Stores are full of a variety of supplies. Books have been written to explain the finer points. Resorts cater to people who love to fish. Fish do not discriminate among fishermen (except for children with almost no equipment, it seems). Commercial fishing is a great industry. But there is a difference between someone who is fishing and someone who is just standing there with his line in the water. You cannot catch fish in a pond that has no fish. You are not fishing when you know nothing about the fish, bait, likely locations and what to do if you get one.

Jesus really knew a lot about fish—He could call them or tell you where to drop the net. He told His followers that He would make them fishers of men (Matthew 4:19). He loved to catch fish and share them with His followers (John 21:9). Proper fishing requires preparation. The proper kind of hook or lure, bait and technique is needed. Knowing where to cast a line and how to set the hook are what fishing is all about. It takes forethought, planning and patience to be a good fisherman. The kind of fishermen Jesus was making also need training. The parallels are strong, and that may be why those who love to fish were among the first to enroll in His courses.