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Twitch-Up Fishing

Ken — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 11:54:33 +0000

Back in the sixth grade in elementary school I had a teacher who taught things beyond regular academics and shared real life skills. On one occasion he described how to set up an automatic fishing device using a sapling. On land we would call this a twitch-up snare, but when fitted with a hook and bait it becomes an effective fish catching “trap”.

Laws can differ from region to region so I would suggest that you inquire with local authorities before you try this for yourself in Public waters. I have access to a private stocked pond and thus have the liberty to try any and all fishing methods. I respect laws but continue to learn techniques that could save my life in an emergency situation.

A twitch-up trap uses a sapling or pole that is flexible which provides tension or spring action so that when it’s bent over it holds “potential energy” that when released quickly pulls a line that will close a noose or set a hook, depending on it’s application. Near the tip of the pole is usually a short notched stick that holds the bent pole in place until it is triggered.

I began to think of an alternate method to accomplish this and used a regular fishing pole instead of a sapling. I eventually bought a tiki torch clamp that I fastened on the edge of the dock to hold the handle of the fishing pole in place, then I attached a short stick with a trimmed branch forming a notch to catch the bottom edge of the deck planks. The trick is to tie the hook and bait just far enough to touch the surface of the water. The bait should be a small frog, grasshopper or cricket that will tickle the water surface that will aid in attracting fish. The fish will naturally grab the bait aggressively thus springing the trap and setting the hook.

Most fishermen like the thrill of the catch and prefer to reel in by hand but in an emergency situation this apparatus can be left unattended while you are busy building a shelter, fire, or other important work. If circumstances allow you the time to sit and watch it’s rewarding to see the twitch-up fishing rig in action.

Soda Straw Bobber – DIY Fishing Float

Ken — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 14:29:54 +0000

Have you ever gone fishing and forgot your bobber? I recently went fishing with a Czechoslovakian friend who told me that he used to fish using floats made from feather quills. I decided to explore that concept further and found that floats have been made from many air chambered items found in nature such as porcupine quills, swan feathers, and river cane, to mention a few. One rainy day, I stopped by the Post Office and upon exiting the car, I noticed a straw lying on the ground, and it struck me that it could be made to float as well. The following are the instructions on how to do the same.

Clip the tip of the straw at a slight angle, and then cut a 1/16th inch strip, which by virtue of the elongated shape, is larger than the straw’s diameter, and will slide onto the straw to use for fastening the fishing line. I took my Leatherman needle-nose pliers in one hand and clamped the end of the straw about 1/16th of an inch from the end, and with the other hand, I used a lighter to melt the end, thus sealing it. I repeated the process on the other end.

I took the fishing line and pinched it into a tiny loop at the place where I wanted to attach it to the bobber. By sliding the ring on the straw to the end, you can create a small gap through which to thread the fishing line loop, starting from the center portion of the straw and threading it out to the end. Once the line is passed under the ring, slide the ring towards the middle of the straw, thus exposing the fishing line loop which you pull over the end of the straw, then continue to pull it down to the other end and over, pulling it tight, thus creating a hitch on the straw. Now slide the ring within an inch from the end to provide the best results from the bobber. Once you bait your hook, you’re ready to cast out! It works great! You can view the entire assembly on my video posted on YouTube. Click HERE to watch.

Gallons of Flotation

Ken — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:29:27 +0000

As an empty one gallon milk jug looms before me, I am reminded that a one gallon container is worth roughly 8 pounds of flotation. More precisely, 7.7 pounds. This becomes significant when you need to build a raft with salvaged containers in the aftermath of flooding or for emergency travel by waterways. Of course, it’s ideal to use sealed containers. When using a gallon jug, a screw-on lid works best, but duct tape can be used to help secure any “iffy” lids or caps. Other containers might include gas cans, 50 gallon drums, water bottles, etc.. You’ll need to decide whether you want to ride above water level to stay dry, or whether adding just enough buoyancy for you to sit in the water and ride the flotation device is adequate. Consider collecting the containers in a net or tarp, or, you can tie them together which could take significant cordage. Staying topside also suggests the need for a framework to place on top of the floating material. In any case, don’t forget paddles for propulsion or steering, although paddling with your arms and legs will work. Don’t forget to include the combined weight of other passengers, equipment and framework when calculating the necessary buoyancy.