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Fishing represents the action of hunting for fish. This activity, along with hunting, is performed by the human kind since ancient times. In addition, it is important to know that this activity has been practiced all over the world. The goal is mainly to catch fish, but the term has been extended. In our times, it also refers to hunting for shellfish, octopus, squid, frogs, turtles and other invertebrates.
In ancient times, this activity was performed for assuring the existence of food. In our times, fishing is also a sport, a recreational activity and even more, an activity performed for commercial purposes. The traditions might be preserved in several regions around the globe. The techniques, however, have improved considerably. Fishing hooks created from bone that date from Stone Age were discovered. In addition, fishing has been represented in art. As evidence of this fact stand statues, paintings and references in literature. For the ancient Greeks fishing played a vital role. The fact that Poseidon is one of the greatest ancient gods sustains this.
The fishing techniques that have been used throughout centuries include: hand fishing, spear and bow fishing, dredging, kite fishing, ice fishing, eletrofishing, blast fishing and squirrel fishing. In some cases, people were putting poisonous plants into the water, so the fish is easier to catch. According to some sources, some of the plants paralyzed the fish, while others absorbed oxygen from water. This technique is called cyanide fishing.
Spear fishing implied the use of a spear or of a trident. This was used particularly in South and Midwest America. It seemed to be very effective in shallow waters. In more recent times, the speargun has been created. This gun eases a lot this technique.
Dredging involves a scoop-like dredge created from chain mesh. This practice is not permitted anymore because the coral bed, as well as the seabed, is destroyed by the dredge that is very heavy.
Fishing with fishing lines is probably the most popular technique. At the end of the fishing line is a hook in which bait is put. Other technique based on fishing line is called long-line fishing. This involves hundreds or in some cases even thousands of hooks with bait fixed along the line.
Blast fishing and electrofishing are two dangerous fishing techniques that are not allowed because they damage the surroundings. Dynamite, which was used for blast fishing, used to destroy the other organisms in the water, as well as the environment.