Roman hook

[Ouse Wanderer]

Now settle down boys. You know it's only your own time your wasting!

[Lea Dweller]

I wondered if Captain Hook ever wrote a book?

[Cane]

I wondered if Captain Hook ever wrote a book?

It got Panned!

[Kev D]

Hooks have been around for thousands of years and long predate the Romans. Man has pondered on better ways to catch fish for a long, long time.

It is a little known fact that the Romans held a similar close season to the present one. They could fish for silver fish like roach, chub, ide and asp for most of the year but, if found with caught fish in the Spring, they could be jailed or sent to the lion pen. Hence the saying 'Beware the ides of March'.

I'll be here all week.

What an orfe full fate.

[Dave Burr]

[Santiago]

Reminds me of one of Ray Mears survival episodes (I think it was him) demonstrating one of the earliest hooks known to man, a simple rose thorn with a small hole in near the base opposite to the point . Although I can't remember what bait he used.

[Lea Dweller]

Reminds me of one of Ray Mears survival episodes (I think it was him) demonstrating one of the earliest hooks known to man, a simple rose thorn with a small hole in near the base opposite to the point . Although I can't remember what bait he used.

Possibly a Rose Hip?

[Kev D]

I think l saw the episode where Ray Mears had a thorn fishing hook too.
I've read that the Thames once sustained a commercial fishing industry . Old prints show nets being cast from little boats even in the heart of London .

Long-lines with dozens of hooks were also used . Traditionally these hooks were made of hawthorn thorns .
I imagine that like many primitive 'hooks' they acted as gorges rather than devices for delicate lip-hooking .

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[Cane]

This hook was found in the Thames many years ago. I can’t confirm its age, but I seem to recall it being suggested that it was probably 18th century. Any more knowable suggestions as to date would be welcomed. It appears to be made of copper and a test with a magnet confirms that it isn’t made of iron.

[Gobio Gobio]

Cane, your illustrated hook looks very similar to this one of mine.

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