Lee Kernen

One of the few good things about old age is that it gives a true perspective on how changes have affected our lives – and nowhere are the changes more impactful than innovations in fishing gear and techniques.
Growing up as a kid on Wisconsin’s Crystal Lake in Sheboygan County, I fished almost every summer day. I had a cane pole rigged with black linen line and a heavy store-bought pre-tied hook and leader made out of what we called catgut. It was thick and stiff. I don’t know how we caught anything.