Fishing is one of humanity’s oldest activities, dating back tens of thousands of years. Early evidence of fishing appears in archaeological sites from around 40,000 years ago, where ancient tools like spears, hooks, and nets were used to catch fish from rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Early civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans refined fishing techniques, developing boats, nets woven from natural fibers, and metal hooks. Fishing was not only vital for survival, providing an important source of food and trade, but it also began to take on cultural and spiritual significance in many societies.
As civilizations advanced, so did fishing technology and practices. In the Middle Ages, fishing guilds emerged across Europe to regulate and support the growing fishing industry, while in Asia, traditional methods like cormorant fishing and rice field aquaculture thrived. The invention of larger sailing vessels during the Age of Exploration allowed fishermen to venture farther into the open seas, vastly expanding their reach. Over time, fishing evolved from a means of sustenance into a commercial enterprise and, eventually, a recreational pastime. Today, both traditional and modern fishing methods continue to shape cultures and economies around the world.