Just like dancing, there has been a lot of debate about whether fishing is a hobby or a sport. Some people strongly disagree that fishing can even be considered a sport, simply because they say that anybody can do it.
But others brush this notion off and insist that fishing is not an only recreational activity. In fact, it represents some of the definitions of a sport. It is something that people can compete over, requires certain skills, and of course is enjoyed by anyone who wishes to learn it.
We could perhaps take the different aspects of fishing. If you’re rowing a boat, beer on hand, and laughing it off with a friend while you drop that rod, then that is not a sport. It’s because there’s no competition or skill seen here in this situation. But catching a 30-pound tuna in a fishing contest is a whole other matter.
Now that I have shown two different aspects of fishing, which perhaps has proven that indeed fishing can be a sport, let us now discuss below the reasons why fishing is a great sport to learn.
Fishing Is A Sports Because…
- Fishing Makes You Physically And Mentally Healthy. For enthusiasts who regularly find joy in dropping their rods, fishing has improved their physical well-being, which includes strengthening the cardiovascular system and other systems in the body. More importantly, it has encouraged them to relax and focus on achieving their goals day by day rather than think about the things that stress them out.
- Fishing Is Therapeutic. The fact that it is done outdoors primarily explains why it is therapeutic. Fishing allows us to be alone in a quiet place to think while doing what we love to do. It is the perfect activity to look forward to this summer or Holiday season. You can’t say that it is a strenuous activity like running or football, but it keeps the body – and the mind – moving.
- Fishing Instills Discipline, Leadership, And Patience. Would you prefer your kid to learn the mechanics of fishing and enjoy the gifts of nature, or would you rather see him every day sitting down on the couch and playing Xbox all day? Of course, I would love for my kid to learn fishing and everything that goes with it – the coordination, focus, stamina, and strength that are developed through days and weeks of having to wait for you to be able to finally get your catch of the day. The challenge and the excitement (that we encounter in almost all sports) of mastering the skills are truly grounding.
- Fishing Enthusiasts And Athletes Are Similar In Many Ways. If you’ve tried seeing an angler fighting over a huge fish for nearly an hour, you’d know how much strength, perseverance, energy, and determination it takes to finally get your catch of the day. Anglers who are in the next level of big game fishing are totally tired after a long juggle with a wicked fish. It’s just like playing three rounds of table tennis or finishing an hour of a workout!
And just like athletes, these anglers also lose their touch when they lack sleep, don’t get properly hydrated, or not eating right. They must also follow a healthy diet and the right vitamins to keep themselves alert and relaxed at the same time.
The Takeaway
We hope that this article has encouraged you to at least try fishing before judging it. Enjoy the wonders of the lakes and oceans while you fish and appreciate the backdrop. Fishing is truly entertaining, fun and competitive. It chooses no one. You and I can go out today and catch some fish ourselves!