In this modern age of long hours of work and keeping up with the pressures of life, the time the family spends together can often be the first casualty, and for this reason time together as a family is precious. Why not then choose to go out and fish as a family?
There are many reasons that tick the right boxes. Firstly it's a moderately active sport in that it encourages you to walk and be active -when fishing you are continually moving your muscles. Another reason is that it matters not at what level you are or what your experience is, its still fun and this alone allows each family member to relax and enjoy the whole experience.
Fishing is not just about catching fish. It allows anyone to enjoy and appreciate the countryside and gives people an opportunity to see what wildlife actually resides in that habitat. It gives a young enquiring mind the opportunity to learn outside the classroom about the insects and invertebrates that are vital to fish and the surrounding environment.
Fishing does not differentiate between age, sex or ability in fact there is evidence to show that it is one of the sports that allows you to develop at your own pace, but still caters for those who want to be competitive and fish at the highest of levels, as well as those that just want to chill out and relax.
It is used as a therapy to help in the recovery from breast cancer as the physical act of fly casting helps with the improvement of muscles affected by surgery, as well as the real mental health benefits.
There are some confusing aspects to fishing for the first timer; whether you go on your own or as a family. The first decision is simply what do you wish to fish for and how do you want to do it? Fishing can be successfully enjoyed in the sea, freshwater ponds, canals, lakes and rivers.
Depending on where you choose to fish may well dictate how and what type of fish you want to catch. You could choose to fish with fly, bait or lure in all three disciplines of fishing - Game, Sea and Coarse. The choice could be endless and confusing so how best to decide? Well its simple, really you first consider the type of fishing you want to try and check the internet for the area that you are visiting to help you make that decision and find the right type of person to show you how.
There are many instructors out there who are available to teach you how to fish and can also supply both the equipment for you to be successful as well as that vital local knowledge. There is another added bonus in that on your first time out you would be covered by the instructors fishing license which is an agreement that the E.A. have to encourage first time anglers to try the sport.
This simple act saves you money in the long run as the simple principle is to try before you buy.
There are many associations and organisations that can be found who can recommend members local to you. These include the Hardy & Greys Game Academy, who have a proven level of ability and skill to smooth away the worries of your first step into the world of fishing. These experts can also ensure that each of the family members learn in a safe environment and so reduce the stress of learning something new together.
One of the reasons that some families meet disaster on their first fishing adventure is simply because in planning the full extent of what you need to know is not fully appreciated. However, with a properly qualified coach/instructor they would be able to lead each of the family at a pace to suit them.
National Fishing Month is an event run throughout England every year and creates the opportunity for the family to try this sport with help and guidance. Many angling clubs also run events where the family are encouraged to get involved and these are often advertised within the angling press.
I just ask you to give it a go, get the kids away from the computer and enjoy a few hours together as a family just having fun. You may be pleasantly surprised at what a positive effect it will have on you and the family as a whole.
Mark Roberts is a member of the Hardy & Greys Game Academy and coaches in South Wales.
Tel: (0)1495 312508
Email: markwgroberts@googlemail.com
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