In 2020, around 55 million Americans went fishing in the U.S, which shows how it’s a popular pastime.
Spot fishing lets you catch up with pals, unwind after a long day of work, and soak up the sun. But aside from the relaxing factor, there are plenty of health benefits associated with the sport. Perhaps you’re interested in angling, but you’re not sure whether it’s worth your time.
Sounds familiar? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 10 health benefits of sport fishing.
1. Sneaks in Exercise
A major advantage of recreational fishing is it encourages you to exercise.
Although it’s low-impact, casting and pulling in your bite is excellent for your upper body strength. Plus, you can take it a step further by trying wade fishing or kayak further downstream for another spot.
2. Soak Up Vitamin D
Aside from promoting a healthy lifestyle, you also soak up vitamin D when you fish. In fact, around 42% of American adults have low vitamin D levels, which can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, and even depression.
But when you go sport fishing, even on a cloudy day, your body naturally tops up on vitamin D. Plus, you can’t beat the feeling of the morning sun gently warming your face.
3. Catch a Healthy Dinner
When you take out sportfishing yachts for an afternoon and catch a bite, you’re guaranteed a healthy meal. You can’t beat throwing a fish on a BBQ or grill and serving it up with a side of salad and roasted veggies.
Fish is renowned for its health benefits. Regardless of the species, fish is packed with protein and omega 3 which is crucial for promoting good eye and heart health. You’ll also load up on vitamin B12, essential for healthy blood and strong nerve cells.
4. Offers Stress Relief
There’s no greater way to relax than by bobbing on a fishing boat and casting out. Aside from being away from your phone or computer screen, you’re fully immersed in nature which relaxes your mind.
Research has found that individuals who live or spend time by water are happier, healthier, and calmer than those in urban areas. Because of this, if you practice no other form of mindfulness, then treat yourself to a weekend of fishing to unwind.
5. Boosts Concentration and Patience
In a world that moves at lightning speed, it can feel impossible to concentrate well, especially for an extended period. But, aside from enjoying exercise in sport fishing, angling lets you focus on one activity at a time, whether it’s choosing bait to thread your line through a reel.
Further, spending time on a sportfishing boat teaches you patience. This is because there’s no instant gratification in fishing, you must wait potentially hours for a bite. Because of this aspect, sport fishing is fantastic for teaching kids patience and individuals with ADHD.
6. Builds Self-Esteem
Like most physical activities, regularly going sportfishing builds your self-esteem.
You may not feel confident on your first fishing trip, but once you learn how to use the gear and your casting technique, then you’ll become independent. This encourages you to set goals and deepen your angling knowledge so you can pass it on to others.
Although it sounds underrated, having good self-esteem is crucial as it makes you feel valued, opens you up to others, and quietens any negative thoughts that arise.
7. Burns Calories
Because sport fishing is a low-impact physical activity, expect to burn calories. This is especially true if you spend several hours angling at a time. Plus, a major benefit is you don’t feel the effect of other forms of exercise like walking or cycling.
8. Reduces Your Blood Pressure
Nearly 45% of American adults have high blood pressure, which shows it’s a persistent health issue. Hypertension is problematic as it puts strain on your vital organs and increases the chance of a heart attack.
To prevent this, go away for a relaxing sport fishing trip. It’s important to note that even 30 minutes a week can reduce your blood pressure, perfect if you have a busy schedule.
9. Lets You Build Lasting Relationships
Friends are more than having someone to catch up with, they’re also essential for living a fulfilling life. If you don’t know anyone who enjoys sportfishing, then join an angling club where you can take part in the competition and meet like-minded people.
Further, when you become an expert, then you can teach someone with less experience which helps develop your fishing skills even more.
10. Teaches You Self-Reliance
In our modern society, we no longer rely solely on hunting for food or to find shelter. But when you go sport fishing, you’re back in the wilderness where you must become self-reliant.
For instance, anglers know how to read water so you can find where fish are hiding. Another essential skill is knot tying to ensure your line is secure before casting and knowing how to find the right hook size depending on the fish species.
And, for those who are taking a fishing boat, you must learn how to be stealth to prevent scaring fish away. This means you should minimize the volume on your boat, cut the engine quickly, and drop weights stealthily.
Enjoy Sport Fishing Today
Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll reap the health benefits of sport fishing.
Sportfishing lets you enjoy low-impact exercise, eat a protein-rich dinner, and builds your self-esteem. It also reduces your blood pressure, teaches you how to be reliant, and lets you meet like-minded people. What’s not to love?
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