Sport fishing and big game fishing

Fishing in its various guises has long been a favoured form of water-based recreation and, for some, a necessary means of subsistence. As with many ‘survival’ activities, fishing has become a popular sport motivated by the challenges of competition, whether against others, or against self. Differentiated from early subsistence fishing only by contemporary technology and inevitable regulatory requirements aimed at sustainability, sport fishing and particularly the pursuit of big game fish remain primary pull factors drawing visitors to destinations in both developed and developing locations. The principal focus of this chapter is on big game fishing in the context of charter operations and what have become international competitive tournaments. Big game fishing is considered as a sub set of the wider category of sport fishing other forms of which may occur from smaller vessels, off rocky headlands, from beaches, and river locations. While largely avoiding a species-specific approach, the chapter explores some of the locations where big game fishing has become popularised. Inevitably some reference to fish species occurs since particular locations are renowned for the species (and hence type of activity) available. Consideration is also given to the nature of big-game and sport fishing markets. A generalised profile is provided of those seeking to satisfy their recreational needs by pursuing large game fish in various water craft using sophisticated sounding and fishing apparatus, and at destinations that brand and position themselves by association with big game fish. The rising popularity of the activities associated with big game fishing demands a further focus on the regulatory frameworks devised by government and other authorities to minimise detrimental impacts and promote sustainability.