Antler Fishing Hook

by Patrick McGlinchey

Fish is a fantastic source of protein and the seas and inland waters have always been harvested by mankind. When living in the wilds, we can avail ourselves of this resource by using the many fishing techniques that are available, eg netting, trapping, spearing and angling.

Hooks can be fashioned from many different materials that are available in the wilds and can be made in various shapes and sizes to suit specific fish. This is but one way of many ways:

Using charcoal, draw out the desired shape of your hook onto a slab of antler that you have prepared previously.

Using a hand drill with a flint tip, drill out a series of holes. Note the small slithers of wood inserted into the split to hold the antler steady during drilling.

Completed holes.

Knock out the middle sections, leaving a U shape.

Using flint, scrape away the antler until you have refined the shape of the hook.

Start to whittle the hook down further by scraping away fine slithers.

Round off the inside of the hook, leaving the barb more defined.

After scraping, the side profile should look like this. This shape is more efficient when striking the hook in the fish.

Fishing hook is now almost complete. Work a deeper recess into the barb and finely scrape to a smooth rounded finish on the barb.

Completed fish hook bound on to fishing line (here made of braided willow).

Tight Lines Folks!

Email your comments to "Patrick McGlinchey" at survivalschool@backwoods.wanadoo.co.uk
Backwoods Survival School
Tel: 0141 641 2055
www.backwoodsurvival.co.uk

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