There are many reasons anglers choose to go fishing, and whatever your reason, here are a few more reasons why fishing can be good for your mental health. Even without catching a single fish, fishing is a fantastic way to spend your time. There is a reason that anglers across the globe still enjoy this age-old activity. If you're reading this, you already know and believe this, but sometimes, it's good to remember what makes fishing so great.
Sun and Fresh Air
Sunshine brightens the mood, and while too much sun can cause skin damage, a little Vitamin D has many benefits. The vitamin from the sun can help your immune system and is said to also help with brain health and blood pressure, as well as improve bone and muscle health. Those reasons alone should make everyone go fishing a little more, but still wear your sunscreen.
People often say they need to "get some fresh air" when stuck inside an office or any other building, and fishing offers plenty. Getting outside in nature and breathing fresh air that hasn't come through an air conditioning vent can only help improve your mental health. This is one of the main benefits of any other outdoor activity; the chance to get fresh oxygen and connect with nature is hard to beat.
The Adrenaline Rush
Nothing is as thrilling as a big fish pulling on the other end of your line. This keeps us all returning for more and fishing as much as possible. There are also some benefits, as the excitement can create a rush to get the heart pumping and the blood flowing. Getting a bite offers up so much unknown about what's on the other line, and the adrenaline rush will improve anyone's current state of mind.
It's been said that "the tug is the drug," and anglers are hooked on the feeling of getting a bite and fighting a fish, and we agree. This is one of the great things about fishing; the feeling always remains the same. No matter how long you have been fishing, the mystery and thrill of catching a fish keep anglers returning for more. This adrenaline boost and dopamine rush will make everyone feel better. Fishing is a great way to get that feeling.
Connecting with Nature
Being on the water allows you to see some fantastic things that would never be possible if you stayed home on the couch watching a TV screen or looking at your phone. Being in nature and seeing wild animals in their natural habitat is a fantastic feeling that can improve your mood and give you time to reflect. There's also no telling what you'll come across on a day on the water; that is just one more reason to go fishing as much as possible.
There are also many other great things about being in nature and trying to catch more fish. Being outdoors and trying to catch the next fish is almost a primal feeling. Whether looking for dinner or practicing catch-and-release, fishing challenges your skills against a fish, often making you work hard to trick them. This activity and getting something to bite helps, in many ways, working your brain to solve a problem, which can undoubtedly help your mental health.
Companionship or Going Solo
Some anglers like to go fishing with friends and family, and it is a great way to spend time with someone you want to be around and create memories. It's a perfect time to catch up with an old friend or further your bond with a family member. Plus, the goal of getting that next bite is a shared experience you can't match. Fishing with someone new can also be an excellent way to get to know someone new, as you'll have plenty of time to chat and interact with them. This is one more reason fishing can help your mental health: you can make some great lifelong friends through fishing.
While fishing with others is great, it's certainly not the only way to do it, and sometimes fishing alone can be just as rewarding. Going solo allows for plenty of time to think, reflect, make a plan, or set goals. The silence in the boat, often only broken by birds or splashes in the water, can be a fantastic way to spend a day or even a few hours. Fishing alone can be a great reset if you are stressed for any reason, and it is a great way to clear your head, something that many anglers enjoy regularly.
Tournament Competition and Camaraderie
Tournament fishing may not immediately come to mind as a way to relieve stress, but there are some ways it can. Fishing in bass tournaments may sometimes cause unneeded stress, especially when you do poorly. However, it can still be good for your mental health. If you are into tournament fishing, you can relate to the highs and lows of a good day and the satisfaction from a good finish.
Aside from the end-of-the-event standings, fishing a tournament offers other benefits you could consider a major plus. Being around other anglers who share your passion, spending time with friends, and making new ones are significant benefits of fishing tournaments, which can benefit your mental health.
If you needed another reason to fish more, several are listed above, and many more benefits we didn't get. Fishing is a great activity that can be enjoyed and experienced in many ways. Going fishing is undoubtedly good for your mental health.
