Fishing was a sport and recreational pastime. For many civilizations it was first a means of nourishment. The primary purpose was to entice a species of fish or marine creature onto a hook whit the help of a colorful lure or bait that would be held at the end of a pole.
In 2369, Jake Sisko went fishing in a Holodeck program. (DS9 episode: "Emissary")
In 2372, The Doctor went fishing using the Earth park simulation on board the USS Voyager. (VOY comic: "The Storm")