Types of Fishing – A Complete Guide for Beginners and Enthusiasts

Have you ever stood by a quiet lake or on a bustling pier and wondered about the many ways people catch fish? It’s a pastime as old as humanity itself, but it has grown into so much more than just a way to get food. Fishing is a sport, a hobby, a profession, and a way to connect with nature.

At its core, fishing is the activity of trying to catch fish. But that simple definition doesn’t do it justice. The world of fishing is huge and varied. We can categorize the different fishing methods by the gear used, the reason for fishing, and even the environment you’re in.

Think about it. Someone casting a delicate fly on a mountain stream is fishing. So is a massive boat pulling a giant net in the deep sea. We can break down the types of fishing into a few main groups:

By Method: This is about the how. Are you using a hook and line, a net, a trap, or even a spear?
By Purpose: This is about the why. Are you fishing for fun, for food for your family, or as a business?
By Location: This is about the where. Are you on a frozen lake, a rushing river, or the wide-open ocean?

On top of these main categories, there are all sorts of special techniques. You might see people using kites to carry their lines out over the surf (kite fishing) or standing on paddle boards to get to quiet spots. The difference between a casual weekend angler (recreational fishing) and a large-scale commercial operation is massive, but they both fall under the broad umbrella of “fishing.”

Ready to get your feet wet? Let’s look at the many fishing styles explained in this guide.

Table of Contents

Fishing by Method

The tools and techniques you use define your fishing method. From a simple hook and line to massive nets, the gear you choose completely changes the experience.

Angling (Hook and Line)

Angling is what most people picture when they think of fishing. It’s the art of catching fish with a hook, or “angle,” attached to a line. Within this category, there are many angling types.

Bait Fishing

This is the classic approach. You use natural bait—like worms, minnows, insects, or even pieces of hot dog—to attract fish. The idea is simple: offer the fish something they naturally want to eat. Bait fishing tips often focus on choosing the right bait for your target fish species and presenting it in a way that looks natural. It’s a fantastic best fishing method for beginners because it’s straightforward and effective.

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is an art form. Instead of a heavy lure or bait, you use a lightweight, artificial “fly” to mimic an insect or small baitfish. The line itself is weighted, and casting it requires a special, graceful technique. Fly fishing basics involve learning this unique casting motion. It’s often done in rivers and streams for species like trout and salmon. You’ll need a specific fly fishing rod and reel guide to get started with the right gear.

Lure Fishing

With lure fishing, you use artificial baits called lures. These can be made of plastic, metal, or wood and are designed to look and move like a fish’s prey. There are countless lure fishing techniques, from twitching a topwater plug to bouncing a soft plastic along the bottom. The fun is in tricking the fish into striking something fake.

Bait Casting

Bait casting uses a specific type of reel that sits on top of the rod. These reels offer excellent casting distance and precision, making them popular for anglers targeting species like bass. Mastering a baitcasting reel can take some practice to avoid a “bird’s nest” (a tangled mess of line), but the control it offers is worth it.

Trolling

Trolling involves dragging baits or lures behind a moving boat. You can use this method in both freshwater and saltwater to cover a lot of water and find active fish. A good trolling setup might include special downriggers to get lures deep or outriggers to spread multiple lines apart. People often use this technique when going deep-sea fishing for big game like tuna and marlin.

Jigging

The jigging fishing method is an active style where you use a weighted lure called a jig. You drop it to the bottom and then “jig” it up and down with sharp movements of your rod. This erratic motion mimics a wounded baitfish and can trigger aggressive strikes from fish like cod and mackerel.

Line Fishing

This is a general term for any fishing done with a hook and line. It can be as simple as a handline with no rod or as complex as the other angling methods mentioned above.

Fishing By Netting

Netting is one of the oldest fishing methods, often used in commercial operations to catch large quantities of fish. There are several net fishing types.

Gillnets

Gillnets are vertical panels of netting that hang in the water. The mesh is sized so that a fish can get its head through but not its body. When it tries to back out, its gills get caught.

Trawling

Trawling involves pulling a large, cone-shaped net, known as a trawl, through the water behind a boat. Bottom trawling drags the net along the seabed, while midwater trawling pulls it higher in the water column. This is one of the most common commercial fishing methods.

Purse Seine

A purse seine is a large wall of netting used to encircle a school of fish. Once the fish are surrounded, a line at the bottom is pulled, “pursing” the net closed like a drawstring bag and trapping the fish inside.

Net Fishing

This broad term covers various techniques, including cast nets, which are thrown by hand in shallow water, and lift nets, which are submerged and then lifted out of the water to trap fish swimming above them.

Fishing By Trapping

Trapping uses stationary enclosures to catch fish and crustaceans.

Pots and Traps

Pots & traps are baited cages or baskets that are left on the bottom of the ocean or lake. Creatures like lobsters, crabs, and certain fish crawl in to get the bait but can’t find their way out.

Crabbing

A specialized form of trapping, crabbing uses pots or ring nets specifically designed to catch crabs. It’s a popular recreational activity in coastal areas.

Direct Capture

These methods involve actively hunting and capturing fish one at a time.

Spearfishing

Spearfishing can be done from above the water with a simple spear or underwater with a powerful speargun while snorkeling or scuba diving. It requires skill, patience, and a good aim. The right spearfishing gear, including a mask, snorkel, and fins, is essential.

Bowfishing

As the name suggests, bowfishing uses a bow and arrow to catch fish. The arrow is attached to a line so you can retrieve it and your catch. A bowfishing guide will show you how to aim low to account for the way light refracts in the water. It’s a popular method for rough fish like carp and gar in freshwater.

Hand Gathering

The simplest method of all! Hand gathering involves collecting shellfish like clams, mussels, and oysters from shallow waters or beaches by hand.

Specialized Fishing Methods for Unique

Some methods are unique and tailored for specific situations.

Kite Fishing

Kite fishing uses a kite to carry a fishing line far out from the shore or boat. This allows you to present bait in areas that are hard to reach by casting, especially in windy conditions.

Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing is any technique that targets fish living on or near the seabed. This can be done with bait or jigs from a boat or shore. It’s a great way to catch species like catfish, flounder, and snapper.

Dredges

Dredging is a commercial method used to harvest shellfish like scallops and oysters. A large metal frame with a net bag is dragged along the seabed, scooping up everything in its path.

Fishing by Purpose

Why you fish is just as important as how you fish. Your goal determines the scale of your operation, the gear you use, and the rules you follow.

Commercial Fishing

Commercial fishing is all about catching fish for profit. These are large-scale operations that supply seafood to markets, restaurants, and processing plants. They use efficient commercial fishing methods like trawling, purse seining, and longlining to catch fish in large volumes.

Subsistence Fishing

Subsistence fishing is fishing to provide food for yourself, your family, or your community. It’s not about making money but about sustenance. Subsistence fishing techniques are often traditional and passed down through generations. The focus is on catching what you need.

Recreational/Sport Fishing

This is fishing for fun, relaxation, and the thrill of the chase. Recreational fishing, also known as sport fishing, is a massive industry. Anglers often use modern fishing gear essentials and may practice catch-and-release to conserve fish populations. There are many sport fishing types, from casual pond fishing to competitive bass tournaments and deep-sea trophy hunting.

Fishing by Location / Environmental Condition

Where you fish dramatically changes everything—the gear, the techniques, and the fish you’ll find.

Freshwater Fishing

Freshwater fishing takes place in rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams. This is where many people get their start. You can fish from the bank, a boat, or a kayak. Popular freshwater targets include bass, trout, crappie, and catfish. It’s accessible and offers an incredible variety.

Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater fishing opens up a whole new world of powerful fish and vast environments. We can break it down further:

Inshore fishing happens in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and bays. It’s great for species like redfish, snook, and striped bass.
Nearshore fishing takes you a little further out, often within sight of land, to fish over reefs and wrecks.
Deep-sea fishing (or offshore fishing) is the big leagues. You head far from shore into deep water to target large, powerful species like tuna, marlin, and sailfish. The debate of inshore vs offshore fishing often comes down to the size of your boat and your desire for adventure.
Surf fishing is a type of shore fishing where you cast from the beach into the ocean’s surf.
Pier/Jetty fishing allows you to access deeper water without a boat.

Ice Fishing

When lakes and ponds freeze over in the winter, the fishing doesn’t stop! Ice fishing involves drilling a hole through the ice and dropping a line down. A key part of this sport is safety. Good ice fishing safety tips include checking the ice thickness, dressing in warm layers, and never fishing alone. You’ll also need an ice auger to drill the hole and an ice fishing gear checklist to make sure you have everything you need.

Other Location-Based Styles

Lake Fishing

Lake fishing can be done from a boat or the shore. Still waters allow for different techniques than flowing rivers. A good kayak fishing setup for lakes can get you to spots that boats can’t reach.

Shore Fishing

Shore fishing is any fishing done from land. This includes riverbanks, lake shores, and coastal beaches. The pros and cons of shore fishing are clear: it’s highly accessible and affordable, but your casting range is limited.

Paddle Board Fishing

A growing trend, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) fishing combines exercise with angling. It’s a stealthy way to approach fish in calm, shallow water.

Rock Fishing

This involves fishing from rocky ledges and outcrops along the coast. It can be very productive but also dangerous due to slippery surfaces and unpredictable waves. Safety is paramount.

Urban Fishing

Many cities have stocked ponds and waterways that offer fishing opportunities right in the middle of town. Urban fishing is a great way to introduce kids to the sport without a long trip.

Popular Fishing Variants

Let’s spotlight some of the most common and popular types of fishing that people enjoy.

Sport Fishing: This is all about the challenge. It’s you against the fish, often with a focus on big or powerful species. It’s the driving force behind most recreational fishing.
Fly Fishing: Known for its elegance and connection to nature, fly fishing is a beloved method for catching species like trout in beautiful, pristine environments.
Trolling: A go-to method for covering water in large lakes and the ocean. If you want to know how to start trolling for tuna, this is the technique you’ll be learning.
Gillnetting: While mostly a commercial method, gillnetting is used in some subsistence fisheries. It’s effective but can be controversial due to its non-selective nature.
Pots & Traps: The best way to catch crustaceans. Setting out crab or lobster pots is a classic coastal activity.
Purse Seine: A highly efficient commercial technique, responsible for a large portion of the world’s fish catch, especially for species that swim in large schools like tuna and mackerel.
Jigging: An active, engaging method that is becoming extremely popular in both saltwater and freshwater. The feeling of a fish hitting a jig you are actively working is a real thrill.
Kite Fishing: A specialized but effective technique used by serious saltwater anglers to get baits out to where the big fish are, past the breakers, or away from the boat.
Bottom Fishing: A reliable and relaxing way to fish. Just drop your bait to the bottom and wait for a bite. It’s one of the most common forms of saltwater angling.

Comparison of Fishing Types

With so many options, how do you choose? This table can help you compare some popular methods.

Bait Fishing (Shore)	Freshwater/Saltwater	Rod, reel, hooks, bait	Easy
Lure Fishing (Kayak)	Freshwater/Saltwater	Rod, reel, lures, kayak	Medium
Fly Fishing	Freshwater (mostly)	Fly rod, fly reel, flies	Hard
Trolling (Boat)	Freshwater/Saltwater	Boat, rods, reels, lures	Medium
Ice Fishing	Freshwater	Ice auger, tip-ups/jigging rod	Medium
Deep Sea Fishing	Saltwater	Heavy-duty boat, rods, reels	Hard (requires experience)

Budget & Equipment Considerations

Your budget will play a big role in the types of fishing you can try.

Beginner Friendly (Low Budget): Shore fishing with a simple spinning rod and reel is the most affordable way to start. A basic setup for bait fishing can cost less than $50.
Mid-Range: Getting into kayak fishing or buying a decent setup for lure fishing will cost a few hundred dollars. A good GPS fish finder can be a great addition at this level.
Expert / High Budget: Deep-sea fishing charters can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars for a single trip. Owning your own fishing boat is a major investment. Specialized gear for fly fishing or bowfishing can also be expensive.

Which Types Suit Beginners vs. Experts?

If you’re just starting, stick to the basics. Bait fishing from a dock, pier, or shore is the perfect way to learn. It’s the best fishing method for beginners because it teaches you about rigging, casting, and handling fish without being too complicated.

As you gain experience, you can try lure fishing, kayak fishing, or even fly fishing basics. Methods like spearfishing, bowfishing, and offshore big-game fishing are best left to experts who have developed the necessary skills and understand the safety risks.

Choosing the Right Fishing Style for You

So, how do you pick the right fishing style? Ask yourself a few questions:

Location: What kind of water is near you? Are you close to lakes, rivers, or the coast? Your local fishing locations and habitats are the biggest factor.
Budget: How much are you willing to spend on fishing gear essentials? Be realistic about what you can afford.
Physical Ability: Some types, like kayak fishing or rock fishing, are more physically demanding. Others, like fishing from a pier, are very relaxed.
Target Species: What kind of fish do you want to catch? If you dream of catching a giant tuna, you’ll need to go deep-sea fishing. If you want to catch bass, freshwater fishing is your game.

Once you have an idea, you can start matching the gear to your preferred method. Don’t be afraid to start small. Join local fishing groups online or find a tackle shop and ask questions. The fishing community is generally very welcoming to newcomers.

Helpful Tips & Guides

Here are some quick guides to help you get started with popular fishing types.

Freshwater Fishing Tips & Tricks: Learn how to find fish in lakes and rivers. Understand how weather affects the bite and what baits work best for common species like bass and panfish.
Saltwater Fishing Tips & Tricks: Discover the importance of tides and currents. Learn basic rigs for surf and inshore fishing and what to look for when choosing a spot.
Beginner’s Guide to Fly Fishing: Get started with the essential gear. Practice the basic overhead cast in your backyard before you even hit the water. Learn a few simple fishing knots for beginners, like the clinch knot.
Ice Fishing Tips: Safety first! Always check ice conditions. Start with simple gear like tip-ups, which are easy to use and effective for catching fish under the ice.
Shore Fishing Basics: The key is mobility. Pack light so you can move around to find the fish. Look for structures like fallen trees, docks, and points that attract fish.
Canoe & Paddle Board Fishing Tips: Use an anchor to stay in place once you find a good spot. Practice casting from a seated or kneeling position for better stability.
Rock Fishing Gear & Safety: Wear cleated boots for grip and always wear a life jacket. Study the waves and tides before you go, and never fish alone in these dangerous conditions.
Crabbing How-To: Check local regulations for size and bag limits. Use the right bait—oily fish like mackerel work great—and know how to handle crabs safely to avoid getting pinched.
Urban Fishing Spots & Methods: Look up your city’s parks department website. They often have maps of stocked ponds and information on local regulations.

Conclusion

The world of fishing is as deep and diverse as the waters we fish in. From the quiet patience of ice fishing to the high-energy thrill of deep-sea fishing, there truly is a style for everyone. We’ve looked at the many types of fishing, breaking them down by method, purpose, and location.

The most important thing is to get out there and give it a try. Start with something simple and accessible. As you learn, you can experiment with different fishing methods and find what you enjoy most.

Always remember to prioritize safety, whether it’s wearing a life jacket or checking the weather. And be a good steward of the environment. Follow all local fishing license rules, respect bag and size limits, and consider practicing catch-and-release to ensure that there are fish for future generations to enjoy. Now go catch something!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the easiest type of fishing for a complete beginner?

Without a doubt, the best fishing method for beginners is bait fishing from a shore or pier. Using a simple spinning rod and reel with live bait like worms is an affordable and effective way to catch your first fish and learn the fundamentals.

2. What is the main difference between inshore vs offshore fishing?

The primary difference is location and depth. Inshore fishing is done in shallow waters close to the coast, like bays and estuaries. Offshore fishing, or deep-sea fishing, takes place far from land in deep water, targeting larger big-game species.

3. Do I need a different rod and reel for freshwater and saltwater fishing?

Yes, it’s highly recommended. Saltwater fishing gear is built with corrosion-resistant materials to withstand the harsh effects of salt. While you can use freshwater gear in saltwater in a pinch (if you clean it thoroughly), saltwater gear is generally heavier and stronger to handle larger, more powerful fish.

4. What are some essential fishing knots for beginners?

Every angler should know a few basic knots. Start with the Improved Clinch Knot for tying your hook or lure to the line. The Palomar Knot is another excellent choice that is both easy to tie and incredibly strong.

5. What should I include in an ice fishing gear checklist?

An ice fishing gear checklist should always start with safety items: ice picks, a spud bar to check ice thickness, and a float suit or life jacket. For fishing, you’ll need an ice auger, tip-ups or a jigging rod, bait, a skimmer to clear ice from the hole, and a bucket or sled to carry your gear and sit on.

6. Is bowfishing legal everywhere?

No, bowfishing regulations vary greatly by state and even by body of water. It is typically legal only for specific “rough” fish species like carp, gar, and suckers, and there are often seasonal restrictions. Always check your local fishing regulations before you go.

7. What is the main goal of sport fishing?

The main goal of sport fishing is the challenge and enjoyment of the activity itself. While anglers may keep some fish to eat, the primary focus is on the recreational aspect—the “sport” of finding, hooking, and landing a fish. This is why catch-and-release is a very common practice in the sport fishing community.

8. What is a good kayak fishing setup for lakes?

A great kayak fishing setup for lakes would include a stable sit-on-top kayak (10-12 feet long), a comfortable seat, multiple rod holders, an anchor trolley system to control your position, and a small crate or cooler for gear storage. A pedal-drive system can be a great addition, as it frees up your hands for fishing.