Q&A

Question

How do you catch a fish without a line in a lake?

Community Answer

You may use a spear or your bare hands to catch a fish.
Question

Do I have to have a fishing license if I am using a stick and a worm?

Community Answer

Generally, yes, but it depends on your state.
Question

How do I gut the fish?

Community Answer

Start near the tail with a sharp knife and cut upwards along the belly until you reach the gills. Carefully scoop out all the organs and use a spoon to scrape along the spine to remove excess debris. Cut off all fins, the head and the tail, then filet the remaining fish.

Warnings

Be careful when standing in or entering water. Check that it is safe and isn't going to sweep you away or dash you against rocks.

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Raw fish flesh contains many parasites, such as tapeworms, which are dangerous to humans. Cook thoroughly before eating, unless you're in a dire survival situation.

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Many fish species are protected by law. Don't fish without a license, or fish for endangered species. Penalties for doing so without a defense can include jail time and heavy fines.

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