Fisherman

Fisherman is a person who captures fish and other animals from a body of water, or gathers shellfish. Worldwide, there are about 38 million commercial and subsistence fishermen and fish farmers. Fishermen may be professional or recreational and may be both men or women. Fishing has existed as a means of obtaining food since the Mesolithic period.

History

Fishing has existed as a means of obtaining food since the Mesolithic period. By the time of the Ancient Egyptians, fishermen provided the majority of food for Egyptians. Fishing had become a major means of survival as well as a business venture.

Types of Fishermen

Fishermen can be categorized into two main groups: commercial fishermen and recreational fishermen.

Commercial Fishermen

Commercial fishing is the activity of catching fish and other seafood for commercial profit, mostly from wild fisheries. It provides a large quantity of food to many countries around the world, but those who practice it as an industry must often pursue fish far into the ocean under adverse conditions.

Recreational Fishermen

Recreational fishing, also called sport fishing, is fishing for pleasure or competition. It can be contrasted with commercial fishing, which is fishing for profit, or subsistence fishing, which is fishing for survival.

Fishing Techniques

There are many fishing techniques and tactics for catching fish. The term can also be applied to methods for catching other aquatic animals such as molluscs (shellfish, squid, octopus) and edible marine invertebrates.

Hand Gathering

Some people go to the beach to gather more than just seashells. They pick up marine animals to eat, sometimes using tools such as rakes and shovels.

Spearfishing

Spearfishing is an ancient method of fishing that has been used throughout the world for millennia. Early civilizations were familiar with the custom of spearing fish from rivers and streams using sharpened sticks.

Health and Safety

Fishermen, while often thought of as rugged and sturdy individuals, are not immune to the health and safety risks inherent in their profession. These risks can include physical dangers, such as injury or death from accidents, as well as health risks from exposure to harmful substances or conditions.

See Also

• Fishing
• Commercial fishing
• Recreational fishing
• Spearfishing

References

Fisherman Resources
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