In the past decade, an abundance of bored college students and an even greater abundance of squirrels on college campuses have led to the creation of a recreation known as “squirrel fishing.”
The origin of the sport, if it is indeed a sport, is contested. Some rumors have it starting at Harvard engineering school, while others credit University of California Berkeley, which is home to the official Berkeley Squirrel Fisher’s Club. Penn State has its Squirrel Fishing Rescue Rangers, and many other universities are following suit.
The type of squirrel doesn’t matter, though the meaner looking it is the more credit the fisherperson is likely to gain by the catch. Eastern gray squirrels are the most common variety to hang about Florida palms and oaks, and USF St. Petersburg hosts an abundant population of the hyperactive rodents. Other varieties to be found in Florida include the Mexican gray squirrel and the fox squirrel.
Squirrels even have their place in literature. Thoreau’s “Walden” documents them thoroughly:
“All day long the red squirrels came and went, and afforded me much entertainment by their maneuvers…before you could say Jack Robinson, [one] would be in the top of a young pitch pine, winding up his clock and chiding all imaginary spectators, soliloquizing and talking to the universe at the same time…”
In an age of computers and virtual entertainment, a pastime such as squirrel fishing offers a reconnection with the outside world, and a worthy endeavor for the 21st century naturalist. After observing the creatures in their natural habitat and gaining a better understanding of their habits, it’s finally time to cast.
A practical beginner’s guide is provided below:
- Bait Up – Tie a nut (preferably a peanut or almond) or an apple slice to the end of a piece of fishing line, cord or string. Make sure the line is long enough to create some space between the hunter and the hunted. Making clicking sounds with the tongue will get the attention of many squirrels—a form of verbal bait.
- Cast Out – Cast the line in the general vicinity of some squirrels. Be warned, if one squirrel in a group is spooked, the rest will run too. If this happens, move on to the next spot.
- Stand By – Just like fishing for fish, fishing for squirrels requires patience. As a relatively new sport, there are an infinite number of casts and methods to be tried, so don’t give up if the squirrels aren’t throwing themselves after the bait. (Note: USF St. Petersburg squirrels are notoriously fat. Keep an eye out for skinnier, hungrier—and therefore more desperate—squirrels.)
- Reel In – If a squirrel grabs hold, gently pull the line. If the squirrel’s appetite and attention are truly captured, it won’t let go. You’ve caught it! After the squirrel has finished its snack, go brag to friends.
- For the Professional – After a few basic captures, the next test of the squirrel fisher is to see if they can get the squirrel to hang on long enough to carefully lift it several inches off the ground. It’s difficult, and requires an immense trust between man and beast. Take photos, or it didn’t happen.
Remember, this sport should be fun for the squirrel and the fisher. No squirrel should EVER be harmed or captured.
Photo by Ryan Ballogg.
