The 5 Best Survival Fishing Kits of 2023

Kristian Ole

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My Top Picks:

Best Value Survival Fishing Kit: Best Glide ASE Be Prepared® Pocket Survival Kit

Affordable and Compact. A must-have for every adventurer. Equipped with essentials, it’s the perfect value-packed choice for your pocket.

Best Complete Survival Fishing Kit: Rule The Wasteland – Survival Fishing Kit

Comprehensive and Ready. Designed for extreme survival scenarios. This all-inclusive kit ensures you’re prepared to fish in any environment. Rule the wild with confidence!

Best Basic Survival Fishing Kit: Best Glide ASE Survival Fishing Kit Basic

Simple and Reliable. Ideal for beginners or those who want just the essentials. Easy to use, yet effective, it’s the basic survival fishing kit you can trust.

Are you a lover of the lure, the thrill of the catch, and the serenity of waters as I am? From the gentle ripple of a secluded pond to the roaring waves of the ocean, fishing isn’t just a hobby; it’s a way of life. But let’s face it, the unexpected can strike, transforming a relaxing day of fishing into a survival scenario.

That’s why I never embark on a fishing adventure without my trusty survival fishing kit by my side. It’s more than a tool; it’s a lifeline. Whether I’m battling hunger with a fresh catch or fueling my body with vital protein, that kit ensures I’m never caught off guard.

The 5 Best Survival Fishing Kits

Pocket Survival Kit by Best Glide ASE

Best Glide ASE Be Prepared® Pocket Survival Kit PSK Holder not Included
59 Reviews
Best Glide ASE Be Prepared® Pocket Survival Kit PSK Holder not Included
  • The Best Glide ASE Be Prepared Pocket Survival Kit is Officially Licensed by the Boy Scouts of America.

Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This pocket fishing kit is easy to carry and comes with military-approved items is just what you need in a survival situation until help arrives. Everything comes in a water-resistant tin container that is easy to carry in your vest pocket without being bothered by it.

Product Specifications

  • Compass
  • Survival whistle
  • Signal mirror
  • Razor knife
  • Wire saw
  • Firestarters
  • Candles made from beeswax
  • Weather-proof matches
  • Sewing kit
  • Mini fishing kit
  • Water purification tablets
  • Water bag

Our Verdict

While this is a survival kit, I have added it to the list of the best survival fishing kits because it does have a basic fishing kit included as a part of the larger survival kit. The fishing line is 50 feet of 10lb test and there are several high-quality and durable fishing hooks. It is the perfect Boy Scout survival kit!

Pros

  • Contains military-approved items
  • Small and compact tin container
  • Contains utilitarian items required in a survival situation
  • Items are high-quality and durable

Cons

  • Does not offer a lot of room to add more items to the kit

Tip: You can create your own mini fishing kit if you like with your choice of hooks and lines.

Info alert: It is advisable to use the fishing kit and other items each month so that you become familiar with them and their usage.

Survival Fishing Kit by Rule The Wasteland

Rule The Wasteland Deluxe Survival Fishing Kit
162 Reviews
Rule The Wasteland Deluxe Survival Fishing Kit
  • The ultimate emergency preparedness fishing kit - An important addition to any survival kit, bug out bag, vehicle kit, gear cache, etc.

Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is an emergency fishing kit so that you can survive if things go south and you are waiting to be rescued. It contains everything you need to fish and survive. The lid is screw top so no worries of it accidentally opening.

Product Specifications

  • Aluminum tin
  • Folding multi-tool pliers
  • 2 monofilament fishing lines of 15lb test and 30lb test
  • Large, small, and treble hooks
  • 2 razor blades
  • Jigs, float bobbers, swivels, lures, sinkers, and more

Our Verdict

The 4oz container has everything you would require to catch fish and survive in an emergency. I liked the screw-top lid as it keeps everything inside the box. The multi-tool pliers are definitely a plus. It is a great survival kit for beginners and seasoned fishers.

Pros

  • Compact and easy to carry
  • Contains everything you need to catch fish in an emergency situation
  • High-quality fishing components
  • Contains 2 monofilament lines of varying lb test

Cons

  • It is a basic survival fishing kit

Tip: You can upgrade the items based on your requirements.

Info alert: The kit allows you to use the lures directly to catch fish if you do not want to bait the hooks.

Basic Emergency Fishing Kit by the Best Glide ASE

Best Glide ASE Survival Fishing Kit Basic Version
736 Reviews
Best Glide ASE Survival Fishing Kit Basic Version
  • Assembled in the U.S.A. in a durable, water resistant tin container that includes a rubber seal on the interior, vinyl tape seal on the exterior, and a silica gel desiccant for moisture absorption - this isn't an altoids tin with hinges...

Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

As the name suggests, it is a basic fishing survival kit that you can use in SHTF situations. It comes in a tin container that has a rubber seal on the inside and a vinyl seal on the outside to prevent moisture from getting in.

Product Specifications

  • Assembled in the US
  • Meets the overflight requirements of Canada and Alaska
  • Contains jigs, hooks, fly, leader, split shots, float bobbers, and 50 feet of 12lb test line
  • Has either crappie nibbles or salmon eggs

Our Verdict

It has the basic fishing supplies that I would need to survive in an emergency situation. Yes, the container is waterproof and I put it to the test to confirm it. The lightweight tin container is easy to carry in your vest pocket or bug-out bag. I would recommend that you invest in this survival fishing kit, especially if you are a beginner.

Pros

  • Assembled in the US and hence, conforms to American standards
  • Has all the basic items that you would need to fish and survive in an emergency
  • The kit is designed by survivalists and fishers
  • Good quality items
  • Perfect for catching small fish in an emergency situation

Cons

  • The container does not have separators so things can get messy unless you store the items in individual plastic pouches
  • There is no room for upgrade considering the small size of the container

Tip: Do not discard the silica desiccant you find in the container. It is there to keep moisture at bay.

Info alert: The 12lb test fishing line is meant for river or stream fishing and not deep-sea fishing.

Compact Survival Fishing Kit by Best Glide ASE Store

Best Glide ASE Survival Fishing Kit - Compact Version (1)
395 Reviews
Best Glide ASE Survival Fishing Kit - Compact Version (1)
  • Assembled in the U.S.A. in a Heavy Duty 6 Mil Zip Lock Bag with a silica gel desiccant for moisture absorption.

Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Unlike other survival fishing kits, this one comes in a heavy-duty Ziploc bag. It contains silica desiccant that keeps moisture at bay and prevents the hooks, jigs, and leaders from getting corroded and rusted.

Product Specifications

  • Assembled in the US
  • Comes in a Ziploc bag
  • Contains jigs, jighead, baits, fly, hooks, float bobber, leaders, and split shot
  • 50 feet of 12lb test fishing line

Our Verdict

I recommend this survival fishing kit if you are not keen on carrying a tin container. It has been designed by survivalists and fishers so contains everything that you need to fish and survive in an emergency or survival situation. The items are of high quality and durable. So, no worries there.

Pros

  • Lightweight package that is easy to carry
  • Contains all fishing supplies that you may require in a survival situation
  • High-quality supplies
  • Does not require a fishing rod to fish
  • Designed for catching small fish

Cons

  • Some users found it expensive to buy

Tip: You can customize the fishing kit based on your requirements and the Ziploc bag is strong enough to carry the additional weight.

Info alert: This pocket fishing kit is designed for rivers and streams, and catching small fish. It is not meant for deep-sea fishing.

Survival Fishing Kit by Uncle Flint’s

Uncle Flint's Survival Fishing Kit
224 Reviews
Uncle Flint's Survival Fishing Kit
  • Packed in sturdy steel storage tin with hinged lid measures 4.25" x 3.125" x 1"

Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This complete fishing kit is the ultimate survival kit. It has everything that you may require if you are in a situation where you cannot get immediate help. It has high-quality items that will definitely come in good stead when the need arises.

Product Specifications

  • Comes in a steel storage tin
  • Size: 4.2 x 3.125 x 1 inches
  • 63 pieces of essential fishing supplies for survival, including hooks, swivels, jigs, fly lure, safety pins, aluminum foil, mini scraper, and razor with plastic holder
  • 2 monofilament fishing lines – 50 feet of each of 20lb test line and 40lb test line

Our Verdict

This is exactly the kind of pocket fishing kit that I would include in my bug-out bag when I am going fishing. It is easy to store due to its size but don’t let that fool you. It carries all the fishing supplies I would require to fish and survive other than a rod and reel. I found the quality of the items high and I feel both beginners and seasoned anglers can use the kit without any problem.

Pros

  • Contains all essential fishing items
  • High-quality
  • Comes in a sturdy storage container
  • Perfect for emergencies
  • Can be used by beginners and experienced anglers

Cons

  • Higher priced compared to similar survival fishing kits

Tip: You can use this kit to practice dry run and ensure you learn how to use every item in it.

Info alert: If you happen to use items from this kit, be sure to replenish them in case they are lost, or wash and dry them thoroughly before putting them back into the kit.

What to consider when buying a survival fishing kit

Saltwater or Freshwater

Fishing in saltwater and freshwater requires different considerations. While most emergency fishing kits are versatile, you should check the specifications to ensure suitability for your preferred environment. Saltwater fishing, in particular, can be corrosive, so materials resistant to rust and decay are essential. On the other hand, a less lb test fishing line often included may only be suitable for small fish, so if you’re looking to conquer the deep sea, you might want to reconsider your options.

Quality of Hooks

Never underestimate the importance of a good hook. In a survival scenario, the quality of your hooks can literally make or break your situation. Look for hooks that are not only strong but also sharp and well-crafted. A high-quality hook might be the difference between landing a life-saving meal and going hungry. Don’t shy away from investing in a kit with premium hooks; it could pay off in unexpected ways.

Length of the Fishing Line

When survival is on the line, every foot of your fishing line counts. A minimum of 25 feet is recommended, but depending on the environment, you might want even more. Consider the depth and the type of fish you might encounter. A longer line can provide more flexibility and reach, ensuring that you can cast far enough to meet your nutritional needs. It’s not just about catching fish; it’s about maintaining body warmth and energy levels until rescue.

Bobbers

While not a strict necessity, the inclusion of bobbers in a survival fishing kit can be a valuable addition. Bobbers make it easier to detect when a fish is nibbling at your bait, especially those cunning small fish that are experts at bait theft. They provide visual cues and increase your chances of success. If you are in an area with smaller, more elusive fish, a bobber might just be the extra tool that turns your luck around.

Other Considerations

  • Portability and Compactness: A survival fishing kit needs to be easily stowable and lightweight. Look for designs that won’t take up too much space in your gear but still provide all the necessary tools.
  • Instructional Guide: Especially for beginners, a kit that includes a basic instructional guide or manual can be very helpful. Knowing the best way to utilize your kit can make a significant difference in a survival situation.
  • Multi-Function Tools: Some survival fishing kits include multi-function tools like a knife or a multi-tool. These can be valuable additions, not just for fishing but for other survival needs as well.

FAQs

What do you put in a survival fishing kit?

A survival fishing kit typically includes essentials such as fishing hooks, lines (at least 25 feet), sinkers, swivels, bobbers, and possibly a small lure. Depending on personal needs, it may also contain a small multi-tool or knife.

How do you store fishing line in a survival kit?

Storing fishing line in a survival kit can be done by winding it tightly around a spool, small piece of cardboard, or a specially designed holder. This keeps the line organized and prevents tangling, ensuring it’s ready for use when needed.

How do you make a wild fishing hook?

Making a wild fishing hook can be achieved by carving a piece of bone, wood, or a strong thorn into a hook shape. Sharpen the one end to a point and carve a barb if possible. The other end can be whittled into a groove to tie the fishing line securely. It takes some skill, but with patience, you can craft a functional hook in a survival situation.

kristian-ole-roerbye-fishingkris

About Kristian Ole

Kristian Ole Rørbye, a marine biologist and seasoned angler, shares his fishing adventures and expertise on FishingKris. Join him as he explores the world's waters, one cast at a time.

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