Fishing boats have different classification methods. According to the operating waters, it is divided into marine fishing boats and freshwater fishing boats. Marine fishing boats are also divided into coastal, offshore and ocean-going fishing boats. According to hull materials, it can be divided into wood, steel, fiberglass, aluminum alloy, wire mesh cement fishing boats and various mixed structure fishing boats. According to the propulsion mode, it is divided into mobile, windsurfing and manual fishing boats.

Fishing vessels are vessels used to catch and collect aquatic animals and plants. It also includes some auxiliary vessels for modern fishing production, such as those engaged in aquatic product processing, transportation, aquaculture, resource survey, fishery guidance and training, and those carrying out fishery administration tasks.