An easy to catch food source in a survival situation is fish. They are abundant and with the right equipment, they'll pretty much catch themselves.

Here is what I carry to make the most out of the resource.

Step 1: Prepare a Container

For the container, I used an empty spice container with a screw top lid. It is the perfect shape to spool line around and is compact with a large storage space inside.

I wrapped a portion of the container with tape to create a spot where fishing line would stay in place.

UPDATE: Tape may melt in heat. Instead, I used a constrictor knot of paracord which ended up being much more effective.

An alternative would be PCV pipe.

A tube shaped container is important because it allows you to use it as a hand reel for active fishing.

Step 2: Terminal Tackle

Terminal tackle is by far the most important gear you'll carry if you plan on catching fish.

Hooks, lead sinkers, and line are all the equipment you really need to catch fish. Thankfully, these are also the least expensive fishing gear you can buy.

- I carry around 75 hooks, with 80% of them being small hooks. Small hooks are better than large hooks because all fish can be caught on a small hook but only large fish can be caught on a large hook.

Tip: Store hooks on a safety pin. It keeps them organized and safer to handle.

Tip: Wrap sets of hooks in paper and tape to prevent tangling of hooks.

- Lead split shot is very inexpensive and is easy to attach to line. Removable split shot is best.

- I choose to use monofilament line to keep costs down. Braided line is by far the best (having a small diameter and large test) but is expensive. I carry 12lb and 6lb test, about 50m each.

Swivels are not necessary but make it easier to connect different types of line or rope together. These will be important for bankline sets. Similarly are wire leaders for fish that may be able to cut through line.

Step 3: Lures

I try to stay away from lures because active fishing is time consuming in a survival situation. Just to add some versatility, throwing a spinner and spoon doesn't hurt.

Step 4: Sets

Passive fishing is the best way to catch fish. Setting multiple bankline sets similar to how you would set multiple snares is very effective and other tasks can be done.

A good bankline set would be 10 sets of: anchor point - bankline/rope - swivel - fishing line - baited hook and sinker.

Step 5: Conclusion

With a pocket fishing kit, you'll be able to catch many meals with little work. It is important to have dedicated equipment for certain tasks rather than having a tool that does many tasks poorly. Safety pins and floss isn't enough to carry if you really want to catch fish to feed yourself.