03/21/2026
This is perhaps one of my best antique store finds in the last few years, being an early modern "Cod Handline" with a cast lead jig, having a smaller fish sinker cast out of lead with the hook placed within it as part of the process. Using tarred line to protect the line from rotting, the handline was used extensively in Europe and along the coast of Canada by my family and distant ancestors while fishing for Atlantic cod. The paint you see even served a purpose, protecting the wood from rot and damage as a result of sea water. This is a significant part of Canadian history, as well as Portuguese history, representing the early exploration of Canada by Portuguese and Basque fishermen, as well as the Portuguese white fleet along the Canadian Coast. This cod handline has definitely found the right home, where it will be used to teach about the history of fishing, as well as Canadian and Portuguese history, generally.
Support local businesses such as Great Blue Heron Antiques just north of Goderich, on Highway 21; link in the comments.
