Fishing freshwater dates back to ancient times for food, when pieces of bone were used as hooks and lengths of vine as line attached to the end of a sapling or bamboo pole.

 The next time you drop your fishing freshwater line over the side of a boat now equipped with the latest devices, have your favorite liquid refresher.  Enjoy a relaxing day of fishing freshwater, just stop and think a minute about how fishing used to be and its history. 

Early man coiled the primitive line at his feet and swung a length of it in a circle, and flung the baited hook out into the water.  It may be very traditional and ancient but very instrumental.  Although they were some fishing freshwater tools like nets, baskets and even hooks and lines, the fish caught were often clubbed to death.  Fishing for perch, catfish and eels were among the most important catches in the Egyptian times. 
Perhaps the most recognizable tool for fishing is the hook.  No one knows for certain, but it's quite probable that prehistoric man was using some form of a hook over 40,000 years ago.

The oldest known fishing paintings are of an angler using a rod or staff that comes from Egypt and history dates it from about 2000 BC.  Greek philosophers mentioned fishing in their writings, and gave tips about fishing lines.   In the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, it was written about Macedonian trout anglers using artificial flies as lures.  History of fishing methods and tackle used for fishing evolved slowly through the centuries.  It was not until the about late 15th century did fishing really evolve and one form of fishing took hold, now known really as sport fishing.                                                    In 1496, Dame Juliana Berners wrote details for the first time in English about the use of the fishing rod and describes the construction of hooks and rods for angling.  It also describes how to tie knots in fishing lines, how to make and use artificial lures and flies to take advantage of the feeding habits of game fish.  Dame Juliana's precepts were the basis of angling knowledge in England for about 150 years.

In 1653, English angler Izaak Walton published "The Compleat Angler", the single most influential book published about sport fishing.  Walton addresses the art of constructing tackle and the philosophy of recreational anglers.  Walton describes the craftsmanship that is required in the making of fishing tackle and methods anglers must use to catch fish.  He believed that true anglers are the ones who fish for the love of fishing and are far superior to other methods of fishing.

The term fishing, which is still extensively used, has come to a more specific term known as sport fishing to differentiate it from commercial fishing.  Through the years, men have dominated sport fishing, but in the late 20th century women took up the sport in increasing numbers.  The increased participation of women has been an important part of an overall rise in tourism and business associated with sport fishing.

Today the modern fishing rod with the vast growth in accessories, has been a matter of constant ongoing testing. Much experience and precision workmanship has gone into developing the most desirable and efficient equipment.  No matter what is taken into consideration of how modern man has perfected new equipment for fishing, the truth is, fishing history comes from the genius minds of the primitive people who used the rivers, lakes, and streams of their native lands for fishing freshwater for their food.