It was 150 years ago that a nation still reeling (no pun intended) from Civil War held a convention, and named the First Commissioner of Fisheries, James Worrall. The 1866 convention, held in Harrisburg, was organized to investigate pollution of mountain lakes and streams.

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) will celebrate the anniversary during its quarterly business meeting March 30 in Harrisburg. Anglers eagerly await the state's trout fishing openers, April 2 in certain southeast counties and April 16 statewide. In Carbon County, trout season opens April 2 on Lizard and Mahoning creeks, which are on county borders.As you wait to wet a line, here's a look at some noteworthy dates and happenings in PFBC history:1870 - Thad Norris, a private citizen, purchases 450 bass from the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. He releases the fish into the Delaware River, near Easton.1873 - 2.7 million shad are hatched and stocked into the Susquehanna River.1875 - The Western Hatchery is constructed in Corry, and in 1886 10,000 brown trout eggs are received from Germany, and successfully hatched.1888- Rainbow trout are stocked into the Susquehanna River for the first time.1903 - The Bellfonte Hatchery opens.1904 - 10.2 million chain pickerel are propagated - the species had never before been propagated anywhere in the United States.1914 - Honus Wagner - yes, that Honus Wagner, the Hall of Fame second baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates - is named a Pennsylvania Fish Commissioner.1922 - The first resident fishing licenses are required. The license cost is one dollar.1925 - The first trout creel limit is set at 25. In 1933 it's changed to 20; in 1937, 15; in 1938, 10; and in 1952, 8. The present limit is five, from the opener until Labor Day, of combined species of trout and each fish must be seven inches long.1932 - It's a milestone - the PFBC stocks one million trout.1937 - The ban on Sunday fishing is removed.1970 - The Brook Trout is named as the state fish.Pennsylvania's angling history spans two centuries and there's still time for you to be part of it. Fishing licenses are available on line (www.fish.state.pa.us) or through County Treasurer's offices and other locations. For example, in Lehighton you can get a license at Buck's Sporting Goods, Marzen Feed Store, or Wal-Mart.The cost for a resident license (ages 16 to 64) is just 22.70, and if you're going to fish for trout or salmon you'll need the additional permit. Remember that the fishing license must be displayed on a hat or outer garment, and that you must also provide other identification if asked. It's a good idea to photocopy your driver's license and keep the copy in the holder with the fishing license.Happy Anniversary PFBC - and many more!