Fishing Poles and Lures

The history of fishing can be traced back to the earliest stages of human evolution. It has been part of people’s experience and over the last 50 years, it has experienced rapid growth Gartside, D. F., and I. R. Kirkegaard (Gartside and Kirkegaard 2). There are various methods of fishing which are influenced by the current development (Gartside and Kirkegaard 5). Most of the methods of fishing can be linked to the Egyptian history about 3500BC, they include the use of line and rode. However, there is no clear information on which method was introduced first in the historical times. Fishing poles and lures are some of the tools currently used by fishermen. The history of fishing lures can is linked to James Heddon.  Fishing lures are used as baits when fishing, while the poles are used for holding the bait.

The fishing rod is among the basic parts of fishing equipment. It is utilized to catch fish through angling. It is characterized by a line ending in a hook and it is known as an angle (History of Fishing Rods N.p.). It is mainly made of either wood, bamboo or synthetic materials such as glass fiber composite or carbon fiber composite. It helps the fishermen to have control of the line. Its history dates back to ancient Egypt and China. It was made of silk like a needle and bamboo. They were utilized in ancient Egypt, Greece, Tobago, and medieval England.

Fishing poles are made in different lengths, mainly they are from 8 feet to sixteen feet or longer. They have different characteristics depending on the type of fish one wants to catch. There are stiff fishing poles which are utilized to catch catfish and other large fish (Bourne 36). Some are limber and they are utilized to catch crappie, bluegill and other small panfish. Cane poles are another type of fishing poles. They are the simplest and cheap as they cost about $5 (Bourne 36). Nevertheless, fiberglass and graphite poles are durable and delicate to bites. They have more features compared to other types of fishing poles. Most of the can easily be folded, hence, they are easy to transport. Fiberglass and graphite poles cost from $15 to $100.  Some have a line holder which permits an angler to adjust the length.

A fishing lure is another type of fishing tool. It is an artificial fishing bait which is utilized to attract fish. James Heddon is regarded as the inventor of the artificial lure (The History of Heddon Lure Company 80). His invention changed the way people fished. He replaced cane poles and bobbers which allowed fishermen to cast farther. There are various categories of fishing lures such as soft plastic lures (Bourne 75). They include plastic worms, grubs, minnows, tubes and lizards among others. They imitate live baits and have a natural feeling. The lures are utilized on bass, white bass, panfish, and crappies. They are adaptable and they do not require weight on the surface (Bourne 76). They are easy to use; plastic worms are the common soft plastic lures. Fishermen can crawl or hop them along the bottom structure.

Jigs are another type of artificial baits. They are universal which is influenced by the placement of hooks. They can be utilized in different circumstances while fishing (Bourne 77). They are made in diverse sizes which allows them to catch different fish. For instance, tiny jigs can help catch trout or small panfish in shallow water. A 1-ounce jig is utilized to catch fish at the bottom during heavy current.

Topwaters is another type of lures, it is considered the most effective. They are made of wood and plastic and sold in different shapes (Bourne 73). Poppers are other types of lures, they have scooped-out heads. They make slapping sounds once pulled using short and fast jerks. Other types of lures include floating minnows which are motionless and when twirled they move in quiet motion. Stick baits lures are shaped like cigars and they have hooks. Spinners is another category of lures. They have a shape of an open safety pin.

According to the Illinois fishing laws (ILL. ADM.CODE CH. I SEC.810) that fishing is taking or an attempt of harvesting aquatic life in any waters of the state utilizing any method and other acts like placing, setting, drawing and using any common device (State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources 6). Any Illinois resident can get a sports fishing license (State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources 4). However, one needs to be a resident for thirty days before buying. However, sports fishermen below the age of sixteen and those that are legally disabled do not need a license to fish. Individuals in the Armed forces are considered residents. Those that entered the service while in Illinois are not required to have a license. No-residents are required to buy sort fishing licenses to fish waters of the state. Residents are required to pay $15 per year.

Works Cited

Bourne, Wade. Basic Fishing: A Beginner’s Guide. New York: Skyhorse Publishing, Inc, 2011.

Internet resource.

Gartside, D. F., and I. R. Kirkegaard. “A History of Fishing .” THE ROLE OF FOOD,

AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, AND FISHERIES IN HUMAN NUTRITION, vol. 2, 2010, pp. 1–12.

“History of Fishing Rods.” History of Fishing – From Ancient Fishing Methods, 2018,

www.historyoffishing.com/fishing-tackle/fishing-rod-history/.Top of Form

State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “2018 Illinois Fishing Information.” State of

Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 2018, www.ifishillinois.org/regulations/2018FishingGuide.pdf.

The History of Heddon Lure Company. 2010, www.badger.ru/us_files/vendor/heddon.pdf.