The simple, graceful rhythm of casting a fly soothes your soul. I recently met with Doug Lane, Tom Reisdorf, and Bob Fleshman of Angler s Lane in the Graves Mill Center. Curious about the origins of angling, I asked these experienced fly-fishermen for a brief history of the sport. Contrary to my notion that fly-fishing dated from 19th century America, Tom explained that angling originated about 2000 years ago with the Roman civilization. Fly-fishermen use imitations of aquatic insects called flies that are made from fur and feathers and placed on hooks.
Dry flies float on the surface of the water, while wet flies go under the surface.
The fishermen also make imitations of bait fish or streamers, such as minnows, as well as nymphs and terrestrial insects. On the Nature of Animals, a seventeen volume book that mixes observation with fact, legend, and imagination. Later references indicate that fly-fishing was practiced in medieval Europe as early as the 13th century. She reputedly cast flies and wrote the treatise between prayers. The book includes instructions on how to make a rod, line, and hooks, fly patterns, and fishing hints.