Fly Fising is one of my passions and I immediately recognized the reference.

In 1652 The Compleat Angler, (not a spelling mistake) was written by Isaak Walton, then aged 60. It listed the twelve flies from the Treatyse. Through the conversation between the book's two characters, Mr Piscator and Mr Venator, we get a good view of how fishing with a rod and hook was done at the time. The tradition from Dame Juliana Bernet is clear: fishing was done for enjoyment.

http://freespace.virgin.net/fly.shop/history.htm

Sincerely,
Gargole