Fishing is a great way to escape and spend quiet time in nature with friends and families as it allows one to escape his hectic daily life and enjoy a peaceful hobby. Fishing is one of the oldest techniques people adopt as a part of their livelihood and the technique has changed through the human evolution. It was all started with sharp animal bones which now-a-days being converted to carbon fiber folding fishing rods. But the one thing that has never changed is the pleasure of fishing people feels. So even in modern time of instagram to insta-noodles, this time taking hobby “fishing” is still among one of the topmost hobbies people pursue.
Little History :- I know you don’t have to give any examination on catching fish, but I will be happy to tell you that if you are interested in this particular hobby you are taking the footstep of your ancestors from even before the time of metal age. Many historians claimed that proper evidence was found that fishing was practiced even 40,000 years back. The first ever recorded proof was found in Egyptian art. Fishing was a part of their lifestyle in Egyptian culture. Recreational fishing was first recorded in 14th century in England and by the time of 16th century it became popular. At the time of 19th century many fishing club was formed. It was said that the England was the pioneer to promote fishing for the enthusiast.
Now a day’s Fresh water fishing is popular that takes place in a lake, river, or a steam. While any type of fishing involves a great amount of patience, even kids can enjoy bringing in a catch. I still remember my childhood days when me, my father, brother and two of my uncles use to catch fish in a pond. It was a great time for us creating many unforgettable memories deep inside my heart.
Even now whenever I go back to my paternal house, I do spend some time with my old fishing rod. My father loves to catch fish while he rarely eats those but fishing still brings out the childish happiness in him. Before heading out to your fishing hot spot, it is important to check regulations that are present in your location as most places require a fishing license (not applicable for most of the south-east Asian countries). Usually sporting equipment stores will provide you with a fishing license at a relatively cheap price.
To start the fishing first thing you have to do is to gear up properly. While you are at the sporting equipment store, it may be wise to browse the equipment that they have in their stock. If you are not sure what gear you will need, ask for assistance. As most other hobbies, fishing can become expensive while purchasing gear, so sticking to your budget is important and you will still have hours of enjoyment with basic gears. If you want my advice, don’t go for very expensive items. Any basic items will do well for the startup. It is advisable to check the weight of fishing rod as per suitability and choice. Although it’s not always bad to be a little showoff but as it’s a game of patience, first you give some time with cheap accessories without wasting unnecessary money. Once you are experienced and sure that you are enjoying your new found hobby, investing in better quality gear may be a future step.
In many clubs or fishing spots you will get all the all the required items for rent. It’s not a bad idea to take rent for few times before buying anything at all.
Some basic equipments that you may need are
- Fishing rod
- Fishing line
- Bobbers
- Lure
- Net (For the player who love to catch big fish)
You can also use a good pair of sunglasses and possibly some sunblock. The chances of sunburn rise dramatically while you are on the open water, so don’t take sun screen lightly.
Once you get to your destination and find your desired fishing spot, it is time to make your cast and try your luck with catching the big one. If you are fishing with a bobber, watch it closely to ensure a successful catch. Once you have a fish on the line, your bobber will sink under the surface of the water and it is time for you to pull back the rod and start reeling.
If you are fishing with a lure, cast your line out into the water and start slowing reeling. If a fish is hooked, you will begin to feel as if someone is pulling against you on the end of the line. Once you feel as if you have a fish, again pull the rod back and start reeling.
If you have a net, place the net in the water and scoop up the fish.
Whether you are fishing for dinner or just fishing as a way to get away and relax, you are sure to have hours of enjoyment while spending time with loved ones or mother nature.
Some of the reason to take up fishing as a Hobby
Those who live close to the sea or any water body have a great opportunity to venture out for grabbing a catch. Fishing is also a profession where fishermen go out to the seas to grab catches for commercial benefits. (Remember Hemingway’s “The Old Man & The Sea”). For those who take it as a hobby, it is a great chance for them to get away from the busy lives and take a break. There are varied reasons for people to take up it as a hobby.
- Stress Reliever – A water body isn’t anywhere close to places where people reside and thus moving away from the hustle and bustle of the busy lives is something that
relieves one from the daily stress that they endure. A calm and quiet place is enticing to bring a change from the busy lives that people lead.
- Better relationships – People may think of venturing out to grab a catch with their family, friends and acquaintances. This leads to stronger bonds when they spend some time with them and interacting while outdoors.
- Healthy – The only movement of the body that one makes in the entire day is to
move about in the grocery store and the rest of the time is spent sitting for hours at work or driving about in the city. This adds up to health worries and thus fishing every once in a while would help people to move around and grab some activity. This would create good effects on one’s health and helping people to have control over their weight and other health ailments. Its particular become very good for the older people.
- Fun activity – Even if one cannot grab a catch, it is fun to put down the bait and watch fishes being lured but not getting trapped. Having fun competitions amongst each other in the group makes it recreational and simply letting oneself to let loose and create an entertaining environment.
- Adding a feather to their hat – There are several people who intend to gain accomplishments in varied activities that they take part in their lifetime. While a person learns the art, it is an accomplishment where one can add another feather to their cap of achievements in life. It can aid to boasting about amongst friends and acquaintances.
- If you are regular at different clubs you will end up adding some more friends in
your life. It’s never a bad thing I guess. And I do feel it is always a better thing to have different friend circle in your life so you don’t have to end up discussing office management policy in a friend’s party. - Fish being good for the health –It is proven that wild fishes are low in cholesterol and fat and is rich in protein and nutrition. It is nutritious for people of all ages and having something prepared out of their catch has a fun element in itself.
Making money with Fishing
It is actually one of the easiest ways to earn money instantly. First of all you don’t have to buy your own fish. It is as fresh food as it gets. All you have to care about some of the interesting recipes that will make the weekend memorable. You can check out different recipes around the globe available here
Many persons like to buy fish directly. Although it is tough to go door to door and you can’t put it on eBay but if you have informed your neighborhood about your hobby you might find that they are also interested in buying fish of their choice.
If you have already excelled in fishing and become a pro or you have a lucky day by catching a lot of fishes lot you could definitely contact for the local fish seller and sold in a bulk price.
If you think you are good enough please enroll yourself in the fishing contest. There are plenty of contests going on every year and in most of the countries globally. There are separate contest in both freshwater and salt water category. In US only 50,000 fishing contest and derbies took place every year. International Game fish Association took record of those contest in varies department. It is so famous that there are also standards written for fish catching contest internationally.
But wait, we have not discussed the most lucrative part yet. It has been considered that there are more than few thousands of fish species yet to be discovered. So if you catch a new type and your friends have not seen it before, you can go to the local fisheries department. You might end up discovering a new one. Like our friend Forest Gump said “Life is a Box of chocolates”.
Few interesting facts about fishing
- In US there are more angler than the combination of tennis and golf player combined.
- Highest prize money ever won in a fishing competition is $3,902,997.50 (unverified)
- It was claimed that the oldest fishing club is constituted in 1732(Schuykill fishing company)
