which type of fishing is most versatile?

Question
If you lived in Utah with the type of fishing the state offers AND you are considering fishing with survival in mind, able to presently acquire what you required, what type of fishing gear would you choose and why? Would it be fly fishing, bait and tackle or ?

Thank you for your time.
David

Answer
Hi David,

Wow, great question!

I would definitely choose a light action spinning rod with a good 6# test clear line.  That outfit would be the most versatile.  If you were faced with trout in a stream, or Bass and Panfish in a pond, the light spinning rig would handle everything.  I'd have a three or four piece rod stored in a rigid tube for protection.  For reels, I'd go with something dependable in the $60-100 range.  Probably Daiwa or Shimano.

For lures, I'd have a good selection of jigs.  Marabou jigs in the 1/32 to 1/8th ounce range.  Probably a good selection of plain jig heads (Same weights) too and a few bags of 1 1/2" or 2" Mister Twister tails.  Another great little lure that will catch anything is a Mini-Mite made by Cubby.  For all the jigs, I'd stick with the basic colors of white, black and yellow.

If I had room, I'd also have a couple small floating Rapalas in sizes #5 and #7.  The basic silver or gold color.  I'd also have some small spinners like size #0 to #1 Mepps.  Those lures will also catch just about anything.

I'd also carry a few small floats, a selection of small split shot, and a bag of small hooks (#8 or #10).  In the wild, you can always turn over a rock or dig up a worm somewhere.  Insects like grasshoppers, crickets, or grubs can usually be found pretty easy.  And if you catch a fish, small strips cut from the belly section of the fish are great bait.  Just cut little pennant shaped pieces about and inch or inch and a half long.  They look just like a little minnow in the water.  

I hope that helps.  Good luck if you do this.

Marc