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Techniques Sport fishing is traditionally for recreation and includes the harvesting of select marine species that are considered good to eat or fun to catch. It is strictly a person-to-person selection and fish caught are not to be put on the market for sale. Selling fish caught would then be commercial fishing because species are caught purely for profit. Since money is not the only aspect to sport fishing fish are caught on a more selective enterprise. Fish are captured one by one and not in the masses, it is a direct relationship between the fish and the fisherman.
Typically a fisherman uses a line (braided or monofilament) with a baited hook on the end to attract the fish. The line is then connected to a reel, which gives the fisherman mechanical advantage to the fish. The reel is connected to a rod, which eases the tension put on the line from the fighting fish. This is the typical idea behind fishing. There are other methods however. Another technique that is rising in popularity is spearfishing. This is considered in many circles as a more selective way of harvest. In this technique a fisherman enters the fishes world under the sea. The spear fisherman hunts down the fish he or she so desires and shoots it with a sling or pneumatic powered metal spear. The spear is connected to a line, which is connected to either the gun, or a float line. In this method there is no catch and release. The fish that is selected is always killed. This is a highly selective way of harvesting the oceans resources, that leaves no by catch. There are many variances in each of these techniques based on the fish sought after and where the fishing grounds lay, but the basic principles stated above hold true. |
Pros and consThere are countless positives to sport fishing and few negatives. One of the biggest pros includes catch and release. An estimated 57% of fish caught are released. When catch and release is done properly it can ensure the survival of the fish, unlike "by catch" in the commercial industry. The more people that fall in love with sport fishing the better chance sport fish have as surviving as a species because people fight to protect the things they love. The bigger the industry grows, the greater benefits the fish have because the people will want to maintain a decent amount of fish to enjoy their livelihood. This in turn becomes better for local economies who used to depend on commercial fishing. Now they can depend on commercial sport fishing which is better for the environment and economy.
The few cons of sport fishing are Lead weights and pollution. Lead weights are bad for fishing because fish eat them thinking they are food and that causes their death. Also, pollution from things like boat motors and trash thrown over the boats are bad for the organisms. |