Recreational fishing

Recreational fishing is a diverse activity pursued for leisure, exercise, or competition. It is distinct from commercial fishing, which focuses on occupational profit. It also differs from subsistence fishing, which is done for survival and livelihood. Most people practice angling, a method using a rod, reel, and line. Anglers use hooks and terminal tackle, which includes weights, floats, and swivels.

Some people use fresh bait, while others use lures to attract predatory fish. Many hobbyists even hand-make their own custom plastic lures or artificial flies.

There are several specialized methods used to catch fish. Spearfishing involves using a harpoon or speargun, often while diving. Bowfishing is performed from above the water using a crossbow or compound bow. Some people use their hands in activities known as noodling or trout tickling. While some use nets or unconventional tools like a boomerang, many such practices are banned. These rules exist because some methods are destructive or inhumane.

People often target specific species known as game fishes. Big-game fishing targets large open-water species like tuna, sharks, and marlins. This type of fishing is usually done from yachts or by casting from the shore.

The history of fishing as a hobby is quite long. Anecdotal evidence suggests fly fishing existed in Japan as early as the 9th century BCE. In Macedonia, Claudius Aelianus described a method using red wool and feathers. They used a six-foot rod and a line of the same length. These early methods were likely for survival rather than sport. In England, the activity became a recognized interest following the Norman Conquest of 1066.

The publication of written essays helped solidify fishing as a recreational pursuit.

Literature played a major role in the evolution of angling. In 1496, Dame Juliana Berners published the first English essay on the subject. Her work, titled Treatyse of Fysshynge wyth an Angle, covered rod construction and natural baits. Later, in 1613, John Dennys wrote The Secrets of Angling. He was a contemporary of Shakespeare and mentioned the phrase "cast a fly."

In 1653, Izaak Walton published The Compleat Angler. This famous book celebrated the art of fishing through prose, verse, and folklore. It became so popular that over 300 editions have been published.

As interest grew, the fishing industry became commercialized during the 18th century. Artisans in Redditch became a major center for producing fishing gear. Onesimus Ustonson established a leading trading shop in 1761. His business was so successful that he received a Royal Warrant from three monarchs. He was known for selling various tackles, including brass multiplying winches.

These early reels were wide with brass gears that often wore down. Innovations like the Kirby bend, a distinctive offset hook, also emerged during this era.

In the 19th century, fishing expanded to the middle and lower classes. The growth of the British railway network allowed people to take trips to rivers and seas. In 1836, Alfred Ronalds published The Fly-fisher's Entomology. He used his skills as an engraver to include 20 beautiful color plates.

This book set a high standard for how fly-fishing techniques and artificial flies are illustrated. Ronalds also studied trout behavior from a specialized bankside fishing hut. His work helped establish the foundation for modern fly-fishing literature.

Today, recreational fishing remains a massive global activity with significant participation. In the United States, the number of participants has seen a long upward trend. Between 2017 and 2018, the industry saw a high churn rate of 18.5%. During this period, 9.4 million people started fishing, while 9.1 million stopped. This resulted in a net gain of 300,000 participants.

In 2018, participants spent a total of 883 million days fishing. To protect fish populations, many anglers practice catch and release. This conservation method allows fish to be returned to their habitat after being caught.