Paracord as a Fishing Tool: How to Make a Survival Fishing Kit
By Barry LeClair – A Paracord specialist, Suburban Indiana
This is the 5th blog of the Paracord blog series. You can check the other blogs I’ve written here: https://beadshub.co/blogs-paracord
Introduction: More Than Rope—Paracord Can Catch You Dinner
When most people think about fishing, they picture rods, reels, and tackle boxes. But what if you’re out in the wild, unprepared, and need to improvise? That’s where paracord steps in—not just as rope, but as a surprisingly effective fishing tool.
Over the years, I’ve added a few DIY survival tricks to my outdoor habits, and building a paracord-based fishing kit is one of my favorites. It’s compact, clever, and potentially life-saving. Let’s dive into how you can turn your bracelet, belt, or keychain into a mini fishing rig.
Section 1: Why Paracord Is Perfect for Survival Fishing Kits
Paracord isn’t just strong—it’s versatile, lightweight, and easy to carry.
Here’s what makes it useful in fishing:
-
Inner Strands = Fishing Line
Most 550 paracord contains 7–9 inner nylon strands, which can be pulled out and used as makeshift fishing line (20–50 lb test depending on the cord). -
Outer Sheath = Braid or Cordage
The sheath itself can be used to lash gear or make netting. -
Easy to Weave into Wearables
Survival bracelets, lanyards, and belts can hide fishing line until needed.
Section 2: What You’ll Need to Make a Paracord Survival Fishing Kit
You can create a compact kit that fits in a pouch or tucks inside a paracord bracelet. Here’s what I pack in mine:
-
10 ft of 550 paracord (with inner strands intact) -
2–3 small fish hooks
-
2–3 sinkers or small nuts
-
1–2 small bobbers (or cork pieces)
-
Safety pins (multi-use: hook, clasp, gear repair)
-
Swivels (optional)
-
Small tin or heat-sealed straw to store hooks/sinkers
Pack it in a small pouch or wrap inside a cobra weave bracelet. I’ve even tied beads from BeadsHub.co on the ends for better grip and quick access.
Section 3: How to Extract and Use the Paracord’s Inner Strands
-
Cut a 2-3 ft section of 550 paracord
-
Slide back the sheath and pull out 1–3 white inner strands
-
Tie your hook to the strand using a simple knot (improved clinch works well)
-
Add weight (sinker or nut) and float (small stick or cork)
You now have an improvised fishing line. Cast from shore or dangle from a branch.
Section 4: Best Environments to Use a Survival Fishing Kit
This isn’t sport fishing—it’s functional. Ideal environments:
-
Still ponds or creeks -
Slow-moving rivers with visible fish -
After a rainstorm when fish feed near the surface
Use insects, worms, or even fabric threads as bait.
Section 5: Real-World Test – My First Catch
A few years ago, I tried this setup during a backwoods hike in southern Indiana. No gear, no phone signal, just a knife and my paracord bracelet. After pulling out the inner strands and using a hook I’d stored in a straw, I caught a small bluegill in a shallow stream using a grasshopper as bait.
Not a trophy fish—but a proof of concept. It worked.
Section 6: Add Beads, Make It Yours
One bonus tip: I always add a brass bead from BeadsHub.co to the end of my paracord kits. It keeps the ends clean, adds some weight for throwing, and helps identify the fishing bracelet from my other cords.
Small touch. Big difference.
Conclusion: Carrying Fishing Gear Without the Bulk
A paracord fishing kit won’t replace your tackle box—but it’ll back you up when everything else fails. Whether you’re on a short hike, camping, or prepping a bug-out bag, this kit offers a lot of value for almost no weight.
Be ready. Be clever. And let paracord earn its survival badge.
Questions or Tips?
Have you tried survival fishing with paracord? Got suggestions for better bait or bead use?
Drop your stories or questions in the comments—I’ll reply personally. And let me know what you’d like me to explore in next week’s paracord post. Maybe we dive into paracord fire-starting hacks?
