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People are hooked on fishing in the US.

Indeed, in 2017, over 49 million Americans from all around the country went recreational fishing. That’s a lot of people baiting hooks and launching lines in a bid to catch some fish.

Clearly, this is one popular pastime- a fact that should come as no surprise. After all, people have fished for their dinner all over the world since the dawn of time!

These days, in the US, it’s more hobby than means of survival. Nonetheless, it remains an intrinsic way of life for people all over America.

Fun facts about fishing don’t stop there, though.

There is all manner of interesting things to learn about fishing. Thinking about giving it a go for the first time?

Keep reading for 7 top fishing facts to persuade you to hit the waterways.

1. It’s Good for Your Health

Fishing forces you out into the wild.

Whether you’re on a lake, in a river, or out at sea, you’re inevitably immersed in nature. It’s just an intrinsic part of the sport.

Lovers of the great outdoors won’t need any further convincing. The promise of fresh air, stunning surroundings, and peace and quiet will be enough to convince you to give it a go.

There’s more to enjoy, though. Being in nature is known to be good for your health and wellbeing. It reduces your blood pressure, lowers stress levels, muscle tension and negative emotions.

Obviously, all of these benefits contribute to a longer and happier life. With that in mind, you could even argue that fishing makes you live longer!

2. It’s Not Always Bad News for Fish

It’s important to note the different between forms of fishing.

In general, you can break the practice down into two distinct parts: commercial and sport.

Commercial fishing is the term used for catching fish for trade. It’s responsible for stocking supermarket shelves and restaurant menus. That’s bad news for the fish.

By contrast, sports fishing is recreational in nature. It fits the description of a hobby or pastime. And, as it happens, the joy’s in the catch, not the kill; fish are often returned to the water.

That’s good news for anybody worried about killing the fish! Don’t want to eat fish for dinner? Release your catch back into the water instead.

3. You Don’t Always Need a Rod

Most people assume fishing requires a rod and line.

It’s a fair assumption! After all, angling (one of the most popular forms of fishing) is most definitely done in this way.

In reality, though, there’s all manner of ways to catch a fish.

Spearfishing, trawling, trapping, and even hand gathering are all possible alternatives. Each option has its relative pros and cons and will be particularly suited to certain environments and fish.

Don’t fancy doing it the traditional way? Experiment with the different types to find a way of fishing that’s right for you.

4. It’s Good Fun

This fact is fundamental to fishing’s popularity.

You can’t escape the reality that, beyond anything else, it’s amazing fun!

Recreational activities don’t get much better. As we’ve noted, you’re out in the midst of nature, pursuing an evolutionary desire to hunt, and learning new skills in the process.

Alone or with friends, fishing teaches patience, as well as respect for the environment and wildlife too. You come away from a day’s fishing with a deep sense of satisfaction. It’s spiritually restorative, fulfilling, and inevitably leaves you with a smile on your face.

5. It’s a Family Tradition

Many people learn how to fish from their older family members.

Fathers take sons and daughters down to the river or lake, imparting their fishing wisdom in the process. In this way, the skills and equipment both get passed down from generation to generation.

This is a time-honored tradition for many families around the US.

More than just a fun-filled hobby, fishing helps create memories and facilitate bonding between people. It’s about mentoring and educating younger generations in a key life-skill, which they’ll later pass on to kids of their own.

Learning to fish means you can start the same tradition with your own children and grandchildren in the future.

6. It’s Meditative

Remember the benefits to your wellbeing of being in nature?

Well, the act of fishing itself only serves to bolster the effects.

For example, the process is inherently meditative. Everything from finding the right location and baiting your hook, to waiting for the fish itself brings you into the present moment.

You’re focused and alert as you wait in eager anticipation. Then, as the fish takes the bait, your attention is placed solely on netting the catch.

Any stresses and concerns drift out of mind as you soak in the experience. Fishing can evoke a great sense of calm; tension leaves your muscles as you focus only on the task at hand.

7. The World’s Full of Fish

33,600 species of fish have been identified around the world.

Given the depths of the ocean, it’s safe to assume there’s far more out there to discover!

Learning to fish is one of the best ways to learn more about these amazing animals. You learn names, characteristics, and habits that enable you to identify your catch.

What’s more, you become aware of the plight of fish in general. There’s nothing like eating a fish that you’ve caught to make you grateful for it. Buying it from the supermarket can never compete.

Here’s 10 big saltwater fish to showcase what you have the chance to catch!

Fun Facts About Fishing Final Thoughts

There you have it: 7 fun facts about fishing to hook you on the idea of giving it a try.

Fishing is a well-loved pastime for tens of millions of Americans around the country. It’s a global endeavor, with roots that stretch back millennia.

Humans have always fished for their supper; for as long as there are fish in the waters, you can guarantee people will try to catch them!

Hopefully, this post has proved insightful to anyone considering giving it a try for the first time.

Interested in doing exactly that? Contact us today to learn more about fishing charter opportunities.

September 28, 2019