Is Fishing Healthy?

Fishing, and the products of fishing, can both be very healthy. Being out in nature and enjoying wildlife is very relaxing.  In today’s fast-paced, high-stress world, any time we can take to relax and reflect is time well spent.

Studies have shown that being in or around water can lower blood pressure and have other various healing effects. Fishing can teach patience as well.  Waiting for a fish to bite, whether using live bait or casting and winding an artificial bait, it often takes a good deal of patience to be successful.

Fishing as a family can also promote bonding. In today’s tech-heavy world, where family time is often spent looking at the screen of a tablet or smartphone, spending a day at the lake can give everyone a chance to catch up and to talk about the things that are going on in their lives.

While it may not seem like fishing is a strenuous activity, it can promote exercise, as any outdoor activity can. Walking in to a remote lake, wading into the water and even walking up and down the bank are all things that may elevate one’s activity level. Fishing can also promote balance and strength. Casting again and again can work muscles in the arms and walking and standing are good for the leg muscles. Balance, something we do not often thing about, is improved when wading or standing in a boat casting.  Balance is important for overall health and can improve posture and circulation.

The product of fishing – fish itself – can also have health benefits. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends eating lean fish twice per week.  Fish is low in saturated fat, but high in potassium, magnesium and niacin. Fish are also high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help to keep platelets from sticking together and protect arteries from damage. They can also prevent heart arrhythmia.

Cold water fish are, in general, healthier than warm water fish and ocean fish tend to be healthier than fresh water fish.  Fresh water fish can contain environmental pollutants such as mercury. In many places, there are mercury standards and fish consumption advise that should be heeded. Some ocean fish such as king mackerel, tilefish, shark and swordfish can tend to be high in mercury as well.  So, while some caution may need to be exercised, for the most part, fish are a healthier option to some other sources of protein. Wild-caught fish are also healthier than the farm-raised fish often found in grocery stores. Wild fish are more active. They must seek out their own prey, and that prey is more nutritious than what is fed to most farm-raised fish. This makes wild fish leaner and a better source of those Omega-3 fatty acids.

Both the act of fishing, as well as eating the products of that activity, are healthy choices. If you are looking for a new hobby and want to be in the outdoors, maybe fishing is the hobby for you.  It does not take a lot of money to get started, and finding a spot on shore is as easy as asking at a local bait shop.  Take some time to relax with the family and maybe catch a meal.