Angler - Word origin

Posted by Dale on February 27, 2003

In Reply to: Angler - Word origin posted by TheFallen on February 21, 2003

: : Does anyone know the origin of the word "angler"? I know there is a fish called angler, but how did it come to be that someone fishes with hook and line is called an angler?

: It's because the angler angles. To angle, meaning to fish, comes from a Middle English noun "angel" (pronounced to rhyme with dangle), which simply means a fish-hook.

Check out an ancient (1600s) book by Julianne Burners titled "The Art of Fishing wiht an Angle" and you will find the angle actually refers to the angle between the pole and the line. This is an important aspect of fishing with ancient equipment. Modern poles and drag reels make it somewhat less crucial.