The benefits of angling

The benefits of angling

There is a wonderful buzz when catching a fish, especially when landing a winning catch. From the moment you take up angling, you discover a wealth of benefits because time spent on the riverbank is surprisingly rich.

Angling immerses you in nature

While your adrenaline is running high with the excitement of catching a fish, the build-up to it can be just as rewarding. Fishing requires you to learn a certain amount of patience, immersing you in nature and giving you time to simply sit and watch the water and its wildlife. Many anglers love the way these moments clear and calm their mind. Those feelings of rest and relaxation help reduce day-to-day stress, which is highly beneficial for our mental health. 

Angling is enjoyable with friends, or just by yourself

Angling gives you a chance to escape the noise and crowds. It is a wonderful sport because you can choose to experience it on your own, or to share with friends or family. Becoming a member of an angling club bring many benefits too, as you get to know more people and become part of a community – you can choose to join in as much or as little as you wish. From fishing day trips to big fishing weekends, this enriching sport has the power to bring people together to have fun, bond and learn.

Angling is good for fitness

Angling is also good for your physical fitness as it typically involves a combination of walking to find the best location, lifting and carrying gear plus the action of casting and retrieving. These actions are common to all types of angling and can involve considerable exertion. If you do catch a fish, you may well burn even more calories bringing it in.  

Angling boosts your immune system

Fishing increases your levels of Vitamin D. Even if it is not sunny while angling, just being outside increases your uptake of this much-needed vitamin which helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in your body – keeping your bones and teeth healthy. Vitamin D also boosts your immune system, improves your mood and has been linked to reducing depression.

Angling connects you with the environment

Because angling creates a strong connection to our rivers, lakes and seas, many anglers are involved in activities which contribute to improving the environmental conditions around waterways – such as collecting litter, and catch and release fishing. This commitment to the environment is also beneficial to the wider community, as many other people use waterways besides anglers.

Angling is for everyone

Fishing is one of the most accessible outdoor sports that anyone, no matter what their age or ability, can participate in. There is no need to venture into the depths of the woods or up a mountain to a stream. Fishing is more accessible than many people imagine. You can even fish in the heart of a city and still enjoy all the benefits that fishing brings.

1. Vitamin D
2. Stress relief
3. Good for your fitness
4. Good for your mental health
5. Calming – immerses you in nature
6. Helps to teach you about patience
7. Relaxation
8. Escape the noise and crowds
9. You can choose to go fishing on your own or with other people
10. Awareness of nature and the environment
11. Accessible for all