Bushcraft - Feather Sticks

So, we finally got cable at the house.  I haven't had cable for 4 years.  I don't watch much television, but one day I got hooked on this show on The History Channel, and started binge watching it.  The skill the guys on this show have are incredibly impressive.  While this is a reality TV show that's a contest like Survivor, you can actually learn and take away things from this show, unlike 95% of the other crap that's on the air.

After watching this show, I started to do some research on Bush craft, and realized, I should know some of this stuff.  Most of the knowledge I obtained can be used when I'm out on my fishing/camping trips....such as...making a fire.  So, I started to do more research on proper knives.  I have had my SOG Seal PUP for the longest time, and it's been a great blade, and provides me with a sense of protection when I carry it on my person, while I'm wandering or wading in the places I am.  The only drawback to the knife is, it doesn't stay sharp for long, and it really is limited to certain applications around camp.

Feather stick with the SOG Seal PUP.

Prison shank???

My bush craft knife research brought me to purchase a Morakniv Companion.  I read countless reviews, and you just cannot beat the high ratings and the price of around $15 bucks.  This knife was super sharp right out of the sheath, and it felt great in the hand.  After using it a few times to make some feather sticks, and then use it on a few outings, I was extremely impressed.  You seriously cannot find this high quality product for that price anywhere. 

Here are a few feather sticks I made with this blade.  They look good, right?  They helped light a fire just fine, too.  I liked this knife so much, I bought one for The Fat Gordo as a gift, for when he's out on his solo trips.

Some other Bush crafty things I learned from Alone Show was these guys carved out their own spoons.  Over the winter, I plan on giving carving out some spoons, and other random things out of wood.  Adding another hobby to my never ending list.  

Anyone else dabble in bush craft or wood carving?

Tenkara Fly

It gets boring tying the same thing over and over. So, I decided that it was time I try to tie myself a Tenkara fly. I've been following a few people through Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter that post a few things about Tenkara. The person that most inspired me to tie up a Tenkara style fly was a fellow Blogger Mr. Troutrageous!

Size 14 hook, a feather - I didn't look up what type of feather to use, so, I used a small grizzly hackle, hackle clip, and some thread.

While very simple to tie, this fly looks extremely effective for a number of species. The bluegill and small bass at a few of my local ponds and small creeks would kill this fly, especially, in the evening when the mosquito's hatch. I'll just have to toss this with my 3wt until I decide it's time for a Tenkara rod.

Ice Fishing

As I was wandering through Cabela's killing time, and looking at a bunch of hooks, I came across some very small jigs that looked perfect for ice fishing. The hooks were 1/100 oz, and they had a clean hook shank to work with. 

1.  I tie on some marabou for a tail (Do not cut off the excess.)
2. Add some crystal flash for an attractor.
3. Wrap the excess marabou around the rest of the hook shank.
4.  Whip finish.

Done.

I am going to give ice fishing another shot this winter.