What is the act of catching fish called?

The act of catching fish is referred to as fishing. This term encompasses various methods and practices used by individuals or commercial enterprises to capture fish for food, recreation, or trade. It includes activities done in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

In the context of the other terms, a fishery is typically a designated area where fish are cultivated or harvested, often indicating a broader system that includes the management of fish stocks. Harvesting generally refers to the process of gathering crops or resources but is not specific to fish alone. Aquaculture involves the breeding and raising of fish in controlled environments, which is separate from the actual act of catching wild fish. Thus, fishing specifically describes the act of capturing fish, making it the most correct choice.