Even among true masters of their craft, unfounded rumors can sometimes arise. The phrase "all tackle is replaceable" confirms this fact. Of course, you can replace a fishing rod with a branch. Instead of fishing line, you can use a ship's anchor chain or even a regular string. But what about the hook? Even the dumbest fish will prefer it to a lure...
A bit of history. According to some versions, the hook was invented about 20,000 years ago. Although there is no official evidence of this, documents found by archaeologists indicate the popularity of this fishing tool even before our era in Egypt and China...
However, early hooks were quite different - they were peculiar braces that, after swallowing the bait, straightened out and ended up in the fish's throat. Such hooks are rarely used today, mainly for catching eels and flying fish.
The idea of the modern fishing hook came to a person who decided to bend a regular sewing needle. This can be done by heating the needle, making a barb on it, and sharpening it. Such methods were described by the Chinese emperor Qin Gu in the second century AD 
The production of hooks developed over a long period, but with the advent of industry and quality materials, the process became more perfect. Today, we have the opportunity to purchase hooks made of various metals, ideally suited for fishing.
Interestingly, in the Middle Ages in Europe, hooks became a symbol of craftsmen and were used in their coats of arms. Moreover, in the 17th century, in the Netherlands, the first professional hook fishermen appeared, specializing exclusively in catching fish using hooks.
Historical data indicates that in ancient times hooks were made from various materials, including wood, horns, chitin, and even precious metals. Moreover, hooks made of stone, mother-of-pearl, bronze, brass, copper, and even gold were widely distributed.
Historical facts also indicate the importance of the hook in various cultures and civilizations. In ancient Greece and Rome, fishing using hooks was widespread, and hooks were made of iron and bronze.
In the Middle Ages, hooks became an important element for the survival of many societies. They were used for fishing for food and for trade. Moreover, hooks were used for medical purposes, for removing teeth and other objects from the human body.
In addition to its historical significance, the hook carries values of our world. It symbolizes the power of human ingenuity and creativity, the ability to adapt to changing conditions. The hook also reflects our desire to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals - whether it's catching fish for food or trying to survive in the unpredictable world of nature.
So before you go fishing, don't forget to choose the right hook - your success and enjoyment of the process depend on it.