Fishing (hobby)

History

Fishing is one of the oldest human hunting methods. Imitating the actions of birds, prehistoric humans learned to spear fish in tide pools, lakes, and rivers. Paintings of Paleolithic humans hunting fish have been discovered in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Early fishermen used whatever method harvested the greatest number of fish. Early fishing nets were made by knitting grasses, wool, or flax, and were weighted down with stones, clay, or metal. Before metal hooks were invented, fishermen used carved hooks made from bone and wood.

Historical records from ancient Greece indicate that some naturalists were concerned about shortages of certain fish species. Greek politicians created the first conservation laws to protect fish supplies. Fish formed a major part of people's diets in ancient Greece, Assyria, Rome, and the Middle East.

Early fishermen soon began to appreciate the recreational aspects of fishing. Sport fishing came to be called "angling." Izaak Walton, a British hunter and angler, published the first sport fishing book, "The Compleat Angler," in 1653. Walton's book is still in print because his description of angling as a sanctuary from modern life appeals to many contemporary readers.

Over the next two centuries, anglers introduced numerous innovations to the hobby, including new designs for hooks, lines, and bait. The earliest fishing reels were open-faced spools connected to the angler's thumb. In the early nineteenth century, the first modern fishing reels were invented. Imported woods from South and Central America and bamboo from Asia led to improved rod design.

In the twentieth century, technological advancements led to new fishing reels that evenly spread the line as it was cast. The invention of synthetic rods further revolutionized the industry. Shortly, fiberglass rods and spinning reels became standard equipment for novice anglers.

Modern fishermen are required to obey conservation laws. Some lakes and rivers are stocked with farm-raised fish for sport and commercial fishing. Overfishing remains a concern in many countries, and scientists are working to protect endangered species while preserving fishing as a commercial and recreational activity.

How to Get Started

New anglers should start by doing some basic research to determine what species of fish are found locally, and what techniques are typically used to catch them. There are numerous books and periodicals available for novice anglers, which explain equipment, techniques, and strategies.

Beginners might also consider seeking training from professional and advanced fishing hobbyists. Some stores that sell bait and fishing equipment will also offer training for beginners. Advanced fishing techniques, such as ocean fishing or ice fishing, will usually require some degree of training.

Investment

The most basic equipment for recreational fishing is the rod. Rods can range in price from $10 to several hundred dollars. Specialized fishing rods, like those used for ocean fishing, can cost well over $1,000. Serious hobbyists often spend the majority of their budget on fishing reels. Reels can cost anywhere from $20 to over $1,000.

Basic fishing hooks are generally inexpensive and sold in packs. Advanced hooks sometimes come attached to lures and may be more expensive. The most advanced hooks may cost over $10 apiece. Fishing line also comes in a variety of styles and strengths, and ranges in price from $5 to over $50 per spool.

Fishing equipment manufacturers also provide a number of methods for storing fish that have been caught, ranging from basic Styrofoam coolers to baskets that can be kept in the water. These materials generally cost between $10 and $40.

Materials

The basic equipment for fishing is sometimes called "tackle," and includes a rod, reel, hooks, line, and bait or lures.

Fishing Rods: Rods may be made of a variety of woods, although modern fishing rods are often made of synthetic materials. Synthetic rods are often superior in durability and elasticity and are usually better for specialized types of fishing, or for handling large fish.

Reels: There are several different types of reels. Spinning and spin-cast reels are commonly recommended for beginners. Many types of spin-cast reels contain the line within a casing. The fisherman depresses a lever to release tension on the string and uses weights or bait at the end of the line to cast the hook into the water.

Fly reels are generally simpler in design than most spinning reels. In basic fly reels, fishing line is removed from the reel manually and the angler controls the drag on the line by hand. Modern fly reels may have mechanisms to help control drag and to keep the line orderly as it is reeled in.

Bait casting reels contain an advanced gear system that turns both as the line is drawn in and as the line is cast. Bait cast reels are considered ideal for using advanced lures where the angler wants optimal control over the minute movements of the line.

Bait and Lures: Types of live bait can include earthworms, grubs, crickets, and frogs. Many fishermen prefer to use artificial bait or lures made of plastic, metal, or rubber. Many artificial lures imitate the movement of specific prey.

Types of Angling

Bait fishing: The angler uses live or dead bait and casts it into the water, then uses reeling motions to attract fish, or allows the bait to sit at the bottom of the water and attract fish with its odor. Bait fishing is appropriate for almost every type of freshwater and saltwater fish, and was likely among the first fishing methods developed.

Spin fishing: Spin fishing involves using artificial lures that spin as the anger reels in the line. Artificial lures employ motion and colors to attract fish. Spin fishing can be very successful because fish that bite the passing lure often hook themselves deeply and are then unable to escape.

Fly fishing: Fly fishing is a complex method used for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Anglers use specialized rods and techniques to imitate the motion of flying insects falling on the surface of calm water. Fly fishing requires anglers to utilize motions of the wrist to drive the hook into the fish's mouth.

Ice fishing: Ice fishing evolved from ancient techniques used in regions where lakes and rivers commonly freeze over. The basic technique is to drill a hole in the ice and then to sink lures or baited hooks into the water. Some manufacturers have created specialized poles for ice fishing that are shorter and have simple reels that can be operated while wearing gloves.

Time

Fishing has become a favorite hobby for people who like to relax, because it may often take considerable time to catch a fish. Beginners will need to invest a considerable number of hours to develop techniques in casting and using reels. Handling and preparing fish for cooking will require hours of additional practice.

Once the beginner is familiar with the basic techniques, fishing can be done any time, and can take anywhere from a few minutes to the better part of a day. In order to catch more than a single fish, anglers should be prepared to spend several hours on a fishing trip.

Learning More

Organizations

American Sportfishing Association <http://www.asafishing.org>.

Fly Fishers International <https://flyfishersinternational.org/>.

International Game Fish Association (IGFA) <http://www.igfa.org>.

Books

Baron, Frank P. What Fish Don't Want You to Know: An Insiders Guide to Freshwater Fishing. Camden: International Marine-Raggen Mt. Press, 2003.

Hughes, David, and Richard Bunse. Fly Fishing Basics. Mechanicsburg: Stackpole Books, 1994.

Kugach, Gene. Fishing Basics. Mechanicsburg: Stackpole Books, 1993.

Walton, Izaak. The Compleat Angler or Contemplative Man's Recreation. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1930