Fishing by definition is the activity of hunting by hooking, trapping or gathering animals that breathe in water or pass their lives in water. Fishing is an activity that some consider a hobby or a profession, even some consider fishing a sport. Fishing is also a tradition that has lived for decades. More than 4 out of 5 Americans were taken on fishing trips. Most adults today had started fishing before they turned 13. For some it is the love for the sport that lives today. The best way to preserve the sport and keep the golden tradition alive is by taking today's generation of kids and showing them what fishing is really all about.

Modern day fishing is divided into two categories recreational fishing and commercial fishing. Recreational fishing is considered a sport, fishing is done for pleasure or competition. Like most sports, fishing has certain guidelines and laws that limit in which fish can be caught. Fishing guidelines are made and overseen by the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA).

Typically fishing is done legally through rods, reels, lines and hooks. Fishing guidelines prohibit the use of nets and catching of fish with hooks not in the mouth.

A popular form of recreational fishing is competitions or tournaments. These tournaments allow the fisherman to compete for prizes based on the total weight of a specific species of fish within give time period.

Another type of fishing is referred to as commercial fishing. This type of fishing allows fisherman to have the opportunity to apply something they love to do to a career of choice. Fishermen provide a large quantity of food to many countries around the world. The disadvantage to a fisherman's job is that they have to travel far into the ocean under all kinds of conditions, for example, weather.

In the fishing industry, fishermen are required to follow certain restrictions, such as an individual fishing quota and international treaties. International treaties try to limit the fishing effort. This could lack of jobs for the local fisherman.

The most popular fish caught in fishing efforts are tuna, cod, salmon, shrimp, krill, lobster, clams, squid and crab. The fishing methods vary according to three things; region, species being fished for and fisherman technology. The fishing industry requirements vary from one man with a small boat to a crew of fisherman processing fish everyday.

Both recreational and commercial fishing has several similarities and differences. One main difference is that recreational fishing is practiced as a hobby in one's spare weekend, while commercial fishing is a career. Recreational can be considered an American tradition while commercial is a career choice.