7 stamps, pen and ink, dark green on chocolate matting
When it comes to sheer skill and success at fishing, no human can compare to the pelican, eagle and other birds and land animals that developed fishing skills well before man ever came into existence. Having given homage to God’s most successful fishing machines, humans should also be acknowledged. Ancient rock art depicts fishing scenarios around the world. Inhabitants of the remote islands relied on fish as their primary source of food. Many cultures are known for their exploits at harvesting the oceans. Spearing, traps, and nets at some point in time were joined by hooks and various type of bait, both live and artificial. The die-hard fly fisher will spend enormous time and effort preparing a tantalizing “fly” that no ordinary fish could ignore. With the coming of high tech equipment, in addition to canoes, boats, and trawlers, it would seem that the fish would not stand a chance. And now we see a great deal of “catch and release.” There is more to fishing that just the “catch.” The serenity, the satisfaction, the sheer enjoyment is such that millions enjoy the act, or should we say the “art” of fishing. A way of life? You bet!
