In Tales of Pirates, fishing is primarily a money-maker, as you can sell the Sashimi for 200-400, or even more depending on the market. But the benefits of Fishing are even more important, Fish Meat, which you also get from fishing, can refuel your ship while at sea.
While you'll need the Fishing skill (Tales Of Pirates gold), and a boat equipped with a Net. It's very straightforward to get Fish Meat, it drops while you fish, just like the Sashimi. The Fish Meat goes directly into your Cargo hold, not in your Inventory.
To use the Fish Meat, you will open up your ships cargo, and double-click it to regain some Fuel.
1) As noted by silverash014 - remember that if you sink, you lose your cargo. So make sure you use that Wood as soon as you start losing structure.
2) Inspired by shamgc:
Plan your trips. If you sink, you have to salvage from the last port you docked at - so don't try to go directly from Argent to
3) As explained by Valarauka:
You can trade cargo from ship to ship. So if you're changing ships and you can find a friendly and trustworthy person to help you transfer your stuff, you do not have to lose your Fish Meat. Apparently works for Wood/Ore, don't know about Trade stuff you buy off the Traders. Does not work with Salvage items.