Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or have never cast a line in your life, most people have something to learn about the plethora of different types of fishing you can enjoy. Whether it’s based on your location, available fish, equipment or your particular style, fishing is a sport that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Some people like to go fishing just to enjoy some relaxing alone time, while others fish competitively for sport or in order to put food on the table. Perhaps you like both! Whatever your preference, there’s certainly a type of fishing that’ll tickle your fancy.
Here are the most popular types of fishing.
Saltwater Fishing
If you live near the beach, you’re sure to have been exposed to saltwater fishing – even if it’s just having seen people doing it. The nice thing about saltwater fishing is that there are different types within it. So if you’re an ocean lover, saltwater fishing is sure to be something you’ll love.
You can head out on a boat, fish from the shore or cast a line in the waves – the possibilities are endless. Surf fishing – that is, fishing into the waves – requires long rods and involves casting bait into the surf. Believe it or not, some types of fish enjoy hanging out in this kind of water.
Tuna fishing is another popular type of saltwater fishing, and you can catch species like bluefin, yellowfin and albacore tuna. This is done both recreationally and for commercial purposes.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is a sport, and it’s quite a challenging one at that. It requires serious technique and very specialised equipment. It’s done in fresh water and fishermen use specially created artificial flies to catch fish which need to be made and tied by hand – it’s an intricate business.
People also often go fly fishing in bodies of water, as well as in streams and flowing rivers – trout is a common target for fly fishing.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing, as you may have guessed, is very specific to its location. Much like PGA betting odds, it’s only available at specific times of the year. It’s done during winter in northern climates and it involves fishing through a hole that’s been cut into the ice.
Generally, ice fishermen catch species such as panfish, pike and walleye.
Freshwater Fishing
Freshwater fishing is often seen as a sport, but people often keep these fish for consumption too. It can be done in lakes, dams, on rivers and even streams. Freshwater fishing normally requires lures, sometimes live bait – lures are little rubber type things that mimic the movement and sounds made by small fish and other sea creatures such as sand or mud prawns.
Bass fishing is a really popular type of freshwater fishing and is a super popular sport. However, bass is also a delicious fish to eat. Many people catch bass in order to have it for dinner – whether they pop it in the pan or on the BBQ.