In 1613, John Dennys's 'The Secrets of Angling' was published posthumously, becoming the first extant fishing poem in English. The work blends practical fishing advice with pastoral verse, drawing on classical and medieval traditions. Dennys's poem helped establish angling as a subject worthy of serious literary treatment, influencing later writers like Izaak Walton. The poem's publication in London marked a turning point in the literary history of fishing, elevating it from a mere pastime to a contemplative art.

Dennys's poem directly inspired Izaak Walton's 'The Compleat Angler' and shaped the genre of angling literature. Its blend of instruction and poetry set a template for subsequent works, and its influence can be seen in the pastoral poetry of the 17th century. The poem also contributed to the development of the 'fishing as philosophy' trope in English letters.