Why is fishing fun? Those who don’t fish may wonder. Many people fish for the thrill of landing a big catch. Others simply want to relax and get away from everything for a few hours.
Recreational fishing has become highly popular, with 37% of Americans going fishing at least four times per year. The number of youths who went fishing between the years of 2006 and 2019 totaled over 10.85 million, making it a truly popular sport among all ages.
But why do people fish? The reasons to go fishing aren’t complicated. Some people fish because it’s so doggone relaxing and others do because it’s an easy hobby to pick up. There’s no doubt, fishing is a great pastime that offers many benefits.
Benefits of Fishing as a Hobby
Let’s talk about some of the great things about cultivating a fishing hobby. Fishing can lead to improved health, support conservation efforts, and help kids develop important skills.
Relieve Stress
One of the health benefits of fishing comes from its potential to relieve stress. Simply being out in nature can help reduce levels of stress hormones. According to a study published in 2018, people who spend time in wilderness settings report much lower levels of stress than those in more urbanized areas.
The act of fishing also entails focusing on a single task. This mental focus takes your mind away from the pressures of daily life and can induce a quasi-meditative state of mind that further helps relieve stress.
Increase Vitamin D
When you sit outside at the fishing hole you are getting some sunlight, even if it’s a cloudy day. Being outside fishing for a few hours can help your body get some much-needed vitamin D3, which can lift your spirits and fend off depression.
Fund Conservation Efforts
Aside from the health benefits of fishing, it also helps the environment. Fishing licenses fund many wilderness conservation efforts, including fish stocking in ponds, land conservation, and wildlife management. Your purchase of a fishing license helps make Texas a better place for everyone to live.
Fishing Is Good for Your Kids
Finally, fishing is great for your kids! They can learn many useful skills through fishing, including:
- Perseverance
- Patience
- Self-confidence
- Coordination and motor planning
- Independence
In addition, it helps your kids develop an appreciation for nature that will stick with them for the rest of their lives.
Recreational Fishing Basics
Now that you know the reasons why you should start fishing as a hobby, let’s go over the basics you’ll need to get started. It’s fun and easy to learn!
Catch and Release Fishing
Many fishing holes are catch and release, meaning if you catch a fish, you have to release it shortly afterward. Catch and release helps preserve fish populations in heavily fished areas.
When releasing a fish, make sure to gently remove your hook and release it back into the water as quickly as possible. Doing so helps increase its chances of survival.
Equipment Needed to Get Started Fishing
In terms of equipment, the first thing you’ll need is a fishing license. A license can be purchased online or through local retailers. Kids under the age of 17 or people with disabilities fishing under the supervision of a licensed angler aren’t required to get licenses.
In addition to a license, you’ll need the following starting equipment:
- A durable fishing rod and reel
- Hooks
- Fishing line
- Bait or lures
- Bobbers (also called floaters)
- Sinkers (which stabilize your hook)
- Swivels (which allow certain lures to spin freely)
- Needle nose pliers
- A knife or pair of clippers
- A tackle box to keep everything together
You might upgrade your kit as you go, but this is enough to get you started. Some ready-made kits come with knots already tied, which is a bonus for a beginner.
Ask Local Experts
Finally, it helps to ask local experts about fishing in your area. They’ll have experience on what types of lures or techniques work best, the best places to fish, and the best time of day. The right techniques depend on the fish and climate in your area, so it’s definitely worth chatting a bit with experienced anglers before you go.
Great Places to Fish in North Texas
You don’t have to go out for a weekend-long trip to go fishing in Texas. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area alone, there are over 50 different fishing ponds, all within easy access.
Some popular catch and release spots in Collin County can be found here.
A list of additional spots around Dallas-Fort Worth can be found here.
Love Fishing? Check Out Our Community!
If you love fishing—or if you’re wanting to start—and if you are looking for a great place to live, Lilyana by Hillwood is the perfect place to be! One of our most popular amenities is our catch and release fishing pond! Lilyana also offers miles of hiking trails, a beautiful pool, an outdoor kitchen and pavilion, and acres of lush green spaces. Contact us to learn more about our homes and community.