Useless Knowledge for Anglers

By Mia Mirillia

The ultimate useless knowledge book for anglers

From the deep black depths of the oceans to the sparkling surfaces of inland lakes, from the mysterious legends of ancient cultures to the dazzling anecdotes of modern times - the art of fishing has always fascinated and inspired mankind. "The Ultimate Unuseful Knowledge Book for Anglers" delves into the incredible, amazing and often surprising aspects of this ancient art.

Hundreds of amazing facts about the sport of fishing

Discover how fishing has found its place in so many facets of human life - in culture, history, sport and even therapy. Learn how casting a line is considered a meditative exercise in Japanese temples, or how certain fishing tournaments involve mysterious customs such as kissing a fish before releasing it. Be amused by the story of the woman who actually had a diamond ring on her fishing rod, or the legend of the medieval monk who drenched his fishing lure with beer.

Fishing has found a special resonance in music and poetry. Celtic ballads sing of fishermen meeting mermaids, while modern country songs tell humorous stories about relationship problems due to too much fishing time. Reggae music has its own interpretations, as does the blues, both using fishing as a metaphor for the deeper meanings of life.

But this is no ordinary book about fishing. It's not about how to catch the biggest fish or which lures are best for which fish. Instead, it's about exploring the cultural, historical and often humorous sides of fishing. It's a book that will be enjoyed by both the experienced angler and the novice who has just bought their first fishing rod.

The perfect gift for all fishing enthusiasts

This book is a treasure trove of anecdotes, facts and stories that are both surprising and educational. It is a must for anyone who loves fishing, or for the person who simply appreciates a good story. Let it take you on a journey where you will discover the fascinating world of fishing from a whole new angle. It's more than just a hobby; it's a passion that unites generations and cultures. It is the art of fishing - in all its splendor and curiosity.

Click on "Buy now" and give yourself or a loved one a huge treat.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marcus Jungnickel
• Release date: Nov 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9791222471556

Book preview

Table of contents

1. beginnings of fishing

Prehistoric fishing methods

In the early days of human civilization, long before the advent of modern fishing rods and reels, our ancestors used inventive and often surprising methods to catch fish. These methods were often products of their environment and cultural development and offer a fascinating insight into the history of fishing.

The first references to fishing can be found in ancient cave drawings, which show how early humans pulled fish out of rivers and lakes with their bare hands. But that was just the beginning. Over time, different cultures developed sophisticated methods to secure their daily catch.

Stone fish traps: Stone traps in riverbeds were one of the oldest methods of catching fish. People erected rows of stones in the form of V- or U-shaped barriers. These barriers directed the fish into a central, narrow passage where they could be easily caught. The advantage of this method was its passivity: once set up, you could simply wait until the fish swam into the trap.

Bone hooks: When Stone Age people did not yet have metal hooks, they made effective fishing hooks from animal bones, especially bird bones. These hooks were often elaborately decorated and served both as a practical tool and as jewelry.

Poisonous plants: Some indigenous peoples used plant poisons to stun fish. They crushed certain plants and put them in the water, which stunned the fish and made them easy to catch. This method was effective, but required knowledge of the local plants and their effects.

Fishing spears made of wood and bone: Before the invention of the fishing rod, spear throwing was a widespread method of catching fish. These spears, carved from wood or bone, had several points to catch the fish effectively.

Basket fishing: In some cultures, baskets or nets were made from plant fibers and set out in rivers or lakes. These baskets were constructed in such a way that the fish could swim in but not come out again.

Torch fishing: This method involved people walking along the riverbank at night with torches or burning torches. The light attracted the fish and blinded them, making it easier to catch them.

Fishing in mud puddles: In regions where rivers shrank to small puddles during the dry season, people dug deep holes next to these puddles. The fish swam into these holes in search of oxygen and could then be caught by hand.

Shadow fishing: In clear, shallow waters, fishermen sometimes cast a shadow on the water to corner the fish and then catch them with nets or by hand.

Birds as fish finders: Some ancient cultures observed water birds such as the cormorant to find out where schools of fish were located. In some cases, the birds were even trained to catch fish for humans and bring them back.

Slap fishing: A technique practiced in some parts of the world involved slapping the water with flat hands or sticks. The noise and vibrations drove the fish into predetermined areas or nets.

Historical fishing tackle

As man began to fish the seas, rivers and lakes more systematically, he developed a variety of fishing gear. Some of it may seem bizarre to us today, but it is a testament to the creativity and adaptability of anglers over time. Here are ten amazing facts about historical fishing tackle:

The ancient Egyptians were known for their fishing and developed many of the first fishing tackles we know today. Pictures have been found of them casting nets into the Nile or fishing with long rods and lines.

Centuries ago, people in Asia even used live ants as bait. They hung ants on a hook and waited until a fish was attracted by the movement and smell of the insects.

In medieval Europe, fishing rods were often so large and heavy that they had to be shared between two people. This design was less about efficiency and more about status and prestige.

In ancient Chinese civilizations, jade was used as bait. The shiny stone was believed to attract fish and bring good luck.

The Romans, who were always keen to control their environment, developed floating metal fish traps, which they set up in rivers and lakes. These constructions were able to catch large quantities of fish at once and thus met the needs of Rome's growing population.

Leather was often used as a material for fishing lines. Strips of leather were cut into strips and then made into lines. They were not as durable as modern lines, but offered an acceptable tensile strength for the time.

Until the end of the 19th century, many fishing hooks were forged by hand. This made them expensive and unaffordable for the average angler. It was not until the industrial revolution that the mass production of fishing hooks began.

Before the development of plastics and other modern materials, fishing hooks were often made from natural materials such as cork or bird feathers. Although these floats were not as durable as their modern counterparts, they were light and effective.

The oldest known fishing reels