Why do so many men and women of all ages feel the need to flock to the ponds, lakes and coastlines every summer to go fishing? After all, many inexperienced fishermen go home empty handed. It may seem like a huge waste of time, or is it. Even though beginner fishermen may not catch fish their first trip out it does not mean that they had a bad time. Some veteran fishermen even attempt not to bait their hooks as they do not want to be bothered catching a fish. Why is this?
I speculate that we have reached a point in our evolution of mankind where the “need” to fish is no longer present. However it still reminds us that we are connected with nature. So what are the benefits that we still get out of fishing even if we go home empty handed? There are numerous health benefits that I will discuss in this article.
Fishing is one of the most relaxing sports at times. It gives our bodies and minds a chance to relax and rebuild form our stressful lives. Fishing offers us a time to de-stress from all of the concerns and worries we have in or professional and family lives. It gives us a chance to recapture memories from our youth and be reminded of the joys we had fishing as a child.
Some fishermen may actually persue fishing for the exact opposite reason. Seeking excitement from a boring week at work. Looking to break free from society and get the adrenaline rush of hooking into a big Bass or Trout. Either way it offers stress release and an opportunity to get more in tune with nature.
Just being out in the sun and fresh air for a few hours has a very powerful impact on ones health. Sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D and being surrounded by Trees in the woods provided a high oxygen intake. Getting away from the air pollutants of the inner cities and taking a step away from industrialized society can do wonders for the mind and body.
Fish is also a great source of lean protein. My mother always used to say “fish is great brain food” and she was absolutely correct as it was not until we as human beings begin to consume large amounts of protein were we able to develop such large brains. Our brains require a large protein intake and what better way to get it than catching one of natures best sources of protein.
Fishing also is a great light exercise. It is not very strenuous, unless you plan on going deep sea fishing. It is a simple and good upper body workout, especially if you plan on casting a fishing rod all day long. If you are planning on fishing just to get some light exercise you may want to incorporate a stretching routine into the start of your fishing day to make it even more of a beneficial experience for your body. Bluegill fishing or Perch fishing provides fast paced action that keeps your body active for long periods of time.
Maybe your idea of a successful fishing day is just getting away from society, your family and all of your troubles. Fishing is a great way to just mentally relax and acclimate yourself to the slow pace of nature. There are numerous studies that indicate the great health benefits of meditation and relaxation and fishing is a great time to practice meditation or another form of mental relaxation. It is a wonderful feeling to be completely relaxed only to be waken up by the drag of your fishing line screaming with a big fish on the line.
Another great health benefit of fishing is that of family health. It gives a father and son or mother and daughter or the entire family a chance to reconnect with one another. It’s slow pace provides an ideal opportunity to talk and catch up on life’s challenges and excitements. Being surrounded by a peaceful setting also helps to take the edge off of talking about a serious issue that your family may be facing. Some of the absolute best advice and guidance has come from my parents while fishing.
All of this being said, I would highly recommend spending a day fishing this summer, not just for fun but for the numerous health benefits it provides as well.
