Traditionally, many different kinds of boats have been used as fishing boats to catch fish in the sea, or on a lake or river. Even today, many traditional fishing boats are still in use. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), at the end of 2004, the world fishing fleet consisted of about 4 million vessels, of which 2.7 million were undecked (open) boats. While nearly all decked vessels were mechanised, only one-third of the undecked fishing boats were powered, usually with outboard engines. The remaining 1.8 million boats were traditional craft of various types, operated by sail and oars.
Traditional Vietnamese fishing boat
Traditional Philippines fishing boat with outriggers, often known as pump boats
Dhonis are the traditional fishing boat of the Maldives.
These fishing boats in Gambia conform to a local design.
A fishing vessel is a boat or ship used to catch fish and other valuable nektonic aquatic animals in the sea, lake or river. Humans have used different kinds of surface vessels in commercial, artisanal and recreational fishing.
Crab boat working the North Sea
Fishing boats lashed together in a tidal creek in Anjarle village, Maharashtra, India
Viking boat showing clinker planking.
Herring Buss taking aboard its drift net (G. Groenewegen).
