Boating enthusiasts and avid anglers are familiar with the trusty fishing line that has become the cornerstone of modern-day fishing. But have you ever wondered was invented?
Fishing is believed to have been practiced by humans for thousands of years, but catching fish was not always as easy as it is today. Fishing methods have evolved and improved with time, and fishers had to rely on a variety of materials before they stumbled on fishing line.
One of the earliest recorded fishing techniques used what were called “hand lines.” These lines were created by attaching a piece of bait to a stick, and a fisher would cast this makeshift “line” into the water. This technique was used primarily in rivers, and the fisher would use the stick to reel in the catch.
Another technique that was used before fishing line was the use of nets. Nets have been used for fishing since ancient times, and they are still prevalent today. The practice of using nets to capture fish is called “netting,” and it was frequently used in rivers and lakes. The first nets were created using natural materials like animal hair, plant fibers, or grass. Later, as humans became more skilled, they started making nets using silk, cotton, and other materials.
Apart from hand lines and nets, some early anglers also used hooks made of bone, sticks, or shells. According to archaeologists, hooks have been used for fishing for over 42,000 years. The hooks were rudimentary, and it was essential to know where to place them in the water properly. For example, while fishing in deep water, fishers would attach the hook to a bone or stick and let it drift with the current.
The fishing line that we use today is a product of centuries of development and refinement. But before it existed, our ancestors used other methods to catch fish, including hand lines, nets, and rudimentary hooks. The evolution of fishing tools has made the process of fishing easier and more efficient, and it’s fascinating to learn about the history behind it all.