Reasons Why River Fishing is Good for You

To many people, fishing can be a hobby, a way to relax, or a viable means to get food on the table. But did you know that it can significantly benefit your physical and mental health? Angling is one of the healthiest hobbies for one to have. River fishing is exceptional because it is one of the most relaxing angling experiences. It doesn’t require you to have too much gear, and it can be easily done by wading or on a canoe or kayak. It proves that great fishing doesn't always have to be out in the vast seas or a large water body, and that excellent fishing doesn't always mean catching fish and having the best fishing gear.

Let’s delve into some of the reasons why fishing is good for you:

Fishing’s Physical Benefits

Fishing or angling can be done in a multitude of ways. All those methods have in common that they require you to be outdoors and reel in fish, whether it be casually or you find yourself in a spirited fight. Here’s why fishing can be good for your body:

1. You Get Some Exercise, and It Keeps You Fit

Fishing may not seem as rigorous as what you would picture a regular workout would be, but that’s what’s appealing about it. Fishing works out your main muscle groups, heart, and lungs. It can be seen as low-impact cardio that can be as easygoing or active as possible. You can also tie in aerobic exercise to hike to a fishing spot. Try finding a fishing spot close to your home and walk there. Or park farther away from a fishing hole and get your extra steps in.

Setting up, casting your line, and landing several fish can build your strength. Angling engages your shoulders, back, core, arms, and legs. Wading or being on a boat can also help build up your body and improve your balance. Wade fishing can also help you determine the water level and water temperature, making you a better angler. It also gives you a moment to take in and assess the natural resources around you. You can see fishing as a lifelong training program with all the benefits of getting to spend time in nature and having a tangible sense of achievement when you get a bite.

2. It Increases Your Intake of Vitamin D

When you go outside, your body gets to top up on Vitamin D, even if it’s a cloudy day. You can say that fishing helps you increase your Vitamin D intake, boosting your immune system. Vitamin D is known for helping regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, meaning that your bones and teeth are kept strong and healthy. Vitamin D has also been linked to fighting depression.

3. It’s Good For Your Lungs

Almost half of the US population lives in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution, which we all know has all sorts of awful effects on your body. With fishing, you get to spend some time out in nature, giving you the chance to breathe clean, oxygen-rich air. Angling outdoors can improve your lungs, especially if you couple it with exercise to regulate your breathing. Being around water will also be good for your body because something like a flowing river produces tiny charged particles called negative ions that have been shown to boost the immune system, regulate one’s sleep patterns, and increase metabolism. Your body can get a chance to recover if you go fishing regularly and get some fresh air.

4. You Eat Healthier and More Sustainably

One of the significant benefits of fishing as a hobby or a source of income is that it provides you with a tangible sense of accomplishment by allowing you to keep and eat what you catch most of the time. Fish is extremely healthy because it contains essential nutrients such as Omega 3, Vitamin B12, protein, and Vitamin D. Omega 3 is beneficial to your heart and eyesight. Simultaneously, Vitamin B12 is required for healthy nerves, blood cells, and DNA. Fish is better for your cholesterol than other animal protein sources.

Though all fish aren’t equal in terms of what merits they provide to your body, they all still contain key nutrients while offering a relatively low-calorie count. The healthiest catches are oily fish like mackerel, salmon, and trout. Bigger fish you can catch can feed plenty of people. There are also plenty of other fantastic fish for eating like largemouth bass, rock bass, striped bass, steelhead, wild trout, and bream or panfish species that are easier to find and catch. A hobby like angling makes you resourceful, so having another way to get food on the table and having fun and keeping active while at it isn’t a bad deal.

Fishing’s Mental Benefits

Angling can have magical effects on your mental state. Whether you’re battling with the blues or you’re having difficulty concentrating, time spent with a fishing rod in a flowing river can be just what you need, and here’s why:

1. It Helps You De-Stress and Combat Your Anxiety

According to numerous researches, nature has a massive impact on your mental well-being. Fishing, in particular, requires you to be around water that produces a ton of mood-boosting negative ions, which imparts a natural meditative effect on your mind. The actual act of angling makes you feel good because you get to exercise and move your body. There is also the mindfulness aspect when you focus on your bait. You can get a sense of calm and fulfillment as fishing can get you to rise to the occasion and get yourself in the zone because you’re trying to achieve something.

Nowadays, you can find multiple organizations that dedicate themselves to fishing as a form of therapy. Even those with PTSD, depression, and anxiety have been shown to find relief and even healing through fishing therapy. 

2. It Improves Your Patience and Concentration

Angling can help you unplug and relax, especially in this day and age when modern technology and a never-ending way of life are constantly fighting for your attention and distraction. Angling can be mindful and meditative as it helps you improve your concentration, hone your focusing skills, and even make your brain grow. If you regularly fish, you can build up your attention span, which can work out for you in the long run.

3. It Builds Up Your Confidence and Resilience

Fishing gives you the ability to set and achieve your own goals at whatever pace you choose. It gives you something to strive for or challenge yourself with without worrying about the stakes being too high. You get to learn that sometimes it’s okay to fail, and next time you use what you’ve learned and do better. When you see yourself improving, you get more ambitious and excited, which wonders for your self-esteem. You’ll also accept that sometimes you get unlucky but still get to appreciate the meaningful experience out or near the water.

4. You Get to Make Friends

Angling doesn’t only offer individual benefits but social as well. The sport provides a beautiful sense of community because people from all walks of life are willing to share or learn from you. Fishing with family or friends can also give you lifelong memories, with the highs and lows helping you build stronger bonds.

Though it may seem like just another hobby, fishing can be so much more than relaxation, fun, and excitement. It’s easy to get into, and you reap all the physical and mental benefits. If you’re trying to find a hobby that will be good for you, find the nearest river and go fishing.