Good Health Comes To Those Who Bait…

Why do people go fishing?

The answer is quite simple. Anglers have unlimited amounts of hope. It is this hope that soon becomes a focus that evolves into a habit, which makes way for an incredibly wonderful pastime.

Justin Keight, founder of Tight Lines, is one of those anglers full of said hope. An experienced fishing guide within his own outdoor adventure business, Cornwall Adventures, Justin envisaged a way of teaching people a key life skill whilst helping those that are struggling with mental health. Thus, in the summer of this year, Tight Lines was born.

Tight Lines is a Cornwall based non-profit Community Interest Company, providing mental health support to the people of Cornwall, using the wonderful sport of fishing as the vehicle.

Sea angling from the magical Cornish coast can really help boost mood and mindfulness, as surrounding yourself with nature has been shown to have a positive impact on mental wellbeing.

Focusing on your rod or float, as well as striving to improve your fishing skills, helps to relax both your body and mind.

The main focus of this community project, is on those of adult age who are experiencing difficulty and issues with mental health, including PTSD, anxiety, stress and depression.

Through regular meetings and angling workshops, Tight Lines brings like minded individuals together, learning and sharing new skills, whilst creating its very own angling community.

The project will also look to work alongside and support a range of Cornish businesses creating fundraising events for Tight Lines and other worthy local causes through feastnights and happenings throughout Cornwall.

If you are a business and would like to work alongside Tight Lines helping to improve the lives of the people living in Cornwall, please do get in touch.

This social project is more than just a fishing society. It’s about bringing the community together and helping as many people in Cornwall as possible using our bigget ally, the sea.

10 Reasons why fishing is good for the mind, body and soul

Fishing isn’t just a hobby that boring old men partake in, it is so much more than that!

With both physical and mental health benefits, we are beginning to see more families and friends utilise the sport as means to spend quality time together. Below we have listed our top 10 reasons as to why fishing is great for your mind, body, and soul. We hope you enjoy this content and learn to love fishing as much as we do!

1. Exercise

It may not look like an angler is burning many calories, but on average you can burn between 150-300 calories an hour fishing! That is without the walk across fields, up and down cliffs or trudging across beaches to get your favourite spot!

2. Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is more common than you would think in the UK! Low levels can lead to a weaker immune system, feeling tired and a low mood. Having more outdoor exposure is a great way to naturally raise your vitamin D levels. The sun beaming down on your face can work wonders for your body and everyone knows a little sunshine can put a smile on the face. Be sure to wear sun protection though! You’ll still get all the benefits of producing vitamin D, whilst also offering great protection to your skin.

3. Clean those lungs

Air pollution is an ever-growing concern around the globe. It has been shown to be linked to asthma, Parkinson’s, and heart disease. Spending time at your local fishing spot can help bring you out of the city environment and give your lungs that fresher and cleaner air it needs.

4. Mindfulness

Surrounding yourself with nature has been shown to have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. Focusing on your rod or float as well as striving to improve your fishing skills, helps to relax both your body and mind.

5. Reduced screen time

Ditch the screen and get down to the water! We all lead busy lives which can weigh heavily on our mood and relationships. Fishing can help develop patience and concentration, two very important skills indeed.

6. Self-esteem

Your fishing journey helps develop key skills over time, with the ultimate reward coming in the shape of a fish. That sense of achievement you get from each trip, from learning how to cast, choosing the right bait, assessing weather and tides to finally taking a fish and eating your catch is a truly incredible feeling.

7. Be part of the fishing community

Fishing can be enjoyed with family, friends and loved ones. There is a wide range of resources available to anglers nowadays, to help improve your fishing skills. Our top tips include searching online fishing forums or even popping into your local tackle shop to chat with likeminded people. Feeling part of a fishing community is a special feeling.

8. Healthy food

Fish is packed full of rich nutrients, which are vital for our health and wellbeing. You can find omega-3 fatty acids, protein and multiple vitamins, including Vitamin D and B2. It’s known for being rich in calcium and phosphorus as well as packed full of essential minerals like iron, iodine, magnesium and potassium.

9. Learn new recipes

The bonus of catching fish for the table is that you begin to learn new skills in the kitchen. How can you make that bit of fish taste even better? Both the reward of catching the fish and cooking a delicious meal will surely flood your brain with endorphins!

10. Creating memories

Nobody forgets their first fish and it is even better when you can share that euphoria with others. Every trip will hold a little bit of magic in one form or another, whether hauling out your target species or spending some time next to the water and embracing the nature around you.

With so many health benefits, give fishing a try. It can help unlock so much more that you could possibly imagine. Grab that rod and reel and get yourself a little bit of ‘vitamin sea’!

Get involved with all things Tight Lines, here.