Fishing

Fishing is a year-round sport and outdoor activity, which consists in catching fish in a natural reservoir with the help of special equipment. It is one of the most popular sports and recreation in the world, which is not inferior to soccer. The name comes from the words "fish", and "doing".

Fishing is usually divided into amateur or recreational sports (there is also commercial fishing, but this is completely different). Recreational fishing is carried out to catch fish for enjoyment of the process and for eating fish. The main principle of sport fishing is “catch and release”. Amateur anglers choose the most "fishy" places where the probability of catching fish is highest. Sports anglers aim to catch fish under any conditions: if it doesn’t bite, then you need to change gear, try new baits, etc. Amateurs usually use the minimum set of fishing equipment: fishing rod, bait, lure. A professional has a whole arsenal of gear designed for different conditions of fishing and prey. The essence of sport fishing is to find the right approach in each situation.

Fishing is practiced all over the world in the two main types of water bodies: on rivers, torrents, and streams, and lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Marine fishing stands out separately. Fishing is popular in many regions of the world. For example, in the Scandinavian countries, in the Caribbean region, in Iceland, and even Kyrgyzstan (mountain fishing is common there). Fishing is traditionally one of the most popular leisure activities in Russia.

Fishing is an all-season activity. Summer (before the appearance of ice) and winter fishing are very different. Fishing is also influenced by the seasonality of natural fish migration.

The main pleasure of fishing is the opportunity to get away from the usual routine and focus on the water, fish, and relaxation. Recreational fishing does not need special training, it is not considered a dangerous sport (but that is what commercial offshore fishing is). Nevertheless, it requires many skills and experience. In sport fishing, you need to know various techniques including hand gathering, bowfishing, spearfishing, netting, angling, and trapping, and special rules on how to catch, shoot, hold fish to cause minimal damage to them. In both cases, you need to be cautious and follow the safety rules on the shore and, especially on the water while fishing from a boat, on the ice, or in the case of marine fishing.

Text: Natalia Kirasheva. Ivan Kuznetsov contributed to this guide

Cover photo: Vidar Nordli Mathisen / Unsplash