Reach for it.

Squirrel tetherball. (Which is only very slightly more silly than human tetherball.)

Fishing for squirrels

We've got lots of video of squirrels acting like squirrels; however, catching an airborne squirrel on film proved to be a lot harder than expected. (Music: Zamfir and Cellier, "Improviations / Flute de pan et orgue / Vol I")

Preparations

It's very important to be prepared when setting out for squirrel fishing.

Bait box

While the traditional peanuts would prove to be the most effective, we also wanted to explore some alternative baits. Nuts of various kinds (cashews, walnuts, pecans, and almonds) were obvious; we also brought some fruit (dried apricots and pineapple rings) to see how they would perform. The answer? Poorly. Next time? Paprika.

Ready to fish.

Spidere shows off a fully loaded urban-animal tackle kit, filled with nuts and dried fruits.

Loki begins

Assembling and threading the pole are essential first steps. Also, it's important to have a good hat. Loki has a good hat.

Just another Fisherman on the Wharf

Our initial location for this venture was, obviously enough, Fisherman's Wharf. After arriving and beginning to ply our trade, it turned out that the people of Fisherman's Wharf are "fish snobs" and only fished for "fish".

Seagull fishing.

We tried fishing for seagulls, but they proved much too flighty to catch. They'd happily dive for our bait, only to drop it and fly off the moment it began to move on its own.

Face-off!

Yes, it's true. When we came up against the seagulls, human eyeball to avian eyeball, with french fries on the line and everything to lose...we blinked.

Fishing for pigeons.

Pigeon fishing was only a little more successful, in part because french-fries tend to fall apart when tied to fishing line and tugged on by a pigeon.

Casting for Pigeons

I was never tempted to give up and go to the Ghiradelli chocolate factory instead. Not once.

Squirrel on a line.

We soon grew tired of fishing for birds, and went after a more traditional target.

Casting for squirrels

While there are many forms of casting (including side-arm casting, opposite-shoulder casting, casting into the wind, and the reach cast), squirrel fishing often relies more on effective reeling.

Crowd dispersal.

"Say, we probably should have taken a picture of the dozens of people who've been standing around watching us for half an hour and who are now all leaving."

Another Group

To be honest, we acquired several groups over the course of the day.

Luring Them In

To be /completely/ honest, crowd reactions are generally as much or more fun than squirrel fishing itself. And squirrel fishing itself is a /lot/ of fun.

The old fishing hole.

Three non-players fish from a pier - or, rather, a thoroughly uncomfortable stone bench - in Golden Gate Park.

He makes it look natural

His pants legs are rolled up to avoid getting wet, you see.

Fish fish fish-ummy fish

Fish fish. Fish fish fish fish fish. Fish. Squirrel!

Squirrel.

Alternative bait.

Though peanuts are the traditional bait for squirrel fishing, there are many other possibilities.

Just barely airborne.

We managed to pull squirrels several feet into the air rather often. We managed to just barely fail to photograph the event equally often.

Yet more cutepr0n.

After a few minutes, most squirrels learn to bite through the fishing line and make off with the bait. When that happens, it's time to move along in search of fresh squirrels.

Wildnerness

While the wilder squirrels do tend to be more skittish when their food starts moving on its own, they are also more drawn by the scent of the nut.

Don't Use Your Hands

This was the message we took from the sign. Of course, we never learned to read, so we may have been mistaken.

Finally, a suspended squirrel.

A (barely) airborne squirrel, and some bystanders.

Up, up, and away!

Yes, every squirrel can be a flying squirrel (with the right assistance).

The Fisherman and The Squirrel

I believe there is a place for such a short story in the American high school curriculum.

Battle is Fierce!

Do not be misled by the size difference--the squirrel wants the peanut a lot more than Loki does.

Liftoff!

Squirrels are, in general, surprised to find themselves airborne.

I'm a fisherman and I'm okay

I sleep all night, and I fish all day!

C'mere, little guy...

Squirrel fishing is an exciting and happiness-inducing enterprise!

Squirrel on a Line

Some squirrels got more than their share of peanuts. These squirrels were bold, and rewarded for their boldness.

Battle Squirrel

Does anyone else remember Battle Cat, from the old He-Man cartoons? man, what a character. he reminds me of squirrels, because...er...fine, I admit it. I've run out of things to say about our squirrel fishing expedition.

Sutrospidere.

Our DC senator poses for a traditional hero shot.

Loki Fishing

This video is not nearly as deeply awesome as Loki's compilation video, nor does it have music. It does, however, have crowd reaction, including the description of a squirrel hat delivery system for improved cuteness.

Hat Delivery Mechanism

You're going to want to click on this.