Recreational fishing for sport or leisure gained popularity during the 16th and 17th centuries, and coincides with the publication of Izaak Walton's The Compleat Angler, or Contemplative Man's Recreation in 1653. This book is the definitive work that champions the position of the angler who loves fishing for the sake of fishing.
Most recreational fishers use a fishing rod with a fishing line and a hook at the end of the line. The rod may be equipped with a reel so the line can be reeled in, and some form of bait or a lure attached to the hook. Fly fishing is a special form of rod fishing in which the reel is attached to the back end of the rod, and heavy line is cast with a complex, repetitive whipping motion to deliver the ultra-light artificial fly to its target.
On July 22, 2005, Postal Administration of Ascension Island issued stamp series feature sport fishing tuna include First Day Cover. The Tuna species presented on stamps are Yellowfin Tuna, Black Tuna, Albacore Tuna and Bigeye Tuna. The Cancellation of Postmark figured a yellowfin tuna in black colored ink.
