Have you ever seen the PVC or stick survival fishing kits? The problem I have with those is that casting and reeling is painfully slow.

And the ability to put the bait where you need it is pretty important if you want to be successful.

This was a collapsible and pretty compact rod/reel combo. I put a better reel on the rod. In most cases better = heavier. And that's no good.

I keep the components in my go bag/ hiking gear. If you haven't seen it you can check it out.

You need:
A reel
A stick (green)
A knife
2 zip ties
Eye hooks (this package was about a dollar at Lowes)
Some tackle

Step 1: Find a Nice Stick

This was a sapling in my yard. Ideally you would find one that is really straight. This one had a little bend in it. I just trimmed the straight piece.

You can go a little longer. But I don't recommend making it too long. The thinner end will split when the eye hook is screwed in.

Step 2: Mark the Stick

Make the marks conservative. You want it to be snug when it's attached.

Step 3: Notch It

Make a nice flat spot for the reel. Also make a couple of notches on the back side the width of the zip ties.

This keeps the zip ties from slipping.

Step 4: Add the Reel

Add the zip ties loosely. This makes it easier to get it tight.

Snug the zip ties down and trim them off.

Step 5: Add the Eyes

If there is a gap just give it a squeeze with the Leatherman (you have it with you right?). This will keep the line from slipping out.

Add a few eye hooks along the new "rod". This is the reason you don't want to have the end too skinny. It will split it apart.

Step 6: Fish!

This will cast pretty darn well.

But considering this is a stick and not a little composite rod, you won't have the feel and control. So you really won't be able to win any tournaments.

Sorry about that.

This can be mitigated by keeping your finger on the line and feeling for the strike. You should be able to catch a little dinner (assuming the fish are biting).

Step 7: Things to Consider

Tie the line off so it doesn't get messed up in the bag.

You can choose a better reel if you want, but I am considering this to be something I am unlikely to need. And I would rather have my good equipment for the times that I know I will be fishing.

This reel is also very light. That's more important to me (in this circumstance) than durability.

That being said, this is a good reel that casts well.

My comments about the quality are more in general. I don't recommend using anything that doesn't work well in a survival situation. I also want to be sure this is an extra so that I am not tempted to take it out and use it, so it's in my bag when I need it.