Missouri trout fishing begins Saturday, March 1st. But don’t worry, trout fishing continues through October. And for those who can’t get enough, there’s also winter trout fishing. There is so much to learn about the sport of trout fishing, including regulations, methods, habits and gear. I promise to cover each of these topics, but for today, I thought it might be fun to switch things up and talk about the general benefits of fishing.
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”. This proverb artfully explains the value of providing individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to sustain themselves.
I hadn’t thought much about it until later in life, but I can say without a doubt that this holds true for me. Every summer my sister and I would spend two weeks with my grandparents, in Holdrege, Nebraska. There wasn’t a whole lot to do in their small farming town. Besides crafting, cooking and visiting neighbors, we went fishing. My grandpa would load up his old pickup truck with his amateur fishing gear, and my grandma loaded up the cooler with homemade food. I have to give my grandparents credit because I had very little patience. I’d bait my line, throw it out and reel it back in, in what was probably less than three minutes. I’m sure my grandfather spent more time untangling lines and replacing hooks, than he did fishing. I was thrilled when my bobber dipped below the surface. I was in a hurry to get that fish to shore, evidence to back my effort. Grinning from ear to ear while my grandmother photographed the highlights of the whole event. But, for me, that wasn’t the best part; it was taking the fish off the hook, cleaning it, and cooking it over the open fire-- of course, I preferred to eat my grandmother’s fried chicken. It was good thing my sister and I didn’t like fish because Jesus wasn’t there to turn our 2, delightfully small, fish into a meal for 4.
I reflect on those memories with my grandparents, and I have so much appreciation for what they taught me. I didn’t just learn how to fish; I learned the skills necessary to succeed.
6 Life Lessons Learned from Fishing:
1) Patience & Perseverance
2) Loss
3) Problem Solving
4) Competition
5) Awareness
6) Being Present
Economic benefits
According to the American Sportfishing Association, U.S. Congressional Districts report finds that anglers contribute more than $148 billion in economic output and support more than 945,000 jobs across the country. These figures include employment in the manufacturing and sales of fishing equipment and gear, and recreational fishing. The report noted that jobs were also generated in the hotel lodging, restaurant and charter boat industries.
Health Benefits
Fishing demonstrates an overall improvement in human well-being. It plays a vital role in combating malnutrition and promoting healthier, happier populations. Recreational fishers were found to have higher levels of mental wellbeing than non-fishers. Fishing facilitates positive social connections, connections to nature, relaxation, and contributes to the recommended amount of physical activity.
Fishing is a hobby that can be enjoyed by anyone of any age. More importantly, fishing provides an opportunity for families to spend quality time together.