Stay Fit and Healthy: Fishing May Easily Be Your Best Option

Tired of sitting in the office around the clock and can’t wait to get outside? 

If you are looking for a way to de-stress, stay fit, and you enjoy being outside, fishing might just be for you. Fishing is a type of outdoor activity that is both fun, exciting and relaxing at the same time.

Many believe that fishing just means sitting around in a boat or on the bank waiting for a wobbler to go under, but in reality it is far more than that. It is also a great way to burn those calories while having fun in the outdoors. There are certain types of fishing that can be challenging both physically and mentally.

Naturally, we don’t mean the “sitting on the shore and drinking beer” type of fishing, but rather a busy and active day spent in the great outdoors - doing what suits you best. Wading in a mountain stream or hiking to a remote lake is a fantastic way to get a workout without going to a gym or a yoga class.

From stalking rising trout while wading in a stream to ice-fishing in freezing temperatures and kayaking while trolling for yellow fin tuna, there is something for everyone depending on your interest or experience level. 

Of course, you need to make sure that – the quality and quantity of – your gear fit your chosen activity. You will want to choose a compact tool that you can easily carry even in your backpack.

"I live in deepest Cornwall. Apparently, this is the furthest west you find brown trout. The wor.my suits me perfectly as there is no easy way to get to most of these places. So rather than lugging a big rod, I just bung this is a bad with a little tin of spinners and a multi-tool, and off I go," said Mark Compo, a "wormified" community member from the UK. "It leaves me both hands to climb about and find those hidden spots"

You still have doubts that fishing can be a great way of exercise? Consider the following: a person of average body mass index and fitness level will burn about 250 calories per hour walking on a treadmill. Actively fishing may mean various activities: wading against the current in a stream, hiking, or repeatedly casting and reeling. It is estimated that even light wade-fishing burns over twice as many calories over a one-hour period. Yes, that is 500 calories in an hour! See? Being active doesn’t have to be a chore, and it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to put your lycra on. During a fishing program of a couple of hours, you can easily burn from 500-1,500 calories without even realizing it.

So, although it may not feel like it while you are out on the water, spending a few hours at the river or lake can be a great workout. Going fishing is not only an awesome way to stay active and healthy but it is also perfect activity to let go of the stress in your life.