Fishing might not be the first pastime people think of when they think about connecting with others through activities. Most will almost immediately picture cold lonely hours, standing on the river bank or in cold water! But maybe there's more to it than meets the eye?
At Piliana we just want to see you put away those phones and reconnect with the community around you, and just like those Hawaiian fishermen from the past by connecting with nature at the same time you'll feel happier. So if you're feeling disconnected, it might be time to connect with nature through fishing instead.
Research shows that outdoor recreation activities like fishing reduce loneliness and social isolation. The UK Government reported an increase in the number of men and women finding ways to reconnect with nature since Covid-19, with fishing being one of the popular choices.
One study found that spending time fishing and bonding over a shared passion helped combat veterans recovering from PTSD form valuable social connections. If you haven't watched the film "Mending the Line" with Brian Cox then I highly recommend you do. There truly is something beautiful about fly fishing in particular. If you are based in North America then maybe "Warriors and Quiet Waters" or "Project Healing Waters" can help you?
Other organistations like "Casting for Recovery" or "Cancer and Pisces Trust" are dedicated to helping people struggling with or recovering from cancer.
Another recent paper highlighted fishing's Zen-like qualities of immersion in nature, travel to beautiful places, and finding flow in the sport to boost wellbeing.
And it's not just individuals benefiting. Entire social communities are built around fly fishing outings, meetings, and storytelling. Sharing tips, newly learned skills, or tales of the big catch that got away facilitates deeper human bonds. New friends are often made while wading through streams or comparing fishing techniques.
So if you find yourself fishing for company, leave screens behind and hit the rivers with your fly rod instead. But hang on it's not just about fishing in the river and countryside. Next time you're near the sea, have a look around and you'll probably see someone enjoying the sport. Fly fishing, Bait, or Spinning, whether your fishing in rivers, stocked ponds, wild Scottish Lochs or the sea, there will be someone or an organisation nearby who're more than happy to welcome anyone to the sport.
So come on, why not try and cast your line towards new adventures and social circles waiting under the ripples. Immerse in nature's beauty as the quiet focus soothes your soul.
Let's cast away loneliness, and together we can reconnect.
