The Fishing Definition

Fishing is an activity that involves catching fish either for commercial profit or as a recreational activity. It may be done by a variety of techniques such as hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping. The term fishing may also be used to refer to catching other aquatic animals such as cephalopods and crustaceans, but it is not normally applied to catching aquatic mammals such as whales (for which the term whaling is more appropriate). The activity provides food for around 500 million people.

Fish is a popular source of protein and many other nutrients, especially in the developing world. It is also a way of keeping fit and reducing the risk of obesity. Fishing can also be a social activity and is often enjoyed with friends or family members.

There are many different types of fishing and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some fish species are more easily caught than others and the type of bait or lure used can affect the results. In addition, fishing can be a dangerous activity with many accidents and injuries occurring each year.

Some people prefer to catch their own fish and prepare it for eating, while others buy it in shops or restaurants. It is important to remember that fishing must be carried out responsibly, and some fish are endangered by overfishing. Overfishing has caused the population of some species to decline to low levels, which can have negative environmental and economic impacts.

During prehistoric times most people lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle and relied on fishing for food. This changed when farming began and people started to settle in villages, towns and cities. In recent years, the popularity of fishing has increased, and there are now more fishermen in the world than ever before.

The most common method of fishing is with a rod and line, though other methods such as harpooning, spearing and netting are also used. In addition, people often use nets to catch non-fish, such as shellfish and other sea creatures.

Fishing is a very complex subject and there are a wide variety of factors that can influence the success of an angler, including weather conditions, the species of fish they are trying to catch and their equipment. There are many different fishing disciplines and each has its own specific techniques, tools and know-how.

A fishing hook is usually made from a wire or nylon and is usually chemically etched with sharp points. It is inserted into the flesh of a fish, usually with a bait such as a worm or a plastic imitation fly. The hook is then held by the line and is pulled in when the fish bites it.

A peg is a pre defined area on a fishing lake or canal where the angler can sit and fish. They can then use a pod or other folding stand to hold their fishing rods when not in use. It is a more efficient and neater option than using banksticks.