Planning A Fishing Trip

Fishing started out as a means of survival rather than a means of entertainment and sport. As far back as 40,000 years ago there was evidence of fishing having been captured by the inhabitants of that time on cave walls with drawings. Fishing rods made from bone, wood or stone were known as "angles" which is where our term "anglers" comes from. The Egyptians fished the Nile River which was rich with fish including eels, catfish and perch to name a few. Because of the primitive tools available at the time, the fish were usually clubbed to death after capture. Even references in the Bible tell of fishing nets and spears being used to take fish. During the Roman Empire, fishing was considered an act of social status. Pictures and mosaics show people fishing from boats using rods and line as well as nets.

Fishing became a little more sophisticated in the 800 BC era. Wooden rods made from bamboo, ash or reed, to keep them lightweight, came into being. Hooks made from stones, bone or sharp twigs were used as well as fishing line made from horsehair or finely woven flax. Evidence also points to lead sinkers being used to take the bait deeper into the water. At this time, fly fishing came into being as it was discovered that fish would eat insects off the top of the water. Spearfishing was also popular as a fishing means. During the 17th and 18th centuries fishing rods become more modernized with the invention of guides placed on the rods to hold the line in place. The fishing reel came into existence also but was only used to hold extra line and were made from wood. From there it evolved to plastic and finally to steel as we have today.

While I cannot relate first hand evidence of the swollen streams of salmon I can invite you along on an adventure of long range fishing for yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, albacore, yellowtail, Dorado (Dolphin fish) and the occasional swordfish. Located in San Diego is the world's largest long range fishing fleet. I began my voyages in 1999 on the Excel Long range sport fisher on a 4 day trip. On the second day we woke to biting albacore and bluefin tuna, wide open bites at times. Most of the anglers returned to the dock with 400lbs of fish, with the largest weighing 40lbs but averaging 20lbs. I ventured out on the Polaris Supreme 2001, 2004, Big game 90 2005, Searcher 2006, American Angler 2002 and Independence 2004 and the Excel 1999, 2001, 2004-2011 for epic trips of fish weighing upwards of 125lbs. If planning a fishing trip to the Tweed for the first time or even as a returning angler, it is well worth seeking advice from the local tackle shops and boatmen,as well as checking the various fishing forums and blogs on the internet, where advice on weather conditions, fishing availability, recent catches is immediately available.