Fisherman facts for kids

A fisherman or fisher is a person who catches fish. They might also catch other animals that live in water, like crabs or lobsters. The act of catching fish is called fishing.

People fish for different reasons. Some fishermen catch fish to sell them and earn money. This is called commercial fishing. Others catch fish to feed themselves and their families, which is known as subsistence fishing. Many people also fish just for fun, as a hobby. This is called recreational fishing.

Around the world, there are about 38 million people who work as fishermen. They play an important role in providing food for many communities.

Types of Fishing

Fishermen use many different methods to catch fish. The tools and techniques they use often depend on the type of fish they are trying to catch and where they are fishing.

Commercial Fishing

Commercial fishermen catch large amounts of fish to sell to stores, restaurants, and processing plants. They often use big boats and special equipment like large nets, long lines with many hooks, or traps. This type of fishing is a big industry that provides seafood for people all over the world.

Subsistence Fishing

For some communities, especially in coastal areas or near rivers, fishing is a way of life. Subsistence fishermen catch just enough fish for their families to eat. They might use simpler tools like small nets, spears, or hand lines. This kind of fishing is very important for their survival and culture.

Recreational Fishing

Many people enjoy fishing as a sport or a relaxing hobby. Recreational fishermen usually use fishing rods and reels. They might fish from a boat, a pier, or the shore. Often, they catch fish for fun and might release them back into the water.

Related pages

• Fishing
• Aquaculture
• Fishery

Images for kids

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  Egyptians bringing in fish and splitting them for salting
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  The fisherman – by Charles Napier Hemy, 1888
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  A Royal Air Force search and rescue Sea King helicopter comes to the aid of the French fishing vessel Alf during a storm in the Irish Sea.

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  A fisherman and his catch, including small sharks, hooked on hand lines miles offshore in the Seychelles

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  Traditional Icelandic fisherman

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  Belgium shrimpers on horseback

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  English shrimper with pushnet

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  Chilean fishermen with lobsters

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  Indian fisherman

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  Long Island fisherman

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  Woman fishing in Laos

See also

In Spanish: Pescador para niños