Angling

Angling is the practice of catching a prey whose existence and location is known by means of a fishing rod(as compared to fishing which is the search for prey (fishing) with a rod and line with any number of Lures or bait. Popular sport species of freshwater fish vary greatly by geographic area. Saltwater fish that are caught for sport include Swordfish, Marlin, Tuna,Salmon and Halibut. In North America the most popular freshwater species include Bass, Pike, Walleye, Muskellunge, Perch, Trout, Salmon, catfish, and the Sunfish family Crappie, Bluegill and Sunfish. Whereas in Europe a large number of anglers fish for species such as carp, pike, tench, rudd, roach, perch and barbel (especially in stillwaters). Though some species are pursued for their gastronomic values, others are pursued for their fighting abilities or the difficulty of pursuit.

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The many different types of sportfishing relate to preferred species and technique. All sportfishing can be categorized as either a natural bait or an artificial bait fishery.

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The natural bait fisher, regardless of technique, will use a representative of a common prey species of the fish in attracting the fish. The natural bait used may be alive or dead. Common natural baits include worms(all types), leaches, minnows, frogs, salamanders, and insects. Natural baits are efficient due to the lifelike texture, odour and colour of the bait presented, and require the most simple of presentations.

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The artificial bait fisher will exclusively use a man-made lure that may or may not represent prey. These lures require a sophisticated presentation to impart a n enticing action.

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Laws and regulations managing recreational fishing vary greatly, often regionally within countries. These commonly include periods(seasons) where specific species are available for harvest, technique to be used, restrictions on equipment and the retention of caught fish. For instance, in the UK an angling license is required which allows the holder to fish with two rods for non-migratory fish. These fish are all returned. It is important to check and become fully aware of all fishing laws and regulations in your local area before you start fishing. Otherwise you risk breaching fishing laws and regulations unwittingly and possibly being caught and fined by fisheries enforcement officers.

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Laws generally prohibit the use of nets and catching fish with hooks not in the mouth. However some species can be taken with nets for bait and a few for food. (Non-sport) fish considered of less value can sometimes be taken by multiple methods like snagging, bow and arrow, or even gun because they are seen as competing with more valuable fish. These techniques do not fall under the guise of sport fishing.

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Within the broad category of Sport fishing is a recent phenomenon of recreational fishing where fishermen compete for prizes based on the total weight of fish caught in a time limit. This sport evolved from local fishing contests into a large competition circuit in the U.S.A. where professional fishermen can compete and be supported by professional endorsements, and other large-scale tournaments around the world. Similar competitive fishing exists at the amateur level with local fishing derbies, these are often modest community sponsored non-profit events in support of a worthy cause.

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Fishing: Fishing is the activity of hunting for fish. By extension, the term fishing is also applied to hunting for other aquatic animals such as various types of shellfish as well as squid, octopus, turtles, frogs and some edible marine invertebrates. The term fishing is not applied to the hunting of aquati...

Rod: Rod may mean:...

Line: The word line derives from the Latin linum, meaning flax plant from which linen is produced; at one time, a stretched linen thread was the most reliable way to determine a straight line....