Why Fishing is Good for You

Fishing is an activity that crosses all gender, cultural and economic lines. Once you are on the dock, in the boat or on the bank of the river, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from. All that matters is the catch. The feeling of the line pulling, the adrenaline rushing as you reel in your catch and the exhilaration and pride felt when you see your victory. For some it’s about catching the biggest fish, for others it’s about catching the most rare sea creature and for others it’s all about quantity. Whatever the preference, fishing is a sport that will stand the test of time. Fishing that is usually done in spare time has many benefits for your health. Read the following explanation to find out more info!

• Fishing increases your Vitamin D

It doesn’t have to be sunny while you angle, simply being outside will help your body top up its critical Vitamin D reserves. Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, keeping your bones and teeth healthy, and has also been linked to helping battle depression.

• Ups your concentration

Fishing also improves your ability to concentrate, according to research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Walking in nature or simply spending time under leafy trees also prompts “electrochemical changes in the brain” which lead to a “highly beneficial state of effortless attention”.

• Lowers your stress

Surveys of keen anglers have found that their main motivation is not just about what they might catch, but about what they can leave behind. Most people said escaping crowds was their ultimate goal, and there are now even charities supporting the power of fishing to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

• Helps your heart

If you do catch something, you’ve got yourself a low-fat meal that’s packed with blood pressure-lowering and heart disease-reducing omega-3 fatty acids.

• Angling keeps you fit

It might look like a lot of sitting around but a good fishing session can be very good exercise, toning your arms, and burning between 250 calories if you’re just sitting and 500 calories if you’re angling in waders. It also gives you a challenge and perspective. Like any sport, fishing helps fill that basic human desire for purpose.

• Fishing boosts friendship

While there is no specific scientific formula for what makes a good male bonding activity, one that includes hunting things and buying lots of kit is probably as good as you’ll get.