Fishing is one of the oldest activities that humans have practiced throughout history, not only as a form of survival, but also as a form of recreation or sport. Today, fishing has evolved significantly, adopting both modern and traditional techniques, resulting in a wide range of types of fishing, each with its own characteristics. Below are the main types of fishing and their respective characteristics.
Professional fishing
This type of fishing is directly related to the marketing of the fish caught. Within professional fishing there are two major categories: craft and fishing industrial.
artisanal fishing
Artisanal fishing is carried out on the coasts, generally in areas close to the shore, using small boats. It is a type of fishing that uses more selective arts, which significantly reduces the amount of unwanted catches or discards. Among the most common methods in artisanal fishing we can find:
- longline: It is a fishing art that consists of using a long rope on which hooks with bait are placed to catch mainly large fish such as tuna or sharks.
- Trammel net: It is a three-layer net that allows small fish to pass through the first two inner layers and get caught in the denser outer net.
- Rock Octopus Trap: This is a traditional method used for catching cephalopods and other crustaceans in rocky coastal areas.
Industrial fishing
In this type of fishing, the catches are not only significantly larger in volume, but the environmental impact they generate is also considerable. Large vessels and multiple advanced technologies are used. The most commonly used methods in industrial fishing include:
- Trawling: This involves dragging a large net along the seabed or through the water column to capture large quantities of fish. Although it is one of the most productive methods, it is also one of the most harmful because it causes significant damage to the marine ecosystem and generates many discards.
- Purse seine fishing: This method is carried out with nets surrounding schools of fish attracted by lights or lures. It is particularly useful for species such as sardines or tuna.
Recreational fishing
Unlike professional fishing, recreational fishing is done for leisure, sport or as a form of entertainment. Although it is often perceived as harmless, it can also have a considerable impact on ecosystems if not managed properly. Recreational fishing includes several modalities:
Fishing from boat
This modality includes different techniques such as bottom and surface trolling, spinning, among others. Each of these techniques requires different types of rods and specialized equipment. It is practiced in both salt and fresh water, depending on the type of fish you are trying to catch.
Fishing from the shore
One of the simplest and most popular ways to practice recreational fishing is fishing from the shore. The most common techniques are bottom fishing and bait fishing.
Underwater fishing
This type of fishing is carried out in apnea, that is, without breathing equipment. Fishermen use harpoons to hunt small and medium-sized fish directly. By its very nature, it is one of the modalities that requires the greatest physical endurance and skill.
Shellfish gathering
Shellfishing, although less common, is also part of recreational fishing. Fishermen who practice this modality collect shellfish such as mussels, sea urchins and snails from rocky shores.
Overfishing and overexertion
One of the major problems in fishing, both industrial and recreational, is the overexertion of fish. This translates into a significant decrease in some species, which may become endangered if preventive measures are not taken. This is called overfishing.
An interesting and alarming fact is that, in order to catch 1 kg of shrimp, up to 9 kg of fish can be discarded. It is estimated that trawling in the Mediterranean can generate between 30% and 40% of discards in some areas.
Poaching in fishing
El poaching In fishing, it refers to the illegal capture of protected species or outside permitted areas. This type of fishing is harmful to both ecosystems and local economies that depend on regulated fishing. In addition, it may include the sale of catches in recreational fishing, which is prohibited.
Most practiced sport fishing modalities
Sport fishing has many modalities that stand out for the type of equipment used. Some of the best known and most practiced are:
- Fly fishing: A very popular modality in rivers and lakes that is characterized by the use of a lure that simulates insects.
- Trolling Fishing: This technique is mainly used at sea, dragging a lure from a moving boat.
- Spinning fishing: Very versatile, it can be performed in both fresh and salt water. It consists of casting and retrieving a lure continuously.
- Surfcasting fishing: It is practiced from the seashore, casting a long rod to reach greater distances in the ocean.
In sport fishing such as carp, fishermen typically release carp after they have been caught, encouraging more sustainable and ethical fishing practices.
Boats and equipment used in fishing
Depending on the type of fishing, the boats and equipment used can vary widely:
- Underwater fishing: It does not require boats, since the fisherman dives.
- Spinning fishingCatamarans are often used, which allow greater freedom of movement.
- Fly Fishing Technique: Small boats such as dinghies are common in this modality.
- Trolling fishing: You need robust boats that can support the rods specific to this technique.
There are many details to consider before starting a fishing trip, from knowing local regulations to applying good practices to avoid negative impacts on ecosystems. Fishing methods are diverse and contribute to maintaining the legacy of this ancient activity, both in its commercial and recreational aspects.
The variety of fishing techniques and methods reflect the richness of this practice, combining tradition and modernity, and adapting to both subsistence and leisure. Maintaining responsible and regulated fishing through the use of sustainable practices is key to ensuring the health of our oceans and rivers.