Fishing is one of the oldest human activities, with evidence of it dating back over 40,000 years.

The earliest known fishing hooks were made from bones, shells, or wood.

The word “angling” comes from the Old English word “angol,” meaning hook.

Fish are the most diverse group of vertebrates, with over 34,000 known species.

The largest fish in the world is the whale shark, which can grow over 40 feet long.

The smallest fish is the stout floater (Paedocypris progenetica), measuring less than half an inch long.

A fish’s age can often be determined by counting the rings on its scales, similar to counting tree rings.

The sport of bass fishing began in the United States in the late 19th century.

Fly fishing dates back to Roman times, with detailed descriptions recorded as early as 200 A.D.

The world record largemouth bass weighed 22 pounds and 4 ounces, caught in Georgia in 1932.

The largest marlin ever caught weighed over 1,560 pounds off the coast of Hawaii.

The heaviest catfish ever caught weighed 646 pounds, a Mekong giant catfish from Thailand.

The fastest fish in the ocean is the sailfish, capable of reaching speeds of up to 68 mph.

The longest fish is the oarfish, which can grow up to 50 feet in length.

The world’s smallest fishing rod ever made was just 1 inch long and still fully functional.

The youngest person to catch a fish (according to Guinness World Records) was only 2 years old.

Some anglers hold records for catching fish in every U.S. state.

Ice fishing competitions can attract thousands of participants on a single frozen lake.

The first fishing reels appeared in China around 300 A.D.

The modern fishing rod as we know it developed in England during the 17th century.

There is a National Go Fishing Day celebrated every June 18.

Many cultures have fishing gods or deities, such as Ebisu in Japan.

The largest fishing port in the world is Zhoushan, China.

In medieval Europe, fishing was so vital that fishmongers formed guilds to regulate trade.

Fish can hear through vibrations in the water rather than external ears.

There is a phobia of fish called ichthyophobia, derived from the Greek word for fish.

Artificial lures can mimic insects, frogs, or even small rodents.

A fish’s sense of smell can be many times stronger than that of a dog. Especially for sharks and salmon.

The oldest written fishing instructions are found in ancient Egyptian texts.

Fishermen have their own superstitions, such as avoiding bananas on boats for “bad luck.”