GUIDE'S CORNER FEATURED ARTICLE
STONE AGE FISHING
Fish locators, global positioning systems, Lake Map chips, and underwater cameras are a few of the technology advances in the sport of fishing these days. We know more about our quarry and right where to catch them then ever before with using these tools. So, fishing without these tools today would put you at a definite disadvantage, like back in the Stone Age. There is however, a type of fishing that does not employ any of these technology tools, and that would stream trout fishing. I have yet to see someone carrying an underwater camera in a fishing vest on a trout stream.
In doing some research for this article, looking for the fishing rod as we know today, always came back to fly fishing for trout on a stream. Stone inscriptions show that fishing with a rod brings us to ancient Egypt, China, Greece, Rome, and medieval England. We start to see fishing rods similar as we use today from 1790-1845 in the form of fly rods. In 1874 Charles F. Orvis invented the first fly reel, which brought out the very popular sport of fly fishing for trout on streams in the 1920's across the U.S.A. Destinations at that time included the streams of Maine, Vermont, and the spring creeks in our very own state of Wisconsin.
In doing some research for this article, looking for the fishing rod as we know today, always came back to fly fishing for trout on a stream. Stone inscriptions show that fishing with a rod brings us to ancient Egypt, China, Greece, Rome, and medieval England. We start to see fishing rods similar as we use today from 1790-1845 in the form of fly rods. In 1874 Charles F. Orvis invented the first fly reel, which brought out the very popular sport of fly fishing for trout on streams in the 1920's across the U.S.A. Destinations at that time included the streams of Maine, Vermont, and the spring creeks in our very own state of Wisconsin.
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Even with stone inscriptions, that still is not why I consider stream trout fishing as Stone Age fishing. My reason is that when I am trout fishing, it is me against the stream. I have to be able to read the river to find the lair of the elusive fish. Knowing that bends, currents, rocks, or undercut banks is where my target lies, which a fish locator can't tell me. There isn't a Stream chip to put into my G.P.S. that will give me that information either. Don't get me wrong, I use all the technologic advances in my boat, I would be a fool not to. Trout fishing on a stream is just pure one on one against nature and that is Stone Age fishing to me. The peace and tranquility of a babbling stream seams to be a Stone Age place in today's world as well. It is like going back in time to where things were a lot simpler. So now maybe you can understand why being on a trout stream is not a sport to me but a necessity.
While there are certain early catch and release streams and rivers open prior, the first Saturday in May is truly the start of trout fishing. In my earlier years, opening day of trout season was a tradition as strong as opening day of gun deer hunting for my buddies and me. I miss those days. You don't necessarily have to fly fish to enjoy a blast to the past. Using ultra-light spinning gear can let a novice angler in to the age of stone, by casting spinners or dunking a worm. While I may not be there on the first Saturday in May, I will be back to that trout stream sometime soon. I think you should do some Stone Age fishing as well, because your sanity will thank you.
A beautiful Brown Trout has fallen to a spinner.
With the Opening Season of Trout Fishing
soon approaching, now would be a good time
to book your Trout Fishing Adventure with
Soaring Eagle Guide Service
We do both Pond or Stream Trout Fishing
With the Opening Season of Trout Fishing
soon approaching, now would be a good time
to book your Trout Fishing Adventure with
Soaring Eagle Guide Service
We do both Pond or Stream Trout Fishing
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