How To Build A Funnel Trap For Fish - Survival Manual

As you can see from the picture a funnel trap for fish consists of a series of walls that form funnels. The funnels serves to passively direct fish further into the trap. Fish by their very nature will tend to follow a wall that is blocking their way. The design directs the fish back into the trap and since they are unlikely to make the sharp turn at the throat to make it out they are effectively trapped. Having multiple funnels makes it increasingly unlikely that a fish will make its way back out of the trap once inside.

The size of the trap and the material can vary depending on what you have available. In saltwater environments where waves are a factor the funnel traps are often made of rock and are very large. However, in freshwater the funnel traps can be any size. Some as small as a couple of feet long if you are simply after small minnows. If you are after more substantial prey then make your trap much larger.

Most of these funnel traps have historically been made out of small saplings and branches. Larger maybe wrist sized branches are forced into the bottom outlining the walls of the trap. The small branches and saplings are weaved around the large branches that have been forced into the lake or stream floor. The walls of the funnel trap must not contain holes large enough for the fish to squeeze through. Even one hole can make your trap ineffective.

To put the trap to use you simply walk away and wait, the longer you wait the more fish you can expect to catch.

When you are trying to retrieve your catch from a lake or pond you will need to scoop them out with a net of some sort. If the water is clear you might be able to spear the fish. The outgoing tide will help to close off the escape route for the fish in an ocean environment. In a freshwater environment it is a good idea to close off the entrance to the trap with brush or a log or something when trying to catch your prey. As they will dart around like crazy trying to avoid you and will likely escape back out of the entrance eventually.

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