A Brief History of Forks and Reels

It's been well over a year since I moved to China and shuttered the windows at Lunkerhunt world headquarters. You're probably excited about finally reading something witty, but I'm sorry to say this is a history lesson. Something to remember until next week's trivia night at Marge's Cue 'n Brew.

Fishing here is still nothing to write home about, so I won't. This post is about fishing history, with a side of silverware.

Recently someone told me the Chinese people invented the fork. For reasons known only to Buddha, Confucius and Mao, they decided to use chopsticks instead. So I spent today's lunch hour doing some internet research to confirm the statement. Results are mixed, it was either the Chinese or the Egyptians, maybe both - but I digress.

While researching I stumbled upon this page about Chinese inventions, which is extremely interesting for a guy like me. Before China started copying things, they were hard at work inventing things. Legitimate world changing inventions. Stuff like printing, cast iron, steel, gun powder, paper and the compass. In the list something piqued my interest:

Image courtesy of Wikipedia, who no doubt stole it from someone else.

The above image is of Ma Yuan's Angler on a Wintry Lake, circa 1195 AD. The painting is significant because it is the earliest known depiction of a fishing reel. Chinese people invented the fishing reel. Interesting, no?

It reminds me of a picture I uploaded to Facebook last year. I don't remember the caption, I'm sure it was priceless...something like "Screw Tenkara, this is the new old way to break off a fish."

In comparing the two specimens, I find not much changed in 800 years.

"Short and stout wears 'em out"

Turn out the Lights. The Party's Over.

They say that all good things must end.
Call it a night. The party's over.
And tomorrow start the same old thing again.

In this world of fiber optics and instant gratification, eighteen months seems a long time to shutter the door at Lunker Hunt global headquarters. If you consider the same duration in reference to your lifespan...well, it's not such a long time after all.  My wife and I have decided to spend that amount of our life embarked on an adventure sure to excite and terrify in equal parts.




A few months ago we were knocked off balance with an option to move, but we're hitting our stride once again. Uncertainty will be certain in our lives from this day forth, of that much I'm sure.
It is a brief moment in time really. Lengthy enough to expand our world view, develop new friendships and provide a story for the twilight years. Short enough to miss little back home and enable stepping back into "real life" at full speed - by then, all the more stronger.

And when this next party is over we will look back, appreciate the amazing opportunity and set sights on the next big thing. Until that day, my friends, when we meet again.

Salt Crystals Sparkled on Your Sole

You became a bit of a novelty...a conversation piece at times, but you had a special place in my heart and mind. You always will. Standing between you and shoe heaven was a simple decision to act, a switch in my head.

Once clicked, the switch can not be reconnected and I undertake such thoughts solemnly.

 We were young when we first met. I, a high school sophomore, and you still in a box - fresh off the slow boat from Asia. I was starting track and needed practice shoes. My parents obliged. The early years were filled with highs and lows. You helped me through grueling ladder runs but I always ditched you ahead the gun...and glory...in favor of flashy pink and white sprinter's spikes.

Always there for me, nonjudgmentally on the infield and an excuse to catch my breath.

Then came college and we really hit our stride. You took me to the rec for jogging, weights and wallyball. We went down to college street and helped "take the strip." We cheered the Salukis before Coaches Weber and Kill got paid for Big 10 upgrades. You strolled across the prettiest campus in the world. You saw me through it all and I apologize for getting sick on you...twice.

We learned about life together. We learned about love.

One day much later, a pair of Adidas came and took your place. No big deal, you were having a rough time keeping up and needed a slower life. Still stretching your laces behind the mower and odd jobs from time to time. You knew my foot well and I need not untie you...ever.

All summer long you wore a grass stain proudly. In winter salt crystals sparkled on your sole.

 Today I flicked the switch, you successor has been succeeded and shit rolls down hill you know. I held it back as long as possible but you are not even slippers now. They'll pick you up before first light at the curb. Fifteen years is a pretty good run but...

I'm sorry it couldn't last forever.

Sunfish Identification, Know Your Stuff?

A dude named Wayne shot me an e-mail recently. He was building a sunfish identification quiz and was interested in using some pictures of mine. After I saw his work I got excited about being included in such a project and granted immediate permission. Click here to take the sunfish quiz, it ain't easy but you'll learn a couple things...and no, I will not tell you how poorly I scored.

Next he needs to build a quiz to help me keep remember how to ID stripers, whites and "wipers."

Crawdad Fly Giveaway

I'm giving away these fantastic flies and it is super easy to enter. Simply click this link and leave a comment on the Facebook picture it takes you to. Comments on this blog post are appreciated, but won't be considered contest entries...you have to comment on Facebook to enter.

If you're handy with a vise, click here for video tying instructions.