Fishing and Health

Fishing is the activity of trying to catch fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping.
The term fishing may be applied to catching other aquatic animals such as molluscs, cephalopods, crustaceans, and echinoderms. The term is not normally applied to catching aquatic mammals, such as whales, where the term whaling is more appropriate, or to farmed fish.
According to FAO statistics, the total number of commercial fishermen and fish farmers is estimated to be 38 million. Fisheries and aquaculture provide direct and indirect employment to over 500 million people. In 2005, the worldwide per capita consumption of fish captured from wild fisheries was 14.4 kilograms, with an additional 7.4 kilograms harvested from fish farms. In addition to providing food, modern fishing is also a recreational pastime.

Recreational fishing
Recreational and sport fishing describe fishing primarily for pleasure or competition. Recreational fishing has conventions, rules, licensing restrictions and laws that limit the way in which fish may be caught; typically, these prohibit the use of nets and the catching of fish with hooks not in the mouth. The most common form of recreational fishing is done with a rod, reel, line, hooks and any one of a wide range of baits or lures such as artificial flies. The practice of catching or attempting to catch fish with a hook is generally known as angling. In angling, it is sometimes expected or required that fish be returned to the water (catch and release). Recreational or sport fishermen may log their catches or participate in fishing competitions.
Big-game fishing describes fishing from boats to catch large open-water species such as tuna, sharks and marlin. Sport fishing (sometimes game fishing) describes recreational fishing where the primary reward is the challenge of finding and catching the fish rather than the culinary or financial value of the fish's flesh. Fish sought after include marlin, tuna, tarpon, sailfish, shark and mackerel although the list is endless.

The Health Benefits of Fishing
There are many reasons that people fish. Some fish for pleasure, some fish for food, and some fish to make a living.Of all the possible reasons for fishing, fishing for pleasure is probably the most enjoyable because
people do it as a matter of personal choice. There is no pressure in pleasure fishing. There are no adverse consequences for not catching fish. Maybe a small measure of disappointment, but that's it. In addition to the pleasure of actually catching fish, there are many other benefits. Most of these are good for one's physical health as well as one's mental health.

Physically, fishing is not all that demanding. It doesn't take a lot of strength and stamina to fish. However, fishing does incorporate the exercising of the lungs, heart and various muscle groups. After all, one does have to get to a place from which they can fish. That generally includes walking, possibly some minor climbing, and carrying one's gear to the favorite fishing spot. These are all physical activities which burn calories and exercise various muscle groups, all of which is good for one's health. The various activities involved in readying oneself for fishing are also good exercise for the muscles of the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms. Assembling a reel to one's rod, attaching hooks, sinkers, bobbin's and even the bait are all activities which work these muscles to some degree. Then, there is the casting of the bait into the water. This activity exercises the muscles of the upper arm, shoulder and back. One probably won't get a good cardio workout from fishing, but one will get enough exercise to maintain a degree of dexterity and maybe some muscle tone.
Fishing is also good for the lungs and skin. After all, fishing is mostly an outdoor sport. Being outdoors gives one an opportunity to get plenty of fresh air into one's lungs. Fresh air is healthy air. It contains
plenty of oxygen which is fundamental to a healthier physical and mental state. Sunshine is another health benefit derived from fishing. Although some people like fishing enough to brave inclement weather, most prefer a nice sunny day to fish. Sunshine, in moderation, is good for one's health. It produces a number of beneficial attributes for maintaining a healthy body and appearance.

Mentally, fishing requires very little effort. Attach some form of bait to a hook, cast it into the water, and wait for the fish to bite. That doesn't sound like it requires the use of many brain cells, does it? Certainly not, and that is the biggest health benefit of all. Because fishing doesn't require a huge amount of brain power, all those brain cells get to kick back and relax for a while. Fishing allows one to rest and relax one's mind. No pressure, no deadlines, nobody wanting this or that, no noisy machines or people; just fresh air, sunshine and plenty of rest and relaxation. A brain vacation! Of course, one needn't lapse into a comatose state while fishing. It is sufficient to just clear one's mind and wonder or daydream. All that's lacking is a couple of sandwiches, a thermos of coffee or a jug of iced tea, and maybe a few other snacks to keep one's appetite in check. Fresh air, sunshine and exercise work on one's appetite, so it is always a good idea to take some appetite appeasing food on any fishing trip.

In conclusion, fishing is a great recipe for a healthier body and mind. Take a little exercise, mix it with sunshine and fresh air, and add a few snacks and something to wash them down with, then do it frequently and enjoy better health. And there is one more benefit. With a little luck, one may catch a fish for dinner, and everyone knows that eating fish is very healthy.

Fishing for health - eliminating isolation
The Department of Health describes social isolation and exclusion, as a ‘breeding ground for poor heath.’ In Charleville a group of health professionals is working to overcome that.

Jill Carroll was part of a team who instigated the Charleville District Health Service Fishing Club. The project helps socially isolated people to participate in group activities, by providing a small group setting - culturally appropriate to the area.

Participants chose fishing as their group activity, and the project hasn’t faltered.
“It was what they wanted to do. It was purely client driven.”

Jill says mainstream activities only reach those who are socially competent and self-motivated. “It’s an opportunity for those who don’t ‘fit’ in general social situations to gain a social comfort zone.

“Fishing was the perfect choice. It was something they had been involved in during the days when they used to be included in society; something they had in common.”

She said Club members’ enthusiasm was encouraging, and the catches were typically ‘big!’

“The social implications of the project have been great. The fishing trips are giving these people a more positive outlook on life, and there’s been a decrease in doctor and hospital admissions.”

And despite limited health funding, Jill said the fishing group was sustainable. “If it’s a small project, it works. A lot of programs find it difficult getting funding. We’re sustainable because it doesn’t cost much for us to keep going.”

Local indigenous women elders will be the next group to take to the river, and plans are in the making to expand the project to include mental health and disability patients.