This paper points out the importance of classification of fishing gears, and makes ahistorical review on the main classifications existed, the definitions of fishing methodsare emphatically dicussed as well. A new systematic classification of fishing gears basedmainly upon the principles of fish catching is proposed. It is suggested that the fishinggears may be divided into three ranks: Groups, Forms, Kinds. All kinds of fishing gearsshould be included in the following table.