'Net
Fishing
The
Internet is a World Wide Web of information for the
angling enthusiast
by
Laura Emery, Field Editor
There�s
just something people love about fishing -� something that transcends time
and goes deeper than the natural human instinct to hunt and gather food.
It�s
the feel of the rod in hand, the sound of insects singing in the brush, and
the sight of the sun dancing on the water. It�s the
anticipation and excitement of what discoveries lay beneath the water, and
what curious creature will nip on the bait at the end of the line � the
thrill of the catch.
In
a society where everyday life is more hurried and complicated than ever
before, it�s no wonder so many people enjoy fishing. For many, it�s a
way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with nature.
According to Fishing.com, 16 percent of the U.S. population 16 years old and
older (34 million anglers) spend an average of 16 days fishing each year.
Freshwater fishing is the most popular type of fishing, with over 28 million
anglers devoting nearly 467 million angler-days to the sport.
But
fishing isn�t a new pastime. In ancient times, humans fished with pieces
of bone used as hooks and lengths of vine used as line. The oldest-known
painting of an angler using a rod or staff comes from Egypt and dates to
about 2000 B.C. Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle repeatedly mention
angling in their writings, and Greek writer Plutarch wrote of a fishing
match between Antony and Cleopatra. In the second and third centuries A.D.,
Roman rhetorician Claudius Aelian wrote about Macedonian trout anglers using
artificial flies as lures.
Though
the implements and methods used have evolved throughout centuries, the basic
sport of fishing transcends time.
Leading
the World to Water
www.fishing.com
Fishing.com
prides itself on �leading the world to the water� or, more
appropriately, to the World Wide Web. This Web site acts as a connection
between the fisher and the many fishing-related Web sites on the Internet.
From this site, you can link to information on everything from fishing
accessories to fishing vacations. Let this Web site be your online guide for
all things having to do with fishing. Search the site and find Web sites
specifically oriented to your fishing needs.
Fishing
for Kids
www.fishingforkids.net
At
Fishing for Kids, the mission is to invest in young people and enrich the
community as a whole. �By providing kids the opportunity to learn and grow
in an exciting new environment, we will be ensuring their future. Outdoor
adventures teach values and create memories that leave a lasting imprint on
a young person�s mind. At Fishing for Kids, our trained staff leads in an
array of hands-on outdoor activities that helps to develop character, build
strong leadership skills, and empower young people to recognize their full
potential,� the site reads.
Virtual
Fishing Hole
www.trails.com/stateactivity.asp?area=12878
At
Trails.com, it�s a virtual fishing hole � a resource for locating local
fishing spots around the country and in Virginia. In the Trails.com Fishing
section you will find great freshwater and saltwater fishing information,
including details of where to fish and directions to good fishing spots. The
site features fishing �hot spots� for largemouth and smallmouth bass,
striped bass, walleyes, and many other species.
There
is something on this Web site for fishing enthusiasts and anglers of all
abilities and experience levels. Each featured fishing trip includes a
detailed fishery description, driving directions to the lake, reservoir,
river, fishing hole, or ocean shore, and a list of the fish species
available and the bait, lures, and tackle needed to bring them in. All of
the information on the Web site is produced by well-known outdoor guidebook
publishers.
Virginia
fly-Fishing
www.vaflyfish.com
VirginiaFlyFish.com
claims to be the virtual home to Virginia�s premier fly-fishing community.
The site reads, �Virginia is home to some of the best fresh and saltwater
fishing spots in Ameri�ca.
Come explore fly-fishing opportunities in Virginia and learn from those that
fish here every day.� You can view, post or rate fishing reports on local
lakes, rivers, streams, and beaches. You can also participate in discussions
about local waterways, conservation, guides, shops, and more. Or, view local
events relevant to fly-fishing and check out the planning section where
you�ll find everything you�ll need to know when planning a fly-fishing
trip in Virginia.
For
the Love of Fishing
www.fishinginfo.com
Check
out current fishing news, ask a fishing pro a question, access fishing
reports, and use the online fish-weight calculators. You can also get
instructional-lesson information and help with planning a fishing trip here.
Active
Angler
www.activeangler.com
At
ActiveAngler.com, you�ll find a number of informative articles, photo
galleries, product reviews, and tips and tricks. There is also a trip
planner, a section where you can ask an expert a fishing question, and a
forum for sharing fish tales and swapping recipes.