The health benefits of fishing are manifold, combining physical and mental well-being with all that the great outdoors has to offer. It’s an interest that can take you to inspired places when travelling. It can be undertaken solo or in groups, often with the need for rudimentary equipment only. Be it stream, pond, river or sea fishing, there is interest for everyone.
Health benefits include:
- Keeps you fit By using all the main muscle groups, heart and lungs whilst fishing and in distances walked, it provides for a good exercise. Fishing engages full body strength by using the shoulders, back, arms, core and legs in an active work-out. This in turn improves cardiovascular health and lowers blood pressure.
- Improves balance and co-ordination Fishing helps to develop balance. Sitting for long periods at home and work is not good for your health. Fishing involves standing up and a perfect way to build core strength and flexibility. It takes balance and co-ordination to successfully fish.
- Teaches life skills Fishing involves concentration, perseverance, patience, self reliance and survival skills. If competition is involved, be it friendly or more formal, it builds confidence and improves self esteem, a feeling of well-being. These attributes are transferable into other areas of life
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The great outdoors
By virtue of the activity, you often find yourself in beauty spots which encourages an appreciation of nature. This has been found to promote relaxation, reduce stress, help to breath more easily, speed recovery and boost your mood.
- Immune systems Vitamin D helps your body regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, two minerals (for healthy teeth and bones) that improve immune system function and help defend against disease and has been linked to fighting depression. The best source of Vitamin D is a day outdoors
- Brain health Maintaining brain health involves challenging it with activities that require innovative and creative solutions. Fishing presents a myriad of mental challenges. Locating fish, developing a strategy, choosing the correct fly and presenting that fly to the fish, all require critical thinking and creativity.
- Great bonding Often many are introduced to fishing and taught fishing by an older generation family member. It is a great family sport. Fishing with both family and/or friends is a great social activity with all the health benefits of boosting well-being.
- Healthy catch Fish is packed with protein, vitamins and nutrients that can lower blood pressure and help reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Eating fish is an important source of omega-3 fatty acids which keep our brain healthy.
“On the Big Blackfoot River above the mouth of Belmont Creek the banks are fringed by large Ponderosa pines. In the slanting sun of late afternoon the shadows of great branches reached from across the river, and the trees took the river in their arms. The shadows continued up the bank, until they included us.”