Definition

Noun: 1. A wicker basket used by anglers to hold fish: A traditional container, typically made of woven wicker or similar material, designed for carrying or storing fish that have been caught.

Usage

A creel is specifically associated with the activity of fishing. It is carried by an angler, often using a shoulder strap, to hold caught fish. Its open, woven construction allows for water drainage and air circulation, which helps keep the fish fresh.

Examples

• The angler carefully placed the trout he had just caught into his creel.
• She carried a traditional wicker creel over her shoulder as she walked along the riverbank.
• His grandfather's old fishing creel was displayed on the cabin wall as a decoration.

Advanced Usage

• "To fish a creel": This is an older or more traditional phrasing meaning to fish with the intent of filling one's creel, i.e., to catch a good number of fish.
  • He went out at dawn, hoping to fish a full creel by noon.
• "Creel limit": A regulatory term in fishing, referring to the maximum number of fish an angler is permitted to catch and keep in a single day. This term originates from the concept of filling one's basket.
  • The daily creel limit for trout in this stream is five fish.

Variants and Related Words

• Creelman (noun, archaic): A person who makes or sells creels.
• Creelwork (noun): The craft or product of making wicker baskets or creels.

Synonyms

• Fish basket: A more general, descriptive term.
• Pannier: While a pannier is a basket for carrying loads (often on an animal), it can be similar in form and function to a creel in some contexts.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "A full creel": Symbolizes a successful fishing trip or a bountiful catch.
  • After a long day on the river, he returned home with a full creel and a smile.

Noun

1. a wicker basket used by anglers to hold fish