No one knows for sure why anglers began to angle. It could be hardwired into fishermankind's collective brains through millions of years of trying to feed a growling stomach, or it might have simply began as a way to get out of the cave when the spouse whipped out the "hominid-do" list. The end result of this genetic trial and comedy of errors is the modern angler. Now, from outward appearances, they may appear like normal folk - sometimes even comically so - but don't underestimate them, because they're an apex predator of the highest order who count as their crowning achievement the ability to outthink a fish. Well, some of the time anyway.

Australiapithecus Beericanus - From the Land Down Under, these were the ancestors who invented the canned beer, a crucial component of fishing. Unfortunately, it was nearly 200,000 years before the invention of the can opener, and because the only way to open a beer was to violently smash it with a club, this inured them to a life of frustration, which would prove to be a real boon to future anglers.

Homo Hatiless - As the brain grew larger, this branch of Early Angler discovered their caps wouldn't fit properly anymore, so they invented the adjustable-banded hat. Although advanced enough to be decorated with the wearer's favorite mode of transportation (invariably a pair of feet), these first examples were crude and wouldn't even hold a bend in the brim. It was nearly 100,000 years before wearers discovered they could wear them at jaunty angles, and another 100,000 years before the first backwards rally cap made its appearance.

Homo Electus - As the clan grew larger, some sort of order was required, so leaders began to be elected - as opposed to taking a position of hierarchy by clubbing opponents into unconsciousness. But it was discovered that it was hard to get anyone's vote if you told the truth, such as "Starvation coming." So a handy electoral device known as the "half-lie" was invented, "Good news for clan members with behinds like wooly mammoth." This perfection of prevarication and spin has served anglers well, as they've learned to exaggerate fish weights exponentially and found ways to make themselves appear to be fishing heroes instead of inept bumblers.   

Pro-Magnum - This advanced family was the first to embrace a high-technology approach to fishing. When gunpowder was accidentally invented - while experimenting with a barbequed saber-toothed tiger rub recipe - these more advanced anglers discovered a new way to fish. Instead of holding onto a
rod at the edge of a stream for hours without results (mostly because fishing line and hooks hadn't been invented yet), they could lob a flaming coconut filled with this new miracle substance and catch all the fish they needed. As an added bonus, they didn't even have to clean or cook them.

Modern Angler - After several millennia of trial and mostly error, Modern Angler finally make their appearance. Amongst their many specialized traits is the ability to block out outside stimuli, such as a stalking mountain lion or an approaching tornado, and concentrate their efforts in watching a floating red and white bobber that usually evinces fewer signs of movement than a boating writer when the restaurant check arrives. Modern Angler may call in sick more often than a hypochondriac with Munchausen's syndrome, but thanks to their persistence gene, when it comes to a fishing trip, about the only thing that would prevent them from going is a bone sticking through the skin after tumbling off a cliff. Look for Modern Angler to continue to evolve to the point where they no longer need fishfinders, but can sense the fish telepathically. Of course, they still won't be able to find their personal flying transport keys.