There’s no better way to spend a lazy Sunday than by heading to the river with a couple of friends, a picnic, and your fishing gear.  Many people wonder whether there are any benefits waiting to catch a bite and there answer is yes.

To settle this once and for all, we’ve compiled a list of 10 reasons why going fishing is beneficial for many reasons.

1. Keeps You Fit

One of the main benefits of fishing is the fitness aspect.  When you fish, you work your main muscle groups, heart, and lungs.

To further boost your exercise, find a fishing spot 10 to 15 minutes away from your car or house.  The routine of setting up, casting off, and reeling fish in requires a certain amount to strength.

Not to mention if you’re wading through a river and wrestling a huge pike or carp in the water.  This will then involve using your shoulders, back, arms, core, and legs.

Another reason why going fishing is good for you is that it’s a low impact sport, perfect if you’ve been injured or aren’t too active.

Fishing and fly-fishing require small, intricate movements and as you get older, these finer motor skills begin to deteriorate so fishing helps them stay sharper for longer.

2. Increases Your Vitamin D

“Why to go fishing?” you ask.

To get your essential Vitamin D!  Even when you’re fishing under grey skies, being outside means your body can top up on its Vitamin D reserves.

This is essential as it helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in your body so your bones and teeth stay healthy.  It also boosts your immune system and fights depression.

3. Improves Your Concentration

Another reason why you should go fishing is that it improves your concentration.  According to research conducted by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, being outside and noticing the environment around you improves your ability to concentrate.

4. Reduces Stress

Not sure why to go fishing?

Because immersing yourself in nature, away from technology, lets your brain relax and focus on catching fish.  It’s a sport that is reflective and meditative so you’re forced to slow down and appreciate your surroundings.

Whether you’re fishing to catch up with friends or for food, you’ll experience a sense of relaxation and calmness.

This has also made fishing a popular therapeutic exercise so counselors who work with veterans, and those suffering from chronic illnesses to go out and fish so they can relax.

5. Meet New and Old Friends

No matter how old you are, it’s possible to join an angling club and get involved with the community.  It gives you a chance to take part in the competition and meet like-minded people to share tips and connect with.

6. Improves Your Self Esteem

Like many other sports, fishing comes down to personal goals and when they’re met, you feel a sense of pride.  It also improves your self-esteem by respecting the environment and mastering outdoor skills.

Fishing is a lifelong skill from when you’re young, remembering your first catch, to your golden years where you can introduce the sport to your grandchildren.  Doing this also keeps you feeling secure, mentally well, and lets you bond with your loved ones.

Further, if you’re impatient, then fishing is the best way to flex those muscles.  In our world, we’re used to overstimulation and instant gratification so going fishing puts your patience to practice.

Sure, it may sting going home empty-handed once, but soon you’ll accept that it’s important to wait it out until the very end.

7. Fishing Contributes to Conservation

Anglers must purchase fishing licenses and pay special taxes to help fund many wildlife and conservation programs across America.

Wildlife population and most fish species remain stable and in some cases, flourish.  They also contribute to non-game and education programs as anyone who fishes is aware of the importance of clean water and air.

8. Fishing for Food

50% of Americans are predicted to be obese by 2030 so it’s important to have a balanced diet and some form of exercise.

Wild fish are low in fat and cholesterol but high in protein which is why we’re encouraged to have a regular diet of fish.

Match this with the simple motion of raising your rod for backcast (where you use multiple muscles) and you’ve got a healthy afternoon planned.

9. The Thrill

As humans, we find ways to flood our brain’s reward system with serotonin.  We can do so play using social media but a more productive way is by fulfilling an age-old need of pursuing and catching.

The thrill is in the challenge when you try to catch that elusive wild trout and once you’ve caught it, the feeling is unmatched.  This feeling of anticipation is perfectly captured in fishing movies where we can see how all forms of fishing benefit the angler as it’s a great way to spend time.

10. A Boost to the Economy

Anglers in America generate millions in state and local taxes thereby supporting thousands of jobs that give an economic boost any state government would be pleased with.

And That’s Why Going Fishing Is Great for You!

It’s difficult to strike a perfect work/life balance or carve enough time to exercise which is why going fishing is a great excuse to unplug for the weekend.

Making the effort to bring along a friend, spend time executing the perfect cast, and cooking up your fish dinner ensures you are getting enough exercise and the balanced diet you need.  Happy fishing!

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