Hobby and Commercial Fishing: Difference Between the Two

The definition of fishing is hunting living species that spend their entire lives in the water. Fishing can be a sporting activity, a hobby or a profession. For some it is an ancient tradition that families have been practicing for generations. This is a relaxation that most Americans enjoy and encourage the children in their families to do. Those adults who are fishing enthusiasts today probably started while still in their teens. Many love fishing as a sport and some as a trade. Whatever the reason, it is necessary to keep this interest alive by encouraging today’s young people to experience it too.

commercial and recreational fishing

Fishing in the world today is either for recreation or as a commercial activity. Fishing as a sport is participated as a competition and for pleasure. There are many guidelines and rules to follow when fishing for a sport. There are guidelines and laws about the type of fish you are allowed to catch and the bait you are allowed to use. The IGFA or International Sport Fishing Association establishes the rules and regulations for this sport. The legal way to fish is with hooks, lines, reels and rods, it is prohibited to use fishing nets or hook the fish in the mouth.

Competitions and tournaments

Tournaments and competitions are a form of fishing as a recreation. The winner is judged based on the number of fish and the weight of fish caught in a specific time.

commercial fishing

Commercial fishing becomes the trade and career of the person who is also a fishing enthusiast. The fish is exported to different parts of the world and it is a booming trade. This trade provides food to people all over the world. The only negative aspect of this profession is that, regardless of weather conditions, fishermen have to travel to faraway places at sea to do their job.

Another restriction is that the fisherman is only allowed a certain quota according to the treaties that are made internationally. In this way the fishing is limited and cannot go beyond the specified limits. In this way, the local fisherman finds himself out of work.

The most popular fish to catch are crabs, squid, clams, lobsters, krill, shrimp, salmon, cod, and tuna. The method of catching fish varies depending on where you are fishing, the type of fish, and the technology you are using. The needs of different forms of fishing differ, if there is only one person fishing from a small boat they will need completely different equipment than a group that does it on a daily basis.

Recreational fishing is something that the angler does in his spare time or as a tournament, but if it is commercial fishing it is his profession and it will have to be at a more serious level since it is his career choice.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *