Fishing has been a staple of human society for thousands of years, dating back to ancient times. As human populations grew, so did the need for more efficient and productive methods of fishing.
Today, fishing is not only an important industry but also a popular sport enjoyed by millions worldwide. In this article, we will explore the history of fishing and how it has evolved over time.
One of the most common and effective methods of fishing is using nets. Fishermen spread a net over an area in shallow water to catch fish. To prevent the net from drifting away, they use a basket or rope net to hold it in place.
This method is used for catching most fish species, including the common carp, fish, and grass carp.
Nets come in different types depending on their construction and usage. They can be single-layer or three-layer, and occasionally double-layer nets.
They can be made of different materials like silk or nylon, and can be specifically designed for catching carp, silver, catfish, and other types of fish. Nets can also be categorized based on the operation depth, such as drift nets (floating nets) and bottom nets (sinking nets).
The opening method can also vary, with ordinary nets and splay nets being common options. Other specialized nets include waist nets and more.
Fishing with nets is based on a simple principle. Spreading the net is similar to using a funnel to fish for something in a pot, but instead of a pot, the fish swim into the net. Silk netting is also used, with polyethylene being a common material for its softness and ease of use. When a fish swims near the wire mesh, the silk thread sticks to it.
The fish then struggles to break free, but because it cannot find the direction of the net, it often becomes more and more tangled and eventually gets caught in the net. The fisherman then retrieves the net from the water and patiently removes the fish. Sometimes, knots are difficult to open, and the net may need to be torn to free the fish.
During the Middle Ages, fishing became more organized. Fishermen built boats and used hooks and lines to catch fish. This period also saw the development of fishing regulations and laws to protect fish stocks.
The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to the fishing industry. Steam-powered boats and improvements in fishing gear, such as nets and line reels, made fishing more efficient and productive. Fishing became a major industry, and fishing ports and markets sprang up around the world.
There are other fishing methods that are also used today. Fish hooking is one of the oldest and most basic fishing techniques. This method uses a hook on which bait is threaded, and then the hook is suspended and lowered into the water to catch fish.
Fish hooking is suitable for all depths and waters but requires patience and endurance. It is mainly used to catch larger fish, both freshwater and saltwater.
Underwater fishing and hunting is another ancient fishing technique used mainly in deep-sea and submarine territories. Fish are caught by swimming through the water using a barbed hook or flapping apparatus.
This technique requires a high degree of physical fitness and endurance and requires the diver to wear a protective wetsuit. This method of fishing is usually used in depths greater than 30 meters.
The tofu fishing method is a traditional Chinese fishing technique that is still used today. It involves using acid to agglomerate tofu, creating a foul odor to entice small fish to swarm, thus catching them on a large scale.
After a certain amount of time, the tofu and fish can be fished out with a fishing net. However, as this method of fishing uses chemical substances, it has been banned by law in some countries.