If you’re like us, fishing is one of your favorite pastimes. For millions of people all over the world, it’s a much-loved hobby as well as a source of food. For many, it’s also a livelihood.
Curious to know why we fish? Here’s a brief history of fishing:
While humans have been eating seafood for about 164,000 years, fishing equipment as we know it wasn’t invented until later. The oldest known fishing hooks were discovered in a cave in East Timor, and date to 40,000 B.C.
The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all fished for food. The Egyptians created numerous fishing-related images in tombs, on papyrus and in drawings. However, in ancient Greek society, fishermen were looked down upon and rarely depicted in art. One of the rare exceptions is a wine cup from 500 B.C. showing a young boy crouching on a rock with a fishing rod.
Commercial fishing trawlers appeared in Great Britain in the 17th century. In the 19th century, steam-powered trawlers were invented and commercial fishing became big business.
The first mention of recreational fishing is from the 15th century, in an essay by the prioress of a convent. Fishing for sport became more and more popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, but until fishing equipment became less expensive to manufacture it was primarily an upper-class pursuit.
If you love to fish, book a fishing trip at the Lawrence Bay Lodge today!
We offer premier-quality equipment, knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodations and home-cooked food on Saskatchewan’s Reindeer Lake. Call us at 701-262-4560 to book your next fishing trip!