7 Reasons Why Fishing Is Good for You

Hobbies are a fantastic way to gain new skills while destressing and even improving your mental and physical health. If you’re interested in picking up a new hobby this year, why not consider fishing?

Unlike some hobbies, there’s no training you need to do or complicated questions you need to answer to know how to start fishing. All you need is some basic fishing tackle and a body of water and you’re ready to go!

Still not convinced? No problem. Listed below are a few of the many reasons why fishing is good for you. After reading this list, you’ll be ready to pick up a rod and start fishing today.

1. Get Physically Active

The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week to maintain optimal health. However, very few of us reach this goal. 

Believe it or not, fishing is a great way to get some physical activity in your life. Fishing is a full-body workout, engaging your shoulders, arms, back, legs, and core all at once. This remains true even if you’re reeling in small fish.

Once regular fishing is no longer a challenge, you can move on to more strenuous options like fly fishing or jigging. Or, for the fitness enthusiasts out there, give kayak fishing a try for the ultimate workout.

2. Soak up the Sun

The benefits of getting outside are many, but chief among them is the opportunity to soak up some sun. Yes, you’ll need to wear an SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays, but few things are better for your body and mind than the sun.

This is because the sun provides us with the majority of our vitamin D, which is one of the most important nutrients for our health. Vitamin D strengthens your immune system and improves your body’s ability to absorb essential minerals.

Getting some sun will also boost your energy levels and help you to maintain a calm and positive attitude thanks to the serotonin sunlight provides.

3. Improve Your Diet

The importance of a healthy diet cannot be overstated, but many of us don’t come close to getting the proper amount of vitamins and minerals in a typical day. Adding fish to your diet is an easy way to boost your nutrient intake.

Fish is a highly nutritious protein source, particularly fatty fish such as salmon and trout. They’re loaded with omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B, protein, and good cholesterol.

Though you have the option to walk away from a day of fishing empty-handed, why not hang on to a few of the fish you catch to prepare a healthy meal?

4. Relieve Stress and Anxiety

Nowadays, most of us are on the go from morning until night, never taking a moment to rest or catch our breath. But just because this is seen as a positive in our society doesn’t make it healthy. On the contrary, this type of non-stop lifestyle can and will lead to unhealthy levels of stress and anxiety.

This is why it’s vital that you take time out of your schedule for activities that work to relieve these negative emotions. And fishing is a wonderful way to do it!

Being in nature alone is a powerful stress reliever, but you’ll also have the water, which has a meditative effect on your mind. This, coupled with the physical activity you’re getting and the challenge of the next catch, makes for the perfect mood-boosting hobby.

5. Keep Your Mind Sharp

Along with helping to keep you stress-free, fishing will also keep your mind sharp by exercising your concentration and patience. Thanks to technology and social media, our attention spans are at an all-time low, but fishing can help you change for the better.

Being on the water and concentrating on the activity in front of you puts your mind in a meditative state. This will boost your focus, improve your concentration, and sharpen your mind overall. It can even build up your attention span, leading to improvements in your abilities at work or school.

6. Bond With Loved Ones

One of the best things about fishing is that it’s peaceful and quiet. And while you can certainly enjoy this time alone, fishing also gives you plenty of opportunity for some quality time with loved ones.

Bring a cooler full of snacks and let the conversation carry you to a stronger, healthier relationship. Whether you go out on the water with your partner or bring your children along to pass on the skill, you’re guaranteed a good time.

7. See New Places

Last but not least, fishing is a great way to see new places! Once you go on that first fishing trip to a beautiful waterfront cabin or a day on the open sea, you’ll never want to stop.

Pick up your gear from Boaters Outlet, load up your car, and head out. The world is full of stunning fishing spots, from the Great Lakes of Michigan to the sunny shores of Florida. Don’t allow yourself to miss out on any of them.

Get Motivated With These Reasons Why Fishing Is Good for You

Sometimes it’s tough to find the motivation to start a new project or hobby, even when you want to do it. We’re all so busy that the prospect of adding another task feels impossible.

But now that you know all the reasons why fishing is good for you, you can use that knowledge to get out there and start enjoying yourself on the water. Trust us, your body and mind will thank you for taking the leap.

Looking for more motivation for improving all areas of your life? Be sure to check out our blog!