'angler' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'angel', where 'angel' meant 'hook'.

'angler' changed from Old English 'angel' (hook) into Middle English forms such as 'angle' and 'angler' (one who uses an angle) and eventually became the modern English word 'angler'.

Initially, it meant 'hook' (the tool), but over time it evolved into the meaning 'one who fishes with a hook/rod' and now denotes a person who fishes with a rod and line.