Fishing Terrain

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Sometimes there is more to fishing than throwing a line on the water and a 6 pack especially if you are in a survival situation or actually want to be a successful fisher. In picture #1 the is a standard bank picture of a small creek.



In picture #2 the bank holes dug out by turtles (food) are often also homes to fish and crawdads (more food) when they are submerged or partially submerged as they are used as ambush points that allow for protection from other predators.



In picture #3 there is a rock shelf that is very dark and shaded. This is where you want to throw your bait beyond and drag it past. The reason is because it is also a ambush point that fish will hide in, dart out and grab food as it passes.



In picture #4 there are small little dimple pockets in the sandy bottom that are important especially this time of year. The reason for that is they are beds for fish laying eggs. The fish are not aggressive in the ambush manner previously pointed out instead they are in mother mode and are busy cleaning the house. The house is that little dimple and anything that comes into it will be picked up and carried out then dropped again. The idea during this time is to get a small lure, drop it into the pocket and wait until it is picked up by the fish to be carried off then set the hook with a hard tug before they drop it outside the bed.



The last thing I want to point out is the heavy brush and weeds on the bank where the photo was taken. The fish will wait for bugs, seeds and even bird fecal matter to fall from this foliage. If you can simulate this without being seen you might have some luck as well.


These are just a few things and a primer on how you "read" the water in the hunt for food but is by no means a substitute for experience so go fishing, like ya really needed an excuse

[kappydell]

Nice post! Fishing is a part of my preps I have been working on lately, since I moved from 2 miles away from Lake Michigan, to 2 blocks from a fairly large river. The difference in fishing is huge, but I enjoy the practice. I also am enjoying trying out the recipes I have found for the rough fish which are far more plentiful and easier to catch, as well as the occasional game fish. (Im also getting pretty good at cleaning them, and the garden gets some nice fertilizer from the trimmings!) Today for example, I am finishing my latest batch of pickled carp. Its a win-win set up. The occasional large catfish, northern pike and walleye are nice, too. Pay attention folks, and learn how to fish BEFORE you need to depend on it for food. (One of my books on surviving the great depression mentioned that in one family, it was the youngest son's job to fish the farm pond all day and catch a tub of bluegills to fatten the hogs...so take the kids along and let them learn to fish, too!) Later in the fall when I pick up my small game license I'll be able to go frogging, too...frogs legs are excellent!

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Kappy I'd like to see/hear more on the pickled carp, never had that
frog legs is real good
fish parts and the remainder of the frogs are good for trot lines to catch other fish too on trot lines n yoyos or on dry ground (post SHTF only) for small game like racoons (dont break the laws using trotlines for small game right now)

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Cattails provide protection and concealment for smaller fish like perch, crappie and small bass. The larger fish hang on the out edges and deep trying to catch one of these small ones venturing to close to the edge. many other critters like snakes and frogs use the cover and concealment as well. You can also find redwing blackbirds and their nest in there too. Make sure you are careful not to hook the cattail leaves as they are strong and you might lose the hook


Moss provide shade and concealment for fish that will stay out of the sun and dart out and strike so throw the lure past the moss bed and drag it slowly past
Man made structures like bridge supports provide shade, concealment, and are a good place to fish around


Tree limbs provide shade and allow for birds and insects to venture close to the water and the fish attempt to ambush them from here. The trick is not to get "hung up" in the limbs when casting LOL

[kappydell]

Kappy I'd like to see/hear more on the pickled carp, never had that
frog legs is real good
fish parts and the remainder of the frogs are good for trot lines to catch other fish too on trot lines n yoyos or on dry ground (post SHTF only) for small game like racoons (dont break the laws using trotlines for small game right now)

Pickled Carp (from the Wis. DNR Cookbook "A Fine Kettle of Fish")
6 cups vinegar
4 cups sugar
1 TB salt
2 c water
2 med onions, sliced
2 TB mixed pickling spice
Bring ingredients to a boil for at least 5 minutes. Lower the heat. When at a simmer, add pieces of filleted, scored carp. Do not boil. The fish will turn white. Watch closely, as the time of simmering depends on the size of the pieces. When it returns to a simmer, put mixture in glass jars or stoneware crock, making sure the carp is covered with liquid. Let stand several days before eating.

Pickled fish

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Awesome, thanks for the recipe I've never tried this before