How to Make a Fishing Spear

Spear Fishing

The fishing spear is a valuable tool to have when living in the wilderness. With a properly made spear you can catch fish, snakes, and small game. Making a fishing spear is an easy task that requires little time and relatively few supplies. Having food is a necessity when surviving in the wilderness so this is why all campers, hikers and travelers should take the time to learn this skill.

Things You'll Need

• Stick
• Branches
• Knife
• Rope or cloth

Instructions

1. Find a long and straight stick. It is important to find a stick that has very few limbs and knots on it. Each knot and limb on the stick is a possible weak spot. The more weak spots on the stick, the higher the chances are that it will break. The ideal length for the stick is about 8 or 9 feet and about as thick as a mop handle. The best trees for making a fishing spear are saplings. Fire can be used to burn the limbs off of the stick.

2. Tamper the tip of the stick with fire. This will strengthen the wood (keeping it from wearing down) and allow for an extremely sharp point. Dip the tip into the fire and then rub it at an angle against a rock to sharpen it. This is effective if you do not have a knife.

3. Construct the hooks of the spear using a small branch. These hooks will keep the fish (or any other small animal) attached to the spear. Cut the branch so that you have a piece with two smaller branches on each side. Split the branch down the center so that you have two hooks. Each hook needs to be sharp, so carefully carve the ends. The sharper the better.

4. Make the rope for your spear. If you have any chord it can be used here. Otherwise you can use hide (deer hide or leather) or cloth. If are using hide or cloth cut the fabric into a circle. Then begin cutting around the circle (like a spiral). The rope should be about 1/4 inch thick.

5. Tie the hooks tightly onto the stick using the rope. Make sure you leave space between the hooks. You are now ready to start hunting! Aim well when you use the fishing spear because your hooks will not last forever.

Tips & Warnings

• Always carry a pocket knife with you when hiking or camping. It will make creating a spear (and other tasks) much easier.

Resources

• Learn more about wilderness survival skills