Fishing

Fishing is the activity of trying to catch fish. Fish are often caught as wildlife from the natural environment (freshwater or marine). They can also be caught from stocked bodies of water such as ponds, canals, park wetlands and reservoirs.

People use many ways to fish, including trawling, longlining, jigging, hand-gathering, netting, angling and trapping.

Fishing is also used to catch other sea animals, such as crustaceans (shrimp/lobsters/crabs), shellfish, cephalopods (octopus/squid) and echinoderms (starfish/sea urchins).

It has been a very important part of human culture since hunter-gatherer times. Today, many people fish for food. Others enjoy it as a recreational pastime, sometimes competing in fishing tournaments.

History

Main articles: History of fishing and History of seafood

Fishing is a very old activity. People have fished for at least 40,000 years. Early humans, like Tianyuan man from eastern Asia, often ate freshwater fish. Evidence such as shell middens, fish bones, and cave paintings shows that seafood was important for early people. Both humans and Neanderthals fished long ago, sometimes using simple traps and nets.

Over time, fishing changed a lot. In the 17th century, sailing trawlers began in Britain. By the 19th century, new designs like the Brixham trawler let fishers travel farther and catch more fish. These ships helped create large fishing ports like Grimsby, which became important for fishing.

Fishing for fun also grew over many years. Early books and essays talked about fishing with rods and lines. New tools and techniques, like better hooks and rods, made fishing more popular and enjoyable for many people.

Techniques

Fishing has many different ways to catch fish and other sea creatures like shellfish, squid, and octopus. Some common ways include hand gathering, spearfishing, netting, angling, bowfishing, and trapping. Fishermen can use these methods for fun, for business, or for tradition. Knowing how fish behave and what they like to eat helps make these methods work better. Some people even use drones to help them fish!

Tackle

Fishing tackle is the equipment that fishers use when they go fishing. It includes items like hooks, lines, sinkers, floats, rods, reels, baits, lures, spears, nets, and traps. These tools help people catch fish in many ways.

Some tackle, called terminal tackle, attaches to the end of a fishing line. This includes hooks, sinkers, floats, and other small pieces that help secure the line and attract fish. Fishers might also use live or dead bait fish to bring fish closer.

Fishing vessels

A fishing vessel is a boat or ship used to catch fish in the sea, or on a lake or river. Many different kinds of vessels are used in commercial, artisanal, and recreational fishing.

Recreational fishing boats vary widely and can be anything that floats, from simple dugout canoes and kayaks to large, luxurious big game boats. These boats are used for fun and sport.

See also: Fishing vessels and Traditional fishing boats

Traditional fishing

Main article: Artisanal fishing

Traditional fishing is a way of catching fish that people have used for a long time. It uses simple tools like rods, arrows, and nets. People use these methods to catch fish for food and to sell. These ways of fishing have been passed down from older generations.

Recreational fishing

Main article: Recreational fishing

Recreational and sport fishing are fun activities that many people enjoy. They often use a rod, reel, line, and hooks with different kinds of baits or lures like artificial flies. A common way to fish is called angling, and sometimes fish are put back into the water after catching them. This is known as catch and release. Many people like to keep track of the fish they catch or join fishing contests.

People all over the world enjoy recreational fishing. In the United States, many people fish in both saltwater and freshwater areas. Big-game fishing is when people fish from boats to catch large fish like swordfish, tuna, sharks, and marlin. Sportfishing is about the fun of catching fish, not just for eating. Popular fish for this include tarpon, sailfish, mackerel, and grouper.

Fishing industry

The fishing industry catches, farms, processes, and sells fish and other seafood. It includes commercial fishing, traditional fishing by indigenous communities, and recreational fishing for fun or personal use. Commercial fishing provides food and materials for many people around the world.

Commercial fishing uses different ways to catch fish, such as nets, traps, and lines. It can be done with one small boat or many big ships. Some of the most commonly caught fish are tuna, cod, salmon, shrimp, and lobster. Fish farming, or aquaculture, is another important part of the industry. It raises fish like salmon, carp, and tilapia in tanks or enclosures to meet the growing need for fish.

Fisheries management

Main articles: Fisheries management and Fisheries science

Fisheries management uses science to help protect fish. It makes sure we can keep fishing without running out of fish. Governments make rules to watch and care for fishing.

Fisheries science studies how to manage fish and learn more about them. It uses knowledge from ocean study, biology, and ecology. A big goal is to keep fishing safe for fish. This is important because there are fewer fish to catch as the world’s population grows.

Animal welfare concerns

Further information: Animal welfare and Pain in fish

Scientists have found that fish can feel pain, like when they are hurt. Because of this, some people think we should be more careful when we treat fish.

When fishing, sometimes we catch animals we did not mean to catch. These are called bycatch. There are rules to help protect these sea creatures and keep them safe.

Plastic pollution

When fishing gear like nets, lines, and hooks is lost or left behind, it can hurt sea animals. These things are made from metal and plastic, and they don't go away easily. They can catch animals or be eaten by them. Fishing gear can get lost because of weather, mistakes, or problems between people who fish.

Cultural impact

Fishing villages depend on fishing for food, jobs, and their sense of community. Some places become famous for fishing, drawing visitors who help local tourism and businesses.

Fishing has also shaped some religions like Christianity and Hinduism. For example, stories about Jesus often include fishing, and the Pope wears special clothing with a symbol called the "fisherman's ring."