fishing

The History of Fishing

Being a fishing enthusiast, I have always been interested in how this sport of mine has evolved throughout the ages. So, I did some research and found some very interesting facts.

Fishing started out as a means of survival rather than a means of entertainment and sport. As far back as 40,000 years ago there was evidence of fishing having been captured by the inhabitants of that time on cave walls with drawings. Fishing rods made from bone, wood or stone were known as "angles" which is where our term "anglers" comes from.

The Egyptians fished the Nile River which was rich with fish including eels, catfish and perch to name a few. Because of the primitive tools available at the time, the fish were usually clubbed to death after capture. Even references in the Bible tell of fishing nets and spears being used to take fish.

During the Roman Empire, fishing was considered an act of social status. Pictures and mosaics show people fishing from boats using rods and line as well as nets.

Fishing became a little more sophisticated in the 800 BC era. Wooden rods made from bamboo, ash or reed, to keep them lightweight, came into being. Hooks made from stones, bone or sharp twigs were used as well as fishing line made from horsehair or finely woven flax. Evidence also points to lead sinkers being used to take the bait deeper into the water. At this time, fly fishing came into being as it was discovered that fish would eat insects off the top of the water. Spearfishing was also popular as a fishing means.

Early native Americans used line tackle and a forgehook as their means of fishing. Sometimes plant toxins were used to stun the fish for easy capture. If some of these methods has a cruel touch to it, remember that fishing was a means of survival and not for sport. When it is a necessity, any means will do.

During the 17th and 18th centuries fishing rods become more modernized with the invention of guides placed on the rods to hold the line in place. The fishing reel came into existence also but was only used to hold extra line and were made from wood. From there it evolved to plastic and finally to steel as we have today.

Looking back through the history of fishing, the sport hasn't really changed that much. The objective is to catch fish. Only the methods and equipment have become much more challenging and much more fun. Although it is not really a necessity to fish anymore (because the grocery store has fish too!) it sure is exciting to get out there and experiment with all of the different gadgets on the market today, and when one works -- FISH ON!

With 63 years of fishing experience, I have put together a website where I share my fishing tips and experiences. I was raised on the banks of the Susquehanna River and fished my entire life with my father who was a fishing guide on that river. People came from all over (including Europe) to fish with my father. I have learned all that he knew and have put it all to good use. Although my father is gone now and I am no longer able to fish due to having lost both of my legs, I enjoy teaching others and passing along what I have learned for the sole purpose of enriching their experiences in this magnificent sport. Please visit my website at http://www.yourfishingtipconnection.com for more fishing tips and adventures as well as many fishing products selling at discount prices.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Ludwig

fishing

Saltwater Fishing Tips for You

Novice or not, we all know that simply casting the lines in the water will not yield any fish. From a perspective fishing might seem that it is one of the easiest things to do. All you have to do is sit with your line in the water from morning till evening and at the end of the day you can go home with a bucket load of fish. It is such a misconception. It is harder than we give it credit for. There are a lot of things associated with it - the fishing tackles, locations, weather, tides etc which together makes it all happen. Saltwater fishing no doubt sounds intimidating for a beginner but it is one of the best experiences for an angler.

To begin with one has to become familiar with the equipments. Casting, baiting, knot tying processes can be practiced without even setting a foot on a boat. Familiarizing with it will make saltwater fishing more pleasurable an activity. If you are an angler, you need to be practicing first alongside more experienced anglers. You can also take help from the fishing guides. These are the people who can help you perfect your saltwater skills. Fishing party, head boats, or pier fishing are just perfect places to pick up some basic skills.

Picking the right spot is important and that has to be a place where fish are biting. It is a rule of thumb to find places where the fish are likely to feed. So you need to choose your tackles accordingly. Fishing reports come in handy in this regard. It is best to research the area before you are out in the water. You will also come to know the specific species of fish in that particular area. If you have chosen saltwater fishing, you have to be patient. You have to stay at the same place and wait patiently, at least trying with two different lures or baits.

The weather plays a crucial role behind determining how well you can fish on a given day. The moon phases, the sun, the tides, the wind has to be considered before going out fishing in the sea. This knowledge will tell you where the fish can be found, and which times of the day are ideal for what type of fish. It is wise to consult the weather updates before you venture out in order to avoid being caught in any unpleasant weather disturbances.

It is a given that each and every type of fish need definite baits and lures, so you also have to know how to these are to be used, what hooks work best and how to rig them. Once you have hooked the fish, reeling them could also be a challenge. At times it even takes hours to reel a particular fish in and it is best to let the fish tire itself out before reeling them in. Once it is brought on board, the fish should immediately be bled to prevent softening and discoloration.

With all these tips on fishing, you can be sure to have only good fishing days, everyday. Tight lines!

Being an expert fisherman, Allan Simons understands that there is nothing better than getting a little help from a fellow fisherman when it comes to saltwater fishing; thus the article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allan_Simons

fish

All About Blob Fish

Not many people ever see a blob fish. That's because they live in very deep water, almost on the bottom of the ocean. To put it bluntly, blob fish are not very attractive. But the only people who ever really get to see them are fishermen who accidentally catch them in their nets when sweeping the ocean floor.

The blob fish or Blob Sculpin, originated in the ocean off of the coasts of Australia and Tasmania. Where they live, at around eight hundred meters, the pressure is eighty times greater than what it is at sea level. That means that the gas bladders of most fish are not going to work for them. But this fish is really just a large mass of gel, kind of like looking at Jello(TM) but larger and with eyes, nose and mouth. The fish averages around two feet long.

Because it is all gel, this fish has a density that is less than water. This lets him float above the floor of the sea without needing to swim. That's good, because a blob fish has no muscles at all. It looks like a big lump of jelly but it has a triangular face with an expression that is kind of like a scowl or frown. The blob fish feeds by just sitting in the water and waiting for something edible to come by. It eats mostly sea urchins, mollusks and crustaceans.

Blob fish were first described in 1978, very recently in terms of fish identification. The first blob fishes in reproduction were discovered in 2000 on the Gorda Escarpment off the California coast. The fish were in an area where other species of fish and octopus were also breeding. These fishes were watched at several different locations and levels by a remotely operated vehicle, and have been studied every year since they were found.

When first spotted, the blob fish was overseeing nests that contained 9000 to 108,000 pink-colored eggs. The nests all had brooding fish either sitting on their eggs or touching them. Other nest sites in rougher territory looked to be unattended, but the eggs were completely clean, which was thought to mean that brooding fish either sat on the eggs or cleaned them frequently.

The dozens of blob fish and their nests were quite close to one another. Eggs would be on neighboring rocks with sometimes only a meter in-between the families. None of the fish, whether with their eggs or not, showed any fear at all of the remote vehicle. Scientists are still trying to determine why such reproductive hot spots exist. At present it is believed to have to do with cold seeps, which make the water in these regions warmer and supply a steady stream of food.

Want to find out about what do worms eat, giant iguanas and other information? Get tips from the Interesting Animals website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Le