About a month ago I learned about a project called “Manzanar: “From Barbed Wire to Barbed Hooks”…fishing stories from Manzanar”. As mentioned on their site, the project is “documenting the history of Manzanar [internment camp in the Eastern Sierra Nevada] internees who snuck out of the Internment camp under the noses of armed military guards to go trout fishing. I want to tell the story of the Japanese American internees… who sought to experience a feeling of freedom, however brief, as they matched wits with the wily trout of the famed Eastern Sierra fishing grounds.”
Learning about the project, which is currently being undertaken by Mr. Cory Shiozaki, reminded me how fishing is not only a sport, but a way of life and a vital part of many people’s lives. It’s also a very important part of the Japanese culture, maybe a reason why tenkara originated and thrived in Japan.
This project is still in the works, and I wanted to let you know about it in case you’d like to support the project with sponsorships or donations to make sure it comes to fruition (more information can be seen on their website: fearnotrout.com). Also, a walking tour of the fishing spots frequented by the internment camp anglers will be held on Labor Day weekend at the Manzanar camp area.
I love it when individuals come together and share thoughts. Great website, continue the good work!
While searching for the family of a close acquaintance my mother knew in Manzanar, “Shig” Ishi, a reference came up to this project. If you can direct me to any descendants of “Shig” Ishi, please let me know, thanks. I need to look at your storybook to see if there are relevant details, thanks!
Hey Les, I’m gonna forward your message to one of the people involved in the project, and will see what he says.