Although Stone Age man had the tools necessary for making bone hooks, it is hard for scientists to get exact dates since bone does not define its age well. The oldest known hooks have turned up in Czechoslovakia, but others have turned up in Egypt and Palestine. The Palestinian hooks are believed to be over 9,000 years old, proving that fishing has been around for a very long time indeed. The plastic belts can be used with or without a weight, but a jig head, spinner, or a spinner bait always accompanies them. Plugs are made from plastic or wood and can be used on top of the water. There is a separate category of plugs called diving plugs that are designed to plunge into a certain depth of the water. The lure mingles with the muck and is then snapped back to the surface, at which point an eelpout may already be on board. During the spawning period in late February, a catch of 100 or more is not uncommon, weighing on average between 3 and 8 pounds. Those who love the ling are welcome to pay its tribute at the annual International Eelpout Festival on Leech Lake in Walker, Minnesota. Many variables change the location of bass, such as water conditions, water levels, weather, and light and food availability. There are three main elements that must be present in a body of water in order for bass to survive: Food, oxygen, and cover. A bass favorite meal is crawfish, which they prefer over shad. By layering your clothing, you retain the ability to lighten yourself easily should the need arise. A wool hat is a necessity to retain body heat. You should also remember to wear a personal floatation device. Check ice conditions before venturing out on any frozen surface. Ice thickness should be no less than six inches and should be determined in more than one area, as ice thickness can vary. Take the time with your child to let them learn techniques like playing the fish . Part of the fun of fishing is the struggle between the man and the fish, so let your child have the entire experience and not just a partial one. When you introduce fishing to your child, you have certain advantages to teaching them at a younger rather than older age.