Fishing

Fishing is an ancient activity that is among the world's most popular pastimes. Fishing can be very relaxing and serene. It can also be an exciting event for the whole family. With so many types of fishing, the possibilities are endless.

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That red snapper you're enjoying for dinner might well be tilapia since 87 percent of snapper in the U.S. is mislabeled. Why is fish fraud so widespread?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Not exactly known for being the most attractive fish in the sea, the dogtooth tuna has, in recent years, become increasingly sought after by sport fishermen seeking a challenge.

If you've ever watched a fly fisherman wade into the river and begin to dance his glinting line above the rushing water, you've probably developed an envy of his art -- not to mention his gear.

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When you saw the words "helicopter fishing," you probably assumed we were going to tell how to emulate "Madman of the Sea" and "Man vs. Fish" host Matt Watson's feat of diving from a chopper into the Pacific Ocean and landing on the back of a big marlin.

There's no standard rule of thumb for what kind of person might undertake the sport of ice fishing, aside from being able to deal with bitterly cold weather.

Catch-and-release is becoming more and more popular among fishermen who want to make sure the fishing in their favorite spot remains good. It's the purest sort of fishing, practiced by anglers who enjoy the thrill of the fight but want to give a worthy adversary the opportunity to go on living -- and perhaps to fight the line another day.

Different bait works for different fish and different fishing locations, so it's important to know how to choose your bait when fishing. Learn how to choose your bait when fishing in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

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Without fishing quotas, we might reach a day when there's no surf in surf and turf. Overfishing is a huge problem and could lead some fish to extinction. How's fishing regulated?

By Charles W. Bryant

Any angler will agree -- there's nothing like the thrill of the catch. And if that catch is tasty, well that's even better. Crappie fishing is one of the most popular and productive types of fishing. Check out our helpful crappie fishing tips.

By Sarah Siddons

Go big or go home, right? Ask any angler about the greatest win of the game and you're likely to get the same response. Once called the catch of 10,000 casts, muskie have become the most popular of game fish, due in part to their elusive behavior.

By Vivien Bullen

Bass fishing lures come in every imaginable color, shape and size and texture. So how do you know which one is right for your next fishing trip? We'll show you 10 of the best.

By Dave Roos & Beth Brindle

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A great way to find fish is to seek out their spawning grounds. At the first signs of spring all across the United States, fish begin migrating toward their favorite reproductive spots. The key is to be ready when they are.

By Simon Shadow

Trout spawning is a very exciting moment in the lifecycle of the trout. The trout spawn is a perfect example of reproductive processes found in the natural world. So head down to your local lake or river and see some trout spawn.

By Rosalind Jackson

Cleaning panfish is a messy business. So how do you do it without ruining the meat -- or your kitchen counter?

By Claire Bloom

With nearly 165 species in its family tree, freshwater perch just might be the most abundant fish in North America. That abundance -- plus the tasty meat -- might explain why anglers are hooked on perch.

By Claire Bloom

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Known in full as muskellunge, the muskie -- or musky -- can be quite the magnificent catch, but it's not without hard work. What do you need to know to catch a muskie worth mounting?

By Sarah Siddons

Regardless of whether you have fond childhood memories of rod-and-reel fishing with Grandpa, you might still like to learn a few tips about catching bluegill -- aka sunfish, bream or perch.

By Chris Marlowe

Imaging your fishing pole being attacked by a car traveling at highway speed -- that's what it's like when a pike hits your line. What are the best places to fish for this ferocious predator?

By Sarah Siddons

Some salmon travel up to 3,000 miles on their quest to spawn in natal waters. What are the best spots along the way for you to do a little fishing?

By Olivia Page

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Can't get a bite? Fishing reports can give you a heads-up about weather conditions, water temperatures and fish behavior before you even hit your chosen body of water. But how are they created?

By Stephanie Watson

Nothing is more important in the hunt for rainbows, cutthroats and brookies than the right gear. So what items do trout masters make sure to carry with them to the banks of rivers and streams?

By William Harris

At maturity, catfish come in a wide range of sizes. Some little guys can be as tiny as 1 1/2 to 2 inches long. And some can grow to mammoth sizes. But none have anything on the Mekong giant catfish.

By Jessika Toothman

The wilderness is known for its lack of grocery stores and restaurants, so if you accidentally wander off into the woods without a trusty tool like a fishing pole, knife or gun -- are you out of luck? Or is there a way to keep your belly full?

By Jessika Toothman

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One of the most interesting times to find walleye is during the spawn. Temperature plays an important role in determining when the spawn occurs so warming trends are important. Once you've found the walleye, a slow pace will help you land the catch.

By Andrew Aguecheek

When it's time to spawn, bass waste little time. In fact, the entire spawning process can occur in as little as three weeks. The male bass is responsible for most of the spawning duties, such as building a nest and attracting a mate.

By Vivien Bullen