Survey highlights benefits of angling to mental health

AS ANGLERS, we all know the difference that a good day’s fishing can have on our wellbeing, and now the director of a leading charity has become the latest to highlight the sport’s positive impact on mental health.

Dr Anthony Kousoulis, Director of the Mental Health Foundation, extolled the feelgood factor of fishing following a survey by the Angling Trust, in which 99 per cent of respondents stated that angling benefits their overall physical and emotional wellbeing.

Angling benefits overall physical and emotional wellbeing.

He said:

“Growing evidence suggests that spending time in ‘green’ and ‘blue’ spaces has a very positive effect on our mental health. 

“It is important for people’s health that they can continue to pursue angling in a safe way both during and after the pandemic.”

With over 100,000 new people fishing since the end of lockdown, it seems that angling’s therapeutic benefits are appreciated more than ever!

Mental Health Foundation