Christ, preaching from Peter's boat just off the shore at Capernaum to a great crowd on land, finished His teaching and turned to Peter: 'Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch.' Peter, a lifelong fisherman who had worked all night with nothing to show, answered: 'Master, we toiled all night and took nothing. But at your word I will let down the nets.'
The net came up so full that it began to break; they signalled their partners in the other boat to help, and both boats began to sink under the weight. Peter fell at Christ's knees, recognising what kind of person was in the boat with him: 'Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.' Christ answered: 'Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.' Peter, Andrew, James, and John left their nets and followed Him. The site is traditionally identified with the bay near Tabgha and Capernaum on the north-western shore.