Commercial and Recreational Fishing Distinguished

Fishing is a recreational or professional activity ofto a number of countries around the world. These
hunting fish. It may be undertaken by hooking,fishermen are under an activity known as
trapping or gathering species of fish at sea. Forcommercial fishing. There is a high level of risk
some, they consider fishing as either a hobby, orinvolved in commercial fishing. Fishermen need to
profession. In a number of countries, they evengo ashore and fish miles from the land under all
consider fishing as a sport. This has been akind of conditions. There are no rules in this form
tradition that has continued to live for decades. Inof fishing and commercial fishermen have the say
America, 4 out of 5 persons are turning intoon what method or methods of catching fish may
fishing hobbyists. As a way of continuing thebe applied provided however that the method
tradition, most people are taking their kids as theyutilized is within legal parameters.
fish and have shown them how fishing methodThere are international treaties which are drawn
work.for the benefit of commercial fishing industry.
There are two categories of modern day fishingFishermen are required to observe particular
and they include, commercial fishing andrestrictions and their catch is limited to a certain
recreational fishing. Commercial fishing isquota. One of the known reasons for the
distinguished from recreational fishing as one whichlimitation is the likelihood that it would have
is undertaken for a living.adverse effects to the jobs of local fisher folks.
Recreational fishing, on the other hand, is done forToday's categories of fishermen are small scale
pleasure or competition. As a sport, Fishingand large scale fishermen. Fishing methods which
guidelines are set up and there are limitations onare used differ from one country to the other. It
what fish can be caught. These guidelines aremay vary according to the region, fish species
overseen by International Game Fishingand fishing technology employed. Tuna, salmon,
Association (IGFA), an international fishing sportlobster, shrimp, crab and squid are but few of the
authority.commonly caught fish species.
One of the rules observed in a fishing sport is theRecreational and commercial fishing methods have
prohibition on the use of nets or hooking the fishtheir own opposing attributes. Commercial fishing
in any part of the body aside from in the mouthis a profession or a chosen career while
itself. The typical method used in the sport is torecreational fishing is more of a hobby. In
fish using rods, reels, hooks and lines.recreational fishing, the catch which does not fit
Competitions and tournaments are now turning asthe requirement of the sport are often released
a popular type of leisure or recreational fishing.back to the water and this is not true with
Prizes are awarded on the winners and the gaugerespect to commercial fishing. Whatever may the
is determined by the time spent and the totalunderlying reasons for the difference be, the
weight of the class of fish that is caught.excitement and love to the work or sport is a
Fishermen supply a considerable amount of foodcommon ground.