In 1635, the English naval officer Sir William Monson published 'A Brief Treatise on Fishing,' a comprehensive guide to the art of angling and the management of fisheries. Written in London and drawing on decades of experience at sea, the treatise covered everything from the construction of fishing vessels to the habits of various fish species. Monson's work was one of the earliest English-language books to treat fishing as a serious subject, blending practical advice with observations on natural history. The treatise reflected the growing interest in recreational fishing among the English gentry.

Monson's treatise contributed to the burgeoning genre of angling literature, paving the way for Izaak Walton's 'The Compleat Angler.' Its detailed descriptions of fish and fishing techniques were later quoted by poets and naturalists, and its influence can be seen in the pastoral poetry of the 17th century. The treatise also helped establish fishing as a worthy subject for literary contemplation.