GORGE HOOKS

 

Introduction to the Gorge Hook

A gorge hook, also known as a toggle hook, is one of the oldest and simplest primitive fishing tools, dating back thousands of years to early human civilizations. It's essentially a straight, double-pointed device designed for survival fishing scenarios where modern equipment isn't available. Unlike traditional hooks, it works by being swallowed whole by the fish, then turning sideways to lodge in the throat or stomach when tension is applied to the line. This makes it effective for catching fish in emergency situations, though it's not ideal for catch-and-release as it can harm the fish internally. Gorge hooks are particularly useful in wilderness survival, bushcraft, or primitive living contexts, and they can be crafted from natural materials found in most environments.

How to Make a Gorge Hook

• Select Materials: Choose a small, rigid piece of bone from animal remains, hardwood like oak or hickory for durability, cactus spine, thorn from a plant like hawthorn, or even horn. The material should be strong enough not to break under pressure but thin and straight. Aim for a length of about 1 inch (2-3 cm) for small to medium fish; adjust based on the target fish size—too large, and the fish won't swallow it; too small, and it might not hold. For very small hooks, bone is preferable as it's less likely to snap.

• Sharpen Both Ends: Using a knife, sharp rock, or abrasive surface, sharpen both ends to fine points, creating a symmetrical, double-ended needle or spindle shape. Ensure the points are sharp enough to pierce bait easily but not so brittle they'll break. If using wood, select a piece without knots or weaknesses.

• Create a Groove: Carve or cut a shallow, circumferential groove around the exact center of the piece. This notch should be rough or textured to prevent the line from slipping. The groove helps secure the line and allows the hook to pivot when swallowed.

• Attach the Line: Tie your fishing line using monofilament, dental floss, natural cordage like plant fibers, sinew, or even shoelace tightly around the center groove. Use a secure knot like a clove hitch or multiple overhand knots to ensure it stays fixed. The line should extend from the middle, keeping the hook balanced.

Additional Tips for Making:

• Tools: A pocket knife or multi-tool is ideal, but in true survival mode, use a sharp stone for carving.

• Variations: For larger fish, make a V-shaped gorge by notching one end to form a barb-like angle with the line, improving lodging. Some historical versions used antler or ivory for added strength.

How to Use a Gorge Hook

• Bait the Hook: Thread or cover the entire gorge hook with bait such as worms, insects, small pieces of meat, fish guts, or berries—anything appealing to local fish. Ensure the bait is impaled lengthwise so the hook remains parallel to the line. This alignment is crucial; if it's angled, the fish might not swallow it properly.

• Set the Line: Attach the other end of the line to a pole, branch, or fixed point like a rock or tree for a set line for passive fishing. Place the baited hook in the water, ideally in areas with fish activity like streams, ponds, or eddies. For active fishing, hold the line and jig it gently.

• The Catch: Wait for the fish to swallow the bait whole. You'll feel a tug or see the line move. Don't set the hook immediately, give the fish time, about 10-30 seconds or more to fully ingest it and swim away, paying out 10-15 feet of line if needed.

• Set the Hook: Once the fish has moved off, pull the line firmly but steadily. This causes the hook to rotate perpendicular to the line, lodging it in the fish's throat or stomach. Reel in slowly to avoid breaking the hook or line.

Expanded Usage Notes:

• Rigging: Gorge hooks work well with set lines  that are left unattended or trotlines with multiple hooks on one line for efficiency in survival scenarios. Use natural cordage like nettle or yucca fibers if no modern line is available.

• Best Practices: Match hook size to fish, small for panfish, larger for catfish. Fish at dawn/dusk when activity peaks. In clear water, camouflage the line with mud or vegetation.

• Common Mistakes: Setting too soon, let the fish swallow fully, using soft bait that falls off, or mismatched sizes leading to lost fish.

• Ethical Considerations: This method is lethal, so only use it for survival and follow local fishing regulations.