This is a response to the one-word prompt “Fishing” by “The Daily Post.”

What is it about fishing that makes it such a popular sport and enjoyable activity? Why is it,  one can enjoy sitting for sometimes hours with a pole with a line attached in the water of a lack, stream or even the ocean; and not catch anything, yet still find the whole experience relaxing and just plain enjoyable to have done? The answer lies in the relaxing. There is just something about being outside with nature with nothing to do and no cares in the world, but holding that fishing pole and waiting for a bite that just “refreshes” the mind.

Fishing is love not for the fish that one may catch (though that is nice) but for the time spent doing so. In a lot of ways, fishing is a lot like hunting in that both take place surrounded by nature and require a lot of time and patience. Both activities are relaxing and enjoyable because they help us to get back to our “roots” and commune with nature. They are not fast pace like today’s modern society or filled with the anxiety of having to get a job done at work by a certain time. Fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities are fun, relaxing, and enjoyable just because they are.

There is no real surprise or unexpectedness in the activities that you can get in the rest of life. They are what they are. You either catch a fish or several or bag a deer or other animal you are hunting or you don’t. Either way, there is no real pressure. That there is the key to the popularity of the two and other outdoor sports.

So are you overstressed by your busy days at work? Are you tired of being tired with no enjoyment in your life? Then take up a fishing pole or a rifle and go and enjoy a weekend with nature. It does not matter if you get anything or not (though it helps) you will have a fun and relaxing time, because of the fact that you are not pressured any to succeed, but just spend time, on you and nature.