Late spring sunshine bounced off the shoreline at a local lake. Birds were chirping. Snakes were moving (and getting stuck in fish baskets). A young 10 year old me spilled out of a car, fishing rod in hand, ready for an adventure. Later that day, I caught my first fish. Like many people in the United States, I fooled a bluegill with a crappie jig. I hope it was honored to be my first catch. It hooked me on all things fish.
A paddlefish munching on plankton. Illustration curtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
While friends made practical degree choices, I studied fisheries biology and ended up in the History Department. This publication is a direct result of my studies. For the last decade, I researched coyotes, bears, mountain lions, and the North American prairie (if you want to check out my YouTube channel about that stuff here ya go https://www.youtube.com/@wildlifehistory). Our four legged toothy friends distracted me for a few years, but now, I’m back to fish! So, why fish?
I don’t know why I love fish. I just know I do. Fishes are mysterious. We don’t understand what it’s like to live in water. We can take some educated guesses (personally I imagine it’s like floating in a near zero gravity environment) but we don’t really know. I can’t fully communicate with my dog and cat, but I understand walking on land. Can’t do that with a fish. As an environmental historian, I think fish are a perfect research subject. They touch all aspects of our lives yet don’t get the acknowledgement they deserve. Here at All Things Fish, I will explore the history, culture, and science of fishes.
If you want to join me, hop on board and float around the world!