This is a fish hook made from animal bone and dating from the Paleoindian era (14,500 – 11,500 BP). This example from the Aucilla River is unusual because it may have been made from the toe bone of a Pleistocene horse. Though not proven, if it is, it would represent the oldest fishhook in the Southeast. Bone fishhooks more commonly date from 300 BC or so to the time of European contact. Bone fishhooks were made in different sizes presumably for the same reasons they are today. Large hook for big fish and small hooks for smaller fish of fish with small mouths. Many were made in the familiar “J” shape but some were straight pieces of bone that formed the hook or fish gouge. Fish gouge were intended to let the animal swallow the bait to its belly. Once there the fishing line was pulled tight, the gouge became implant in the fish’s stomach with no escape other than the fishing line breaking. Fishhooks required fishing line made of a material that is not weakened by underwater wet environments. Probably the most common fiber used to make fishing lines was Indian Hemp or Dogbane so named because it is highly poisonous to dogs (Apocynum cannabinum L.). Dogbane was also used for making nets and ropes. Florida’s prehistoric peoples were adept fisherman.
