Freshwater Fishing

[Brandon]

I am on a search for information on freshwater fishing in the south between 1850-1870. I have so far came up pretty empty handed, I have found patents for rod and reels for the period but they are all very heavy reels for saltwater fishing.

My question is would a basic pole be most common for freshwater fishing or would you use just a line? What type of woods would be used for poles? And what sort of line would be used?

Any paintings, sketches, pictures, or resources you might have would be appreciated.

[GrumpyDave]

Re: Freshwater Fishing

PM Hank Trent. I've actually seen him "period" fishing at events.

[Lewis Robinson]

Re: Freshwater Fishing

Historical Angling Enterprises http://www.historicanglingenterprises.com/ has gear that predates the Civil War, but would certainly be appropriate for the time period.

[Hank Trent]

Re: Freshwater Fishing

PM Hank Trent. I've actually seen him "period" fishing at events.

The only research I have is on upscale fishing for trout. No idea whether that's of any interest, in the very broad category of freshwater fishing in the south, which could include anything from jugging for cats to the latest fly fishing equipment. Any chance of narrowing it down? Otherwise, you could start with a search like this:

http://books.google.com/books?q=intitle%3A%22fishing%22%20date%3A1850-1870&btnG=Search%20Books&as_brr=3

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com

[dixieflyer]

Re: Freshwater Fishing

Brandon, when I was doing mid 19th c. living history at an ag museum/living history farm, all evidence I saw pointed to the ubiquitous cane pole. I suppose with modern impoundments, etc. it might be hard to secure river cane (as we used to call it growing up in the South), but it was cheap, readily available for the taking, etc. I know of at least one 18th c. sutler offering handforged fishing hooks for the "Trekker" crowd. (Blue Heron Mercantile).

HTH, YMMV, FWIW,

[Brandon]

Re: Freshwater Fishing

I appriciate the help. I am looking more towards the panfish side of things. I have found that silk line would have been the most common, and have found that it is available through highend fly fishing suppliers. Code Mobely also sells eyeless hooks.

[dixieflyer]

Re: Freshwater Fishing

Here you go Brandon:

https://frontierfolk.ipower.com/cgi-bin/ecommerce/ac/agora.cgi?cart_id=8144118.5186*4g1VA3&product=fishing

Check out the George Washington fishing kit.

[Horace]

Re: Freshwater Fishing

This is an excellent living history blog with information on period fishing: http://www.jimsfortheloveofhistory.blogspot.com/