Fishing

Fishing is the activity of trying to catch fish. Fish are often caught as wildlife from the natural environment (freshwater or marine), but may also be caught from stocked bodies of water such as ponds, canals, park wetlands and reservoirs. People use many different ways to fish, including trawling, longlining, jigging, hand-gathering, spearing, netting, angling, shooting 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, but others enjoy it as a recreational pastime, sometimes competing in fishing tournaments.

According to the United Nations FAO, there are about 39 million people who work as commercial fishers or in fish farming. Fishing and fish farming help provide jobs for over 500 million people in developing countries. In 2005, people around the world ate about 14 kilograms of fish from the wild and another 7 kilograms from fish farms for every person.

History

Main articles: History of fishing and History of seafood

Fishing is an ancient activity that goes back to at least 40,000 years ago. 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 very important for early people. Both humans and even Neanderthals fished long ago, sometimes using simple traps and nets.

Over time, fishing grew and changed greatly. In the 17th century, sailing trawlers began in Britain. By the 19th century, new designs like the Brixham trawler allowed fishers to travel farther and catch more fish, leading to big changes in fishing communities. These ships helped create large fishing ports like Grimsby, which became a major center for fishing.

Fishing for fun also developed 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. This includes items like hooks, lines, sinkers, floats, rods, reels, baits, lures, spears, nets, and traps. These tools help people catch fish in many different 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 lure 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. According to the FAO, in 2004 there were four million commercial fishing vessels, including both large, mechanized ships and smaller, traditional boats powered by sail and oars.

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, not just for catching fish for a living.

See also: Fishing vessels and Traditional fishing boats

Traditional fishing

Main article: Artisanal fishing

Traditional fishing refers to small-scale fishing practices that have been used for generations. These methods include using simple tools like rods, arrows, harpoons, and nets. People have used these techniques to catch fish for both commercial purposes and for their own food, relying on methods passed down through many years.

Recreational fishing

Main article: Recreational fishing

Recreational and sport fishing are done mainly for fun or competition. People often use a rod, reel, line, and hooks with different kinds of baits or lures like artificial flies. A common way to fish this way is called angling, and sometimes fish are put back into the water after catching them, known as catch and release. Many people enjoy logging their catches or taking part in fishing contests.

There are many people who enjoy recreational fishing around the world, with estimates ranging from 220 million to 700 million. In the United States alone, about 50.1 million people go fishing 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 excitement of catching fish, not just for eating. Popular fish for this include tarpon, sailfish, mackerel, and grouper.

Fishing industry

The fishing industry involves catching, farming, processing, and selling fish and other seafood. It includes commercial fishing, traditional fishing by indigenous communities, and recreational fishing for sport or personal use. Commercial fishing is done to provide food and materials for many people around the world.

Commercial fishing uses many methods to catch fish, such as nets, traps, and lines. It can be done on a small scale with one boat or on a large scale with many ships. Some of the most commonly caught fish include 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 demand for fish.

Fisheries management

Main articles: Fisheries management and Fisheries science

Fisheries management uses science to help protect fish so we can keep fishing in a way that doesn’t run out of fish. It includes rules set by governments to make sure fishing is done carefully and watched closely.

Fisheries science is the study of how to manage fish and understand more about them. It combines knowledge from many areas like ocean study, biology, and ecology. One big goal is to make sure fishing can continue without harming the fish populations too much. This is important because the number of fish we can catch is getting smaller while the world’s population grows larger.

Animal welfare concerns

Further information: Animal welfare and Pain in fish

Scientists have found that fish react to painful things, like injections, in ways similar to mammals. Many experts now think fish can feel pain, even if it’s different from how humans feel it. Because of this, some people believe we should treat fish more carefully.

When fishing, there’s a chance to catch animals that aren’t meant to be caught, called bycatch. There are many rules to help reduce this and protect other sea creatures.

Plastic pollution

When fishing gear like nets, lines, and hooks is lost or abandoned, it can harm marine life. These materials, made from things like metal and plastic, don't break down easily and can trap or be eaten by animals in the ocean. Many types of fishing gear can become lost due to natural conditions, mistakes during normal fishing, or conflicts between fishers.

Cultural impact

Fishing villages rely on fisheries for food, work, and a strong sense of community and cultural identity. Some places become popular fishing destinations, attracting visitors who support local tourism and economies.

Fishing has also influenced religions such as Christianity and Hinduism. For example, Jesus was said to enjoy fishing, and many Bible stories include fish or fishing. The Pope even wears special clothing that includes a symbol called the "fisherman's ring."