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.

This trap is traditionally made with bamboo but can easily be made out of alternate materials such as saplings and tin cans. The trap consists of a hollow bamboo tube, a springy branch with cord and toggle, a small cord anchor loop, a large cord snare loop, and a tethered trigger stick. When the toggle is threaded through the snare loop, and is held down by the anchor loop and trigger stick, the snare loop is positioned inside the bamboo tube by the opening. When the rodent sticks it’s head into the tube and sets off the trigger stick, the snare loop tightens around the neck of the rodent and pins it against the roof of the tube.

As usual, several traps are set out to increase the chances of success. The branch extends through the tube and is driven into the ground to keep it in place, thus preventing it from being dragged away from a struggling animal. In the end, a rodent is probably the easiest catch and is the most plentiful. For non-emergency use, it can rid your premises from unwanted pests.