The Sanctuary Experience - Fishing
Location - Sankoty Lakes - Spring Bay, Illinois
HUMANS HAVE BEEN PRACTICING THE ART OF FISHING FOR OVER 80,000 YEARS.
ONCE AN ACT OF SURVIVAL, FISHING HAS BECOME A SPORT OF SKILL AND PATIENCE ENJOYED BY ALL CULTURES AND AGES ACROSS THE WORLD.
IT’S ESTIMATED THAT SPORT FISHING ACCOUNTS FOR OVER $48 BILLION DOLLARS SPENT ANNUALLY ON LICENSES, EQUIPMENT, FISHING TRIPS AND FISHING RELATED ITEMS (BEER NOT INCLUDED…).
IN THIS ARTICLE, WE’LL LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF FISHING, AND HOW ITS BECOME A PURSUIT OF BOTH SUSTAINABILITY AND HAPPINESS. WE’LL ALSO HIGHLIGHT SOME GLAMPTUARYS AROUND THE WORLD THAT OFFER WORLD-CLASS OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE THE ANGLING EXPERIENCE TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL.
Painting of a Chinese Man in a boat using a rod and reel circa 1195 by Ma Yuan - Source - ORCA
When I think of fishing, I imagine myself on a boat staring out at the horizon, holding a rod and reel, patiently waiting for that light tug signaling that I may have “hooked one”…
While it’s not known who officially invented the rod and reel, or the thought of sitting in a boat while holding said rod and reel, the oldest known painting that depicts this scene dates back to the late 12th century, and is credited to the Chinese artist Ma Yuan.
There are many studies that give credit to Native Americans, the Egyptians, the Chinese, and almost every culture for inventing the practice of fishing. Essentially, any tribe of humans living by a body of water probably share in the co-invention of fishing.
I tend to believe that the OG Neanderthals probably deserve the credit for inventing fishing though, based on recent discoveries in Portugal that signal our ancient ancestors had a taste for fish some 80,000 years ago.
Originally thought to be primarily meat eaters, studies show that Neanderthals ate a varied diet that was driven primarily by where they chose to live. As a nomadic people, they experienced many different types of topographical terrain and were adept at adapting to their environments. When it came to fishing, Neanderthals may not have been using the sophisticated methods we use today, but they got the job done. And perhaps, were able to expand their dinner menus in the process.
Fast forward to the 21st century - and we have over 30 types of fishing (including the Neanderthal approach of spearfishing). You have everything from angling, to fly-fishing, to trapping, and even the simplest (or hardest) of types…hand-gathering.
Hannah Barron practicing the art of hand fishing called “Noodling” - Source - Fishmasters
I know that hand-fishing is definitely WAY beyond my skill set. My comfort level aligns more with the old rod and reel fishing technique. Preferably standing on a dock, or perhaps on a boat that is anchored. And I’m totally happy with catching any size fish. Even a sun fish.
Me. With a Sun Fish this summer on Cross Lake in Northern Minnesota
Whether you’re a novice like me, or an expert like Hannah…the following Glamptuarys offer a wide variety of opportunities to learn and practice the art of fishing, while enjoying a stay at a beautiful glamping resort.
SANKOTY LAKES - Spring Bay, Illinois
EXPERIENCES OFFERED:
TRADITIONAL SHORE FISHING, FLY FISHING, BOAT FISHING, BOATING, KAYAKING, CANOEING, PRIVATE BEACH, SWIMMING
ARCTIC LODGES - Reindeer Lake, Saskatchewan
EXPERIENCES OFFERED:
TRADITIONAL SHORE FISHING, FLY FISHING, BOAT FISHING, CANOEING, CULINARY
SKYLINE GUEST RANCH - Cooke City, Montana
EXPERIENCES OFFERED:
TRADITIONAL SHORE FISHING, FLY FISHING, BOAT FISHING, HORSEBACK RIDING, KAYAKING, CANOEING, ATV RIDES
SOUTH FORK LODGE - Swan Valley, Idaho
EXPERIENCES OFFERED:
TRADITIONAL SHORE FISHING, FLY FISHING, BOAT FISHING, CULINARY
BERKELEY RIVER LODGE - Berkeley River, Australia
EXPERIENCES OFFERED:
TRADITIONAL SHORE FISHING, BOAT FISHING, ATV RIDES, RIVER CRUISES, NATURE HIKES, HELICOPTER TOURS, CULINARY
ISLA CHIQUITA - Puntarenas, Costa Rica
EXPERIENCES OFFERED:
TRADITIONAL SHORE FISHING, BOAT FISHING, BOAT TRIPS, SNORKELING, BIOLUMINESCENT BAY, KAYAKING, NATURE HIKING, WELLNESS
GOODNEWS RIVER LODGE - Goodnews Bay, Alaska
EXPERIENCES OFFERED:
TRADITIONAL SHORE FISHING, BOAT FISHING, FLY FISHING, BOAT TRIPS, CULINARY
Don’t let the photos intimidate you into thinking you need to be an avid fisherman to visit any of these Glamptuarys. All of these locations take great pride in the educational experience they provide. Their goal is to teach the ancient art, and have fun doing it.
I believe even I might catch something worthy of a photo, and I can’t wait to cast my line out to see what I might reel in.
Namasté and safe travels everyone!
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