The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

How would get buy if you got lost on a trip. what stuff would you take.

Credit card ought to cover it!

Beerfly

When I'm out in a remote area (not backpacking) I take along a small survival kit with the following inside: waterproof matches, a couple of garbage bags, a whistle, a signaling mirror, 20' of parachute cord, a compass and a small knife. That gear should cover it until you find your way out or get found. What to eat? (dare I say it?) TROUT!

--FlyGuy (Dave)

given my natural distain for anything that might be considered hiking I seldon stroll more then a 150 ft from the parking area. Fishing is usually either fishing upstream from where I parked or fishing downstream from where I parked.

Now, if I did misplace my mind and actually attempt to fish "where no man has fished before" and I was alone,,then a flint, knife, space blanket, and a flask of medical quality whiskey would be plenty for a couple of days.

Paul

FlyGuy and Carp basically have it covered. The one thing that I would add is that you really shouldn't worry about food too much. Food is very optional for a few days, and in fact you can live without it for several weeks. Water, on the other hand, is critical, and more than three days without it and you're dead. You might consider carrying a water filter of some sort, either the pump type or the water bottle type. But, better to be alive and have Giardia than dead because you were afraid to drink the water.

If you remember that the basic things that you need are shelter, warmth, and water, your kit just needs to enhance your ability to gain those things. This time of year your worst enemy is hypothermia. Study and know how to provide yourself with shelter and insulation.

Basic navigation skills are a must if you are in an area that you do not know. A good topographical map of the specific area you are visiting and a good liquid filled compass, and an understanding of how to triangulate your position based on visible landmarks is MUCH better than a GPS in the long run, because they don't require batteries. But I still carry a GPS because they are so easy to use.

If you are REALLY lost, one thing to remember is that flowing water will ALWAYS eventually lead you to civilization. It may take a while,but eventually you will get to help. That being said, if you are in a situation where you are pretty sure that someone is looking for you, particularly an organized search party, you are much better off finding a nice big open area and staying in one place. keep your eyes and ears open for any sounds of searchers.

Hope that helps,

Buzz

I'd take my brochures for non-profit groups along because regardless of what I spent for survival equipment and supplies, the money would be better spent if I gave it to an organization that helps the fishery...NOT...I'd use the brochures as tinder to start the biggest signal fire the CDF water tanker pilots have ever seen.

Paul

I've been lost for over 32 years.