Fishing is said to be the UK’s biggest participation sport. As of November 2023, approximately 109 thousand people participated in angling in England and fresh-water fishing grew during the periods of lockdown during the pandemic. We asked Catenian Steve Ostrowski to tell us all about it.
Steve started fresh-water fishing when he was 7, many years ago now, basically fishing the local farmer’s pond for tiddlers. But he got hooked and what started as a boyhood pastime became a life’s interest, passion and joy.
Over several years Steve found his skills improved and his catch improved aided by a gradual improvement and refinement of his fishing tackle. Eventually he ventured into local club and competition fishing
Steve’s biggest claim to fame was winning a contest with over 100 other competitor anglers. The competition trophy was presented to him by Ivan Marks, an England angler at the time. Steve also won his club championship a few times over the years.
Steve doesn’t fish competitively any more, preferring to pleasure fish and occasionally to fly fish for trout. Steve is now a member of two fishing clubs, Lymm Anglers and Kinver Freeliners, both of which have access to some excellent waters both lakes and rivers.
Why Angling?
There are lots of claimed benefits for Angling as a pastime or sport. Steve lists seven:
- Fishing keeps you fit. When you go fishing your main muscle groups, heart and lungs are all getting a good workout.
- Fishing increased your vitamin D intake. Even when the skies are grey being outdoors means that your body can top up on critical Vitamin D reserves. Vitamin D boosts your immune system and has been linked to fighting depression.
- Fishing improves your concentration. Being outdoors and taking notice of the environment can improve your ability to concentrate. This is particularly true of young people. There is clinical research evidence to prove the benefits of fishing as a part of a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Fishing with friends. No matter what age you are, connecting with friends is a great way to spend the day.
- Fishing improved your self-esteem. Fishing is all about setting yourself goals and targets, and achieve those goals and targets is a great way to improve your self-esteem.
- Fishing let’s you “unplug”. Leave your computer, your phone and emails behind, get away from the games console or tablet, and let your eyes rest on the sparkling water. Find your ‘happy place’! A change is as good as a rest!
