How to Make and Use a Survival Fish Spear

by Frank Sherwood

Making a survival fish spear is a simple task providing you make it correct the first time. The same goes with all your other skills. Do it right the first time and you won't waste valuable time having to do it over again.

Now for the first step: Cut a straight sapling about eight feet long and about broom handle thickness. Next, split the heavier end of the sapling down the center and slide a wedge-shaped piece of wood in the split to keep the prongs open. To keep the sapling from splitting any farther, lash the wedge in place with cordage. If you use rawhide or sinew, wrap it on very tight when wet so if they relax any they won't loosen up all the way. The length of the prongs should be determined by the size of fish you go after. Six inch prongs are good for medium-sized fish. Next, carve the prongs down to sharp, tapered points and then fire-harden the tips and you have a survival fish spear.

Now, to use the fish spear, grab the top end of the spear in your right hand (if you're right-handed, left hand if you're a lefty) and raise it above your head. The left hand loosely holds the shaft. It is used only as a guide, all the thrust coming from the right hand. The tip is lowered slowly into the water, cutting down on the refraction, and is slowly moved to within inches of the fish's back. Keep the prongs perpendicular to the fish so if you miss with one prong the other will hit. Like the heron, the final thrust is one quick, jab with the right hand pinning the fish and keeping it pinned to the bottom. Now reach down and pick it up.

From The Tracker magazine, Winter 1983, published by the Tracker School.
For more articles from The Tracker magazine, visit the Tracker Trail website.