What Is the Difference Between a Game and a Sport Fish?

There are only very small differences between game and sport fish. As a matter of fact, game fishing is sometimes called sports fishing. Sport fishing however covers a wider variety of fish and fishing situations. Both game and sport fishing have become a big industry for anglers of all fishing levels.

Game Fish

A game fish is usually any big saltwater fish caught in the ocean. For example the dolphin, albacore tuna, marlin and shark are all game fish. There are many methods for catching game fish. One method is called trolling where large lines are baited over and over again and then dragged behind the boat. This type of fishing usually attracts enough fish to sell. Another type of game fishing is called "chumming the waters." Chumming is when bait is dropped all at once into the water to incite a feeding frenzy and then the fish is caught.

Sport Fish

A sport fish can be almost any variety of fish from a trout to a grouper and even a marlin. Sport fish can be found in lakes, rivers and in the ocean. The name sport fish usually refers to fish people like to catch for sport. Sport fishing can be done in a variety of settings and is usually the type of fishing people talk about when they use a pole, line and hook bait to attract the fish. Sport fishing is usually not done for profit, as the yield is much lower than game fishing. Almost any fishing enthusiast has participated in sports fishing.