Angling is a great leveler! It doesn’t matter how much money you have, or if you have all the latest tackle, you can still catch fish with a garden cane some line and a few hooks and bait, What really matters is the passion you put into our wonderful sport and yes it is a sport not a  hobby or a past time. The dictionary definition of sport is an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment. Most people that don’t angle see what we do boring and lazy and can be in no way good for your health, how many times have you heard, I couldn’t go fishing all you do is sit by a lake all day. Angling requires practice patience skill and strength you also need that will to win. Still skeptical weather it’s a sport or not, well then we will see if it fits the criteria for a sport. An activity involving physical exertion and skill, You need to be strong as an angler ask any one that has hooked the mighty tarpon or the giant sturgeon if you need to strong the battles with these fish can last for hours, or ask a match angler fishing a pole for five hours how he feel after a match, just moving your kit to your peg requires strength and endurance. Does angling require skill, well yes it does, just think about fly anglers learning to cast a fly takes practice timing and above all great skill, Watch any top carp or match angler casting to the same spot over and over again that is something that takes great skill. Even the everyday anglers like you and me, we have to learn to tie the correct knot or use the rite float, so I think that angling is definitely skilful. So is angling competitive, In a one word yes, Anglers week in week out spend their spare time fishing in matches, whether that is in team events or as individuals, therefore Angling must be competitive. So I think I’ve proved beyond doubt that Angling definitely is a sport. So if Angling is a sport what are the health benefits to be gained by our weekly angling fix. By going fishing your main muscle groups, heart and lungs are all getting a good work out. Choosing a fishing spot that’s a 10 to 15 minute walk from your car is an obvious boost to aerobic exercise. But setting up, casting and then winding in hundreds of small fish calls for a bit of strength. Let alone some of the huge carp or pike you can find in our waters. It engages the shoulders, back, arms, core and legs in an active workout. Even when skies are grey which they often are, being outside means your body can top up on critical Vitamin D reserves. Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in your body, keeping your bones and teeth healthy. It boosts your immune system and has been linked to fighting anxiety and depression, being outside and taking notice of environment around you improves your ability to concentrate, according to research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
40% of adults lie awake at night through stress but just being near water lowers anxiety and instills a sense of calm. Fishing is all about personal goals, every angler remembers their first catch. Just look at the way their eyes light up when they talk about it. Fishing is also the perfect skill to pass on, with mum and dad’s taking their kids out to a pool or river and showing them how to put a maggot on a hook. Spending time with your family also give you feelings of security and wellbeing. Angling also allows you to unwind and forget all your troubles for a few hours.
Get outside go fishing and stay healthy.

Big love
Tim