The Frankfurt Fishermen and Boatmen Guild was founded in the year 945 and is based on a tradition spanning over 1,000 years around the Main River in Frankfurt. Outstanding personalities and historically rooted families have served the Main. Over the centuries, a variety of tasks have been undertaken. Commercial fishing was always the main focus before the expansion of the River Main into a waterway. In pre-industrial times, the Main was considered one of the fishiest rivers in Europe. Nase and barbel were ubiquitous, and in spring, large numbers of shad migrated from the North sea into the river, while in autumn, an impressive salmon run took place. The guild has always been committed to the sustainable management of fish in the Frankfurt Main. In addition to fishing, various other activities along the river have been carried out, such as passenger transportation, ice cutting in winter for the famous Sachsenhausen cellars, bathing facilities along the riverbank, and water sampling during the post-war period. Today, the Main and its fish remain at the heart of the guild, which is a firmly established historical part of the city of Frankfurt.