fishing

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Images & Videos

Bass fishing in Charles county, Md.

Examples of two types of fishing reels: bait casting (left) and fly.

Fly-fishing lures.

Examples of two types of fishing reels: spinning (left) and trolling.

Experience game fishing off the coast of Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Learn about the contrasting ideas of size-selective fishing and balanced harvesting of fish to ensure adequate supply for future generations

For Students

fishing summary

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fishing: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

News •

Tweed festival to lure new generation into fishing • Apr. 3, 2025, 2:01 AM ET (BBC)

Facts

Also Known As	sportfishing • sport fishing • angling

Photos and Videos

Bass fishing in Charles county, Md.

Examples of two types of fishing reels: bait casting (left) and fly.

Fly-fishing lures.

Examples of two types of fishing reels: spinning (left) and trolling.

Experience game fishing off the coast of Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Learn about the contrasting ideas of size-selective fishing and balanced harvesting of fish to ensure adequate supply for future generations

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

casting catch-and-release angling fly-fishing spearfishing trolling fishing rod bait fishing lure big-game fishing gaff commercial fishing horsemanship snowboarding hunting skiing mountaineering swimming tourism surfing cycling

Key People

Izaak Walton, detail of an oil painting by Jacob Huysmans, c. 1675; in the National Portrait Gallery, London

Izaak Walton

English biographer

Dame Juliana Berners

English prioress