Fishing

Fishing

I

INTRODUCTION

Fishing, act of catching fish. Fishing for sport, recreation, and relaxation is called sportfishing, or angling,angel, meaning “fishhook.” This article addresses angling; for information on large-scale commercial fishing, see Fisheries. derived from the Old English word

Angling is one of the most popular forms of recreation in the world. People fish from shore and from boats, for almost every type of game fish (a fish that is prized for the sport involved in catching it). Fishing equipment, called tackle, is simple. The basic tools are a rod, a reel, fishing line, and hooks and lures. Because tackle is inexpensive and finding a place to fish is easy, almost anyone can fish. The sport provides a source of fresh food, and anglers also enjoy the time spent outdoors.

II

FUNDAMENTALS

Sportfishing may be done in fresh water or salt water. Freshwater fishing takes place in lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Game fish in these waters include trout, bass, and many other species. They range in size, from fish as small as 0.25-kg (0.5-lb) bluegills to as large as 45-kg (100-lb) king salmon. Saltwater fishing occurs in oceans, estuaries, and tidal rivers. Game fish found in these waters tend to be larger than average freshwater fish. They include snappers, bonefish, striped bass, and tuna. Fish as large as 70-kg (150-lb) sailfish and tarpon, and 225-kg (500-lb) marlin, can be found.

The three most favored methods of fishing in both salt and fresh water are bait fishing (the use of live or dead bait placed on a hook), spin fishing (the use of metal or plastic lures), and fly-fishing (the use of feathered lures resembling either insects or small fish). In all three methods, a fisher chooses a rod, a reel, and line of an appropriate weight and strength. Lures are chosen that imitate the game fish’s prey.

Once the angler has walked, waded, or boated to an area where game fish are found, he or she casts the bait, lure, or fly into the water and then reels it in. If a fish attacks the bait, the angler attempts to secure the hook in the fish’s mouth by setting the hook—that is, lifting the rod in a quick, powerful motion so that the hook lodges in the fish’s mouth. The fishing rod bends and the reel releases line when the fish attempts to flee, but when the fish rests, the angler can bring it closer by reeling in the line. When the fish is brought close enough, the angler captures it with a net or other tool, such as a gaff. If the fish is not to be kept for food, an angler will examine it for a few moments (always keeping it underwater), unhook it, and release it.

The best sportfishing occurs in spring and fall, when game fish are most active, either searching for prey or reproducing. Although they may be caught during winter and summer, fish are generally more sluggish then and less apt to chase an angler’s lure. Several other factors influence fishing. Water temperature is important, as different species are more active at different temperature levels. Also, if a fish’s natural prey is nearby, that game fish will be active. Some fish, particularly in salt water, move to different areas depending upon the phase of the moon and the levels of the ocean tides. Weather affects game fish activity, as fish are more likely to search for food before and after bad weather, when the water is disturbed.

III

FISHING TACKLE

Anglers generally catch fish one at a time, using a combination of tackle. This distinguishes them from commercial fishers, who catch many fish at once using only one piece of tackle, such as a large net or a long line with hundreds of hooks. The most common pieces of sportfishing tackle are a rod, a reel, fishing line, and hooks and lures.

A

Fishing Rods

A fishing rod is a long, straight, flexible pole that an angler uses to cast bait or lures into the water. Fishing rods can be made of bamboo, fiberglass, or graphite. Bamboo rods range from inexpensive cane poles without reels to finely handcrafted fly-fishing rods. Fiberglass rods are the most popular rods with beginners. They are relatively inexpensive, not easily broken, and require little maintenance. Graphite has become a popular rod material for experienced anglers because it is extremely light yet strong.

Rod length depends upon the fishing an angler intends to do—not only the type of game fish sought after, but also the type of water and the surrounding landscape. Short, flexible rods are often used in locations where overhanging tree limbs and branches limit an angler’s casting area. Long, wispy rods up to 4 m (12 ft) in length may be used for long casts in moderate winds. Shorter, sturdier rods are used for pulling heavy game fish from the depths of large lakes or the ocean. The diameter of the rod determines its flexibility, which is the measure of how far it can bend without breaking when a fish is fighting hard. Thicker and stronger rods are used for bigger, more aggressive fish that would break medium and small rods.

The rod has a grip or handle made of high-quality cork or foam. Several small metal rings called ferrules are attached to the rod from the handle to the tip, including one on the very tip of the rod. These ferrules serve as guides for the fishing line. They help the line flow smoothly when the angler casts and retrieves, and the last guide helps control the direction of casts. Most rods also have a reel seat that secures the reel onto the rod near the grip.

B

Reels

Fishing reels store line on a spool. An adjustable friction device inside the reel (known as a drag) helps the angler fight a fish. The drag creates tension on the line as it is pulled off the reel spool. When the fish pulls line off the reel, the constant tension tires it and keeps the line in order. Without a drag system, the fish would take out too much line, causing the line to tangle. The opposite situation—not releasing any line from the reel—would cause the line to snap. Most reels have adjustable drag settings depending upon the fish an angler wants to catch. Anglers can also disengage the drag to cast or do anything else that requires the line to release easily. Reels are made in four basic categories: bait casting, spinning, spin casting, and fly.

Bait casting reels have a covered frame and a revolving, horizontal spool that winds in line when the handle is turned. One turn revolves the spool four or five times, bringing in several feet of line quickly.

Spinning reels have a stationary spool set on the underside of the rod. A curved bar, or bail, acts as a guide on the outer lip of the spool. As the reel handle is turned, the bail also turns, winding line neatly onto the spool.

A variation of the spinning reel is the spin casting, or closed-face, reel. The spin casting reel has a cover over the spool and a hole through which line passes. This construction keeps the line clean and out of the angler’s way. There is no bail inside of a spin casting reel. Instead, metal teeth attached to the spool gather the line in neatly.

Fly reels, which have few moving parts, are the most basic form of fishing reels. Most consist of a frame that holds a narrow revolving spool. The handle attaches directly to the spool and turns the spool one rotation at a time.

C

Fishing Lines

Fishing lines serve as the link between the angler’s reel and the lure or bait. The most popular line used for sportfishing is monofilament nylon line, which is strong and durable and has a certain amount of stretch, which helps when an angler sets the hook. The line comes in a variety of strengths, from 2-pound test to more than 100-pound test. (Pound test is the amount of pressure that can be put on a line before it breaks.) Most monofilament is clear, making it difficult for fish to see.

Braided lines, such as Dacron and braided multifilament lines, are frequently used for a style of fishing called jigging—where anglers lower the bait to near the water’s bottom and then move it in an up-and-down manner in a steady motion. These lines also perform well when an angler trolls, or pulls the line from behind a slow-moving boat. Dacron and braided lines are often thinner yet stronger than standard monofilament lines. These lines also have better casting capabilities than standard monofilament because they are heavier and less likely to tangle.

Fly-fishing lines are woven synthetic strands coated with several thin layers of plastic. The weight and thickness of these coatings create three distinct types of lines: lines that float, lines that sink gradually, and lines that sink rapidly. The lines come in different shapes, for different types of casting situations. A double-taper fly line, for example, has a small diameter for its first and last 8 m (25 ft), with a larger diameter throughout the rest of the line. Using double tapers when casting small flies enables anglers to place the bait on the water without the line disturbing the surface of the water and spooking the game fish. Weight-forward tapers (preferred by most anglers) have a larger diameter in the front section than in the rest of its length. This enables anglers to make longer, more powerful casts because during the cast the heavy line in front pulls the lighter line that follows.

Because regular fly line is heavy and difficult to cast in a gentle manner, fly-fishers attach a short portion of monofilament line, called a leader, to the end of the fly line. The leader is much lighter and smaller in diameter than the fly line. This enables the angler to cast the fly onto the water without disturbing the surface. It also provides an almost invisible attachment to the fly, which makes the fly appear natural and more appealing to fish. Some other types of leaders used with monofilament lines are made of heavy monofilament or steel. These leaders prevent sharp-toothed fish from biting through the line and also protect the lure from being torn off by sharp underwater rocks and coral.

D

Hooks, Lures, and Flies

A baited hook, lure, or fly is attached to the end of the leader. The hook is a pointed piece of metal shaped like a question mark. Each hook has a sharp point designed to pierce the mouth of a striking fish, and a barb,shank, a straight shaft that is topped with a loop, or eye, that attaches to the fishing line. Anglers usually hide the hook by stringing the bait over the point and around the shank. When the fish takes the bait in its mouth, the angler sets the hook with a quick pull, and the fish is caught. a small reverse point designed to keep the fish on the hook. Each hook also has a

The length of the hook’s shank and gap determines the hook’s size, which is designated by a number. Higher numbered hooks are smaller. A No. 22 hook, for example, is smaller than a No. 10 hook. Hooks that are bigger than No. 1 hooks take a zero, and the number progression is reversed, so that a No. 2/0 hook is bigger than a No. 1/0 hook. The size of the hook used depends upon the size of the bait and the type of fish being sought. A fly-fisher casting for 30-cm (12-in) trout might use hooks as small as No. 24, while an angler fishing for a larger bass might use No. 4/0 hooks.

When use of live bait is either prohibited or not preferred, anglers may use artificial lures that have hooks attached. These lures imitate the game fish’s food in movement and color. They include plugs, spinners, spoons, plastic worms, and jigs. Plugs made of plastic or balsa wood lie on or just below the surface. Anglers make them wiggle and dart through the water by moving the rod from side to side. Spinners and spoons are colored metallic lures that resemble tablespoons without handles. Anglers reel these lures in near the bottom, where they attract game fish with flashes of color and movement. A plastic worm’s wiggling and lifelike appearance make it attractive to fish. Jigs are hooks with painted metal heads and plastic or skirted bodies. They are jerked up and down off the bottom, enticing fish.

A fly is a special type of lure used in fly-fishing. Flies are made of feathers, hair, and plastics, which are wrapped around a hook and designed to imitate water insects such as mayflies and stoneflies, or land insects such as beetles or grasshoppers. They come in a variety of types: dry flies, which float and imitate adult aquatic insects; wet flies, which lie below the surface and imitate immature aquatic insects; nymphs, which resemble the larval stage of aquatic insects; and streamers and bucktails, which imitate small fish.

E

Knots and Other Equipment

Anglers use several types of knots to attach the reel, line, and lure to each other. The most useful include the slip knot, for attaching line to reel; the blood knot and improved surgeon’s knot, for attaching different size lines to one another; and the improved clinch knot, for attaching lure, hook, or fly to line or leader.

Instead of attaching lures and bait directly to the fishing line, bait-casters, spin-casters, and trollers often use a small barrel-shaped device called a snap-swivel. It has a loop on one end and a clip on the other. The fishing line is tied to the swivel’s loop with a knot and the lure, bait, or leader attaches to the clip. The swivel prevents tangles when the bait spins and moves through the water. The swivel’s clip also lets anglers switch lures and leaders easily and quickly instead of needing to cut and retie a new lure to the fishing line.

Floats and sinkers may be added to the line to make lures and bait float, sink, or remain suspended at a certain depth. Floats and sinkers are generally used when bait fishing, as artificial lures can be specifically designed to achieve a certain depth.

IV

TYPES OF FISHING

All anglers use the same basic angling techniques, but there are many types of fishing. The most common are bait fishing, spin fishing, trolling, fly-fishing, and ice fishing.

A

Bait Fishing

When bait fishing, the angler hooks live or dead bait and then casts, letting the bait sink. Depending on the game fish the angler intends to catch, he or she then might let the bait sit on bottom, hoping that the bait’s odor attracts fish; jig the bait up and down so that the action attracts fish; or reel the bait in, attempting to entice fish swimming between the bottom and the surface.

Almost every type of freshwater and saltwater game fish may be caught with bait. Live bait is more attractive than dead bait to predatory game fish, which can smell and see the difference. Dead bait, however, is easier for the angler to store and place on the hook. Popular baits in fresh water include worms, crayfish, insect larvae, fish eggs, frogs, and leeches. In salt water, anglers use small, whole fish; pieces of fish; and live crabs and shrimp. Some anglers also chum, which entails throwing additional pieces of dead bait into the water in hope of attracting game fish.

B

Spin Fishing

Spin fishing involves the use of artificial lures, which spin as the angler reels in the line. Spin-fishing anglers pay close attention to the retrieval speed and the depth of the lure, trying to imitate a game fish’s prey. If a fish strikes the moving lure, it will usually hook itself. When the fish is hooked, bait-casters and spin-casters reel it in and land it with a net or gaff (a sharp, hook-like pole). Lighter fishing rods are used for smaller fish, and heavier rods for bigger fish. It is considered unsporting to use large rods for small fish because a heavier rod tires them quickly and denies them a chance to fight and escape.

C

Trolling

Anglers troll by motoring or paddling a boat and dragging the bait or lure about 30 m (about 100 ft) behind the stern. At the correct speed, trolling produces a motion in the bait that mimics a live, unhooked fish. The most common use of trolling is in saltwater big-game fishing. Once a fish hits a lure and is hooked, the boat is stopped and the fish is reeled in. Trollers often use electronic depth finders or sonar to locate schools of game fish.

D

Fly-Fishing

Perhaps the most difficult angling method is fly-fishing. The fly angler uses a rod much longer and lighter than those used for bait and spin fishing. Fly-fishing rods can be 3 m (10 ft) long in freshwater fishing and 4 m (14 ft) long for saltwater fishing. To cast a fly, the angler whisks the fly rod forward and back using only the forearm. Generally, the rod is moved from the 10 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position without letting the line touch the water or ground. During this movement the angler pays out line. The movement continues until a considerable amount of line is airborne. The angler then casts the line to a specific spot with a sharp but smooth snap of the wrist.

Casts are made to likely fishing spots such as pools and pockets in streams. The fly is allowed to touch the water and either float or sink, depending on the type of fly. This presentation of the fly onto the water is one of fly-fishing’s most difficult aspects, because the angler is attempting to cast in such a way that the line lands smoothly on the water’s surface and the fly appears as natural as possible. After several moments the angler withdraws the fly by pulling a small portion of line then lifting the tip of the rod. The angler then makes another presentation. When fly-fishing, one hand should always be holding the fly line so there is little or no slack. If a fish strikes, the angler pulls in line while raising the rod tip. This sets the hook in the fish’s mouth.

E

Ice Fishing

Fishing through ice is a popular form of angling in northern regions, where lake surfaces freeze solid. Ice anglers drill holes through the ice, then lower lures or baited hooks into the water. By jigging the lure or bait, or by letting live bait swim freely on the end of the line, the angler hopes to attract game fish. Although ice fishing can be done with regular bait fishing tackle, most enthusiasts prefer ice fishing rods, which are shorter poles with less complicated reels. Many anglers drag lightweight, wooden shacks and plastic or nylon tents onto the ice, to provide protection from the weather.

V

SAFETY AND CONSERVATION

Fishing is an activity directly linked with nature, and anglers should be aware of the safety and conservation issues of the sport. Fishing often takes place near or on bodies of water that can be dangerous, so boat anglers are encouraged to be strong swimmers and to wear life preservers. Anglers should also acknowledge and follow local fishing etiquette and the regulations that preserve the sport for everyone.

Boats also require special safety measures. The boat should always be in good running condition. If venturing far offshore, anglers should check weather reports and stow a small replacement motor, in case engine problems occur. Every boat should have life vests for each occupant, maps of the area, and a first-aid kit. Finally, anglers should tell friends or relatives where they are going and when they intend to return.

Ice fishing can be one of the more dangerous types of fishing, simply because it takes place on the frozen surface of a body of water. Beginning ice fishers should never go out on lakes without being accompanied by an experienced angler. Anglers should always wait until the ice is at least 15 cm (6 in) thick before venturing onto it with their gear. They should also carry a strong rope in case a fellow angler falls through the ice. Experienced anglers avoid areas near tributary mouths or dams, as running water in these locations causes ice to be thinner than elsewhere.

When fishing on the shore of a river or stream, anglers prefer flat, dry locations. Sharp banks can be slippery, making it difficult to recover should the angler fall into fast-moving water.

Those who wade while they fish walk over slippery bottoms and in strong currents. For this reason, all waders should know how to swim, while still avoiding deep, dangerous water. Experienced anglers use either hip boots or chest-high waders to keep them warm and dry. Felt, spikes, or chains may be added to the soles of wading shoes for added traction on slippery rocks. Many enthusiasts also carry a collapsible wading staff, which can be used to probe the bottom before taking a step.

VI

FISHING ETIQUETTE

There are informal rules of fishing etiquette. Many forms of etiquette involve not frightening the fish around another angler. People should keep their distance from anglers who are actively fishing. To avoid disturbing fellow anglers and frightening away fish, anglers often leave a streamside trail and walk back through the woods and around other anglers to reach a new location. When canoeing or boating through an area, it is considered courteous to paddle, row, or motor at a distance from an occupied shore.

Other points of etiquette are sharing information about fishing areas, asking permission before crossing private property, avoiding damage to the natural surroundings of the fishing area, and picking up trash and litter found along the shores of water sources.

VII

REGULATIONS

To manage and preserve fish populations, rules exist to regulate where and when fishing can take place, what type of lures can be used, and the size and number of fish that may be taken (see Game Laws). In the United States, regulations are set by state fish and game agencies, and in Canada they are set by the fish and game departments of each province. Some agencies require anglers to purchase annual fishing licenses. Anglers without licenses are subject to fines and may even lose fishing privileges.

Local regulating authorities also designate specially protected locations as catch-and-release fishing areas, where anglers must release every fish caught, no matter its size. Some of these waters require that anglers use barbless hooks, which allow the angler to remove the hook easily from a fish’s mouth. Catch-and-release waters are becoming increasingly popular, particularly on trout streams near major urban areas. Due to heavy angling pressure, many of these waters would otherwise be devoid of fish, or rely solely on the stocking of hatchery-raised game fish.

VIII

ORGANIZATIONS

The greatest dangers to sportfishing are overfishing by commercial fishers and pollution. To help curb these problems, numerous fishing associations and clubs around the world promote the conservation of water resources and fish populations. The most prominent is the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), which maintains and promotes ethical international angling regulations. IGFA also compiles and maintains world game fish records. The association currently has more than 250 international representatives and 1000 affiliated fishing clubs.

Other associations focus on specific fishing policies or the protection of specific species of game fish. The best known of these associations include the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) and Trout Unlimited. These groups have hundreds of thousands of members, with chapters in several different countries. They arrange clinics, seminars, and conferences on topics ranging from fishing gear to the protection and restoration of fishing areas. Other game fish organizations include the Atlantic Salmon Association, the American Fisheries Society, the Federation of Fly Fishers, and the National Coalition for Marine Conservation.

IX

TOURNAMENTS

Competitions and tournaments focus on specific game fish—most commonly walleyes, muskie, salmon, trout, billfish, tarpon, and bass. In the United States, many organizations sponsor regional and national fishing tournaments. Of these, freshwater tournaments governed by B.A.S.S. are the most popular. Each year 750,000 members participate in local, state, and regional events. The competitions include cash awards and prizes for various categories, including the biggest fish caught, the first fish caught, the most fish caught, and heaviest cumulative weight of fish caught. During tournaments, anglers keep captured fish in aerated containers—called livewells—in their boats. At the end of the day the fish are measured and recorded at the tournament center. They are then released unharmed. Anglers who amass enough points by catching fish in local and regional tournaments are invited to fish in the annual Bassmasters Classic, held in August.

Many communities sponsor fishing derbies for local children. People loan tackle and bait to children who do not possess their own, and local bait shops and fishing clubs donate prizes. Derbies not only provide enjoyment for children but also teach proper fishing techniques, etiquette, and conservation.

X

HISTORY

People have fished for food since ancient times, when pieces of bone were used as hooks and lengths of vine as line. The oldest known painting of an angler using a rod or staff comes from Egypt and is dated about 2000 bc. Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle mentioned angling in their writings, and another Greek writer, Plutarch, gave tips about fishing lines. In the 2nd and 3rd centuries ad, Roman rhetorician Claudius Aelian wrote about Macedonian trout anglers using artificial flies as lures.

The methods and tackle used for fishing evolved slowly through the centuries, and not until the late 15th century did sportfishing as it is now known really begin. In 1496 the book A Treatyse of Fysshynge wyth an Angle gave specific details for the first time in English about the use of the fishing rod. Written by Dame Juliana Berners, the prioress of an abbey near Saint Albans, England, the book describes the construction of hooks and rods for angling. The manuscript also describes how to tie knots in fishing lines and how to make and use artificial lures and flies to take advantage of the feeding habits of game fish. Dame Juliana's precepts were the basis of angling knowledge in England for about 150 years.

A

Izaak Walton

In 1653, English angler Izaak Walton published The Compleat Angler, or the Contemplative Man's Recreation, the single most influential book ever published about sportfishing. In The Compleat Angler Walton addresses the art of constructing tackle, the science of basic aquatic biology, and the philosophy of recreational anglers. Based on a lifetime of observations, Walton’s book describes the craftsmanship involved in making fishing tackle and ponders the methods anglers must use to catch game fish. Walton also gives detailed accounts of feeding habits and life cycles of different species. He believed that the true angler is one who fishes for the love of fishing and that catching fish by sporting means is far superior to other methods of fishing.

B

Later Developments

Since Walton’s time, anglers have continually improved their fishing gear, tactics, and knowledge of fish behavior. At the same time, many of the sport’s proponents have realized the necessity of protecting fish habitats so that the sport may continue. Notable anglers and writers who have helped to popularize the sport include two Americans: Lee Wulff, whose books contain anecdotes and intricate details about fly fishing, and A. J. McClane, the author of numerous fishing guidebooks.

Through the years, men have dominated sportfishing, but in the late 20th century women took up the sport in increasing numbers. Books by American fly-fishing instructors such as Joan Wulff have resulted in fly-fishing schools, organizations, and specially designed tackle for women. The increased participation of women has been an important part of an overall rise in tourism and business associated with sportfishing.

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