Fishing is much more than just the activity of trying to catch fish: it is an ancient art form that is practised in many different ways around the world. Normally fish are caught in the wild, but the techniques for catching fish can include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping.
The term fishing may be applied to catching other aquatic animals such as molluscs (squids, etc.), crustaceans (crabs, shrimp, etc.), and echinoderms (starfish, etc.), but not normally to catching farmed fish, or to aquatic mammals, such as whales, where the term whaling is more appropriate. Catching immobile animals such as clams, might also be described as foraging.
Some people make a living from fishing. For travelers, catching fish is more often recreational, but can help when wilderness backpacking and cruising on small craft, to get by with less food in the baggage.
In most parts of the world, fishing is regulated by law, and totally prohibited in many places. Always inquire with local authorities about fishing rights and regulations which vary greatly from region to region.
Fishing fees can vary wildly from region to region. From private exclusive fishing camps that charge handsomely for access to isolated rivers, to the Nordic right to roam that allows fishing for free by some means in some bodies of water. Details vary by country.
Angling is a method of sport fishing by means of an "angle" (fish hook). The hook is usually attached to a fishing line and the line is often attached to a fishing rod. Fishing rods are usually fitted with a fishing reel that functions as a mechanism for storing, retrieving and paying out the line. The hook itself can be dressed with lures or bait and a bite indicator such as a float or fishing bobber is sometimes used.
Fly fishing is a specialized type of angling where the casting weight is in the heavy line followed by a small nearly weightless tippet and a variety of area specific fishing flies which imitate natural accruing food organisms. This type of fishing is considered one of the most difficult to learn and tends to be very regionally specific.
When waters are covered by ice, fishing requires special techniques. Recreational ice fishing is usually by angling through a hole with simple equipment, but net fishing under the ice and fishing with a club on thin transparent ice are also practiced. Mind ice safety.
Ice fishing by angling is included in the right to access in most waters in Finland, and it is a common way of recreational fishing also in Sweden and Russia, for example. A special short rod with real and jig is used: the line is extended to suitable depth and the jig is moved up and down by jerking with one's wrist. The hole is usually made with an ice auger. Warm clothing is needed, as one sits nearly still for extended periods, without shelter for the wind. A foldable chair is often used, and skis, kicksled or snowmobile can be handy for reaching the fishing destination.
Net fishing is the preferred method for professional fishermen. As fishing nets are more intrusive on the ecosystem than hand-held equipment, they are often not appropriate for recreational fishing.
Sometimes called clamming or clam digging, shellfishing is way to harvest clams (edible infaunal bivalve mollusks) from below the surface of the tidal sand flats or mud flats where they live using a variety of tools from shovels to specialized clamming forks and rakes.
Ancient methods of fishing from shores or boats have given away to more modern spear guns and slings. Often combined with scuba diving and snorkeling to strike at hunted fish.
There are a wide variety of fish traps from traditional traps made from natural materials to more modern crab traps which are designed to be species specific. Generally these are left for a period of time and checked periodically for catches.
Fishing is often combined with wilderness backpacking and cruising on small craft so the type and quantity of clothing to wear depends heavily on the location, season and type of fishing that you are participating in. You probably need more protection from water than non-fishers. The key strategy in all but the hottest climates is to layer your clothing. If the temperature is going to vary, carrying a set of clothing for the warm times and another set for the cool times will take up extra space and add extra weight. Instead bring clothes cool enough for daytime fishing, and bring extra layers to put on over them for colder temperatures. You may still want a complete set of clothes for the end of the day, or if you happen to get thoroughly wet. Fishing often times means being far from civilization so plan accordingly.
Fishing tackle is a general term that refers to the equipment used by fishermen when fishing. Fishing tackle varies greatly depending on fishing techniques.
Almost any equipment or gear used for fishing can be called fishing tackle. Some examples are hooks, lines, sinkers, floats, rods, reels, baits, lures, spears, nets, gaffs, traps, waders and tackle boxes.
Tackle that is attached to the end of a fishing line is called terminal tackle. This includes hooks, sinkers, fishing flies, floats, leaders, swivels, split rings and wire, snaps, beads, spoons, blades, spinners and clevises to attach spinner blades to fishing lures.
See also knives.
See water sports#Stay safe for general safety advice at sea.
See also: Outdoor cooking
Cooking and eating the catch might be the great finale of a fishing adventure. Fish should preferably be eaten when day-fresh.
See also: Animal ethics
In many cases, such as if you get undersize fish or protected species, fish should be released back into the water, with minimal harm. On the other hand, invasive species should be destroyed if caught.
If fish are to be killed, the killing should be as fast and painless as possible.
Catch-and-release fishing is ethically problematic: the fish indeed doesn't enjoy the game – you inflict panic and pain just for your own joy. On the other hand, killing the catch has a bigger effect on the populations, which in many areas means fishing has to be restricted. Populations may collapse if restrictions aren't in place or aren't effective.