If you are stranded somewhere and there is a lake or river close by but you don't have a fishing pole, you can still get some fish for supper with an improvised spear. In shallow water where fish are readily visible, a spear may be the most effective. The size of the spearhead should be determined by the size of the fish. A double-pronged, six-inch tip is usually adequate for trout, bass, bluegill, and the like; whereas a much larger and more durable spear may be necessary for large catfish-sized fish.

Most spears are easily made. Even so, carve with care. If you are patient and careful, you will be rewarded. Also, when you practice with spears, use submerged logs or sticks as targets. This not only conserves the fish, but protects you as well, since most states forbid fishing with spears and arrows except for survival purposes. There are many different spear types but the following are all you will need for short-term survival purposes.

The Straight "V" Spear is quite a bit more effective at holding a fish than a straight spear. Make it from a long green sapling - this time fire-hardened, split, and carved at one end into two sharp prongs with inward-pointing barbs. Before carving, force the two halves apart with a wedge lashed between them. The lashing can be done with sinew, rawhide, or cordage made from strong natural plant fibers such as dogbane, velvet leaf, evening primrose, and fireweed. If you secure the wedge with sinew or rawhide, wet it thoroughly and wrap it as tightly as possible, since both these materials tend to loosen in water.

The Straight "Y" Spear is another double-barbed spear made from a long forked sapling. The fork should be as symmetrical as possible, and wide and long enough to accommodate the fish you have in mind. Carve barbs into the prongs (both barbs pointing inward), then fire-harden the fork. Finish the spear by bending the prongs closer together and securing them with a length of cordage a short distance above the fork.

The Trident is a triple-pronged spear made just like a straight "Y" spear except for the additional third prong. It is a little more difficult to make, but it greatly increases your changes of spearing and holding a fish. To make a Y-stick into a trident, split the fork carefully down the middle, groove it slightly, and insert a single or double-barbed piece of bone or fire-hardened wood. Then wrap the shaft tightly along the split. Finally, bend in the two outer barbs and secure them with cordage. If you have the equipment, another way of installing the third barb is to drill a hole at the fork with a bow drill and glue it in place with a mixture of pitch and ashes. With this technique, it is not necessary to wrap the shaft unless it splits, but wrapping will help prevent splitting.

Using Fish Spears: Fish spears must be handled skillfully to be effective. As with any prey, try to spot the fish before they spot you. Stalk quietly and carefully without making any quick movements. Find an area where fish either gather or where there is a fish run. Place the spear point into the water and slowly move it toward the fish. Then, with a sudden push, impale the fish on the stream bottom. This will help to keep you from breaking the tip of the spear off if the fish wiggles. Do not try to lift the fish with the spear, as it will probably slip off and you will lose it; hold the spear with one hand and grab and hold the fish with the other. Do not throw the spear, especially if the point is a knife. You cannot afford to lose a knife in a survival situation. Be alert to the problems caused by light refraction when looking at objects in the water.

Bill Church is a certified WV Master Naturalist and herbalist. He has published a book called, "Medicinal Plants, Trees, & Shrubs of Appalachia;" and is a network and computer specialist at GSC. Articles are courtesy of Gilmer County Master Naturalist Association.