Fishing and British Columbia go hand in hand, whether that’s fall salmon and sturgeon fishing in Vancouver, or the Trout Unlimited Canada Fishing Derby at the Newton Cove Resort. However, even the most enthusiastic fishers might not know that fishing also has a range of mental and physical benefits that last even once your trip has come to an end.

Fishing can help you heal more quickly

Research has shown that just being able to see trees from your hospital window can help you recover more quickly, because the view of natural habitats helps accelerate the healing process. Luckily for you, British Columbia has some of the best beauty spots for fishing on the planet, such as the Gulf and Discovery Islands.

It can help reduce your blood pressure

There are so many positive mental and physical benefits of fishing, but one big one is that it can reduce your blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to a host of serious health problems, and the medications that treat it have many negative side effects, so fishing is a great way to help fix the problem. Even better, it only takes about 30 minutes per week to improve your health.

It can help you burn a few calories

You won’t burn calories just sitting on a dock, but if you are actively fishing, you can end up burning about 200 calories per hour. The best fishing spots usually require some tracking down, and all that biking, hiking or paddling to find them will definitely pay-off.

Fishing lets you enjoy some peace and quiet

In the modern world, we are surrounded by noise everywhere we go, and that constant buzz can lead to stress or anxiety. Fishing is a great way to unplug, because who could be stressed while listening to the sounds of the waves or the songs of the birds?

Fish is a superfood

Most people release most of the fish they catch, but there’s nothing wrong with taking a few home for the dinner table. Fish is a healthy protein, several species are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and studies show that they can even improve brain function and reduce irregular heartbeats.

Fishing lets you spend time with family and friends

Nothing is more meaningful than spending time with loved ones, and fishing provides a great opportunity to make memories with a buddy, your spouse or your kids. You may not have the type of fishing success to which you are accustomed, but the smiles, love and companionship will help make up for it.

Fishing makes you stand up

Excessive sitting is incredibly common, and can lead to a whole host of problems. Fishing often forces you to stand and, if you are fishing from the bank, you may end up walking for a mile or two in search of productive waters. The intellectual side of fishing can help keep your brain sharp as you age.

It’s good for the brain

Memory problems often occur as we age. However, one of the best ways to keep your brain healthy and operating well is by challenging it with mentally stimulating activities. As we know, fishing often presents myriad mental challenges that require innovative and creative solutions, which will give your brain a work out every time.

Sunshine helps boost your mood

Most people spend too much time indoors, which can be harmful as sunlight provides a number of important health benefits. For example, exposure to sunlight triggers your brain to release serotonin, which can help improve your mood and encourage happy thoughts.

Sun exposure helps boost your immune system

Sun light doesn’t just provide mood-enhancing benefits; it also helps to bolster your immune system. Most of the immune-system boosting effects sunlight provides precipitate from the production of Vitamin D, which plays an important role in bone formation.

Fresh air is better for your lungs

Although you may come home stinking of fish and bait worms, you’ll breathe easier while out on the lake, which will give your lungs a break from the polluted urban air most of us breathe daily.

As you can see, there are undoubtedly dozens of other reasons fishing will help you be a healthier, happier person. We all enjoy fishing in our own way, so why not share your experiences; what kinds of mental, emotional and physical benefits do you find in fishing?

By Jackie Edwards

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