Australia to celebrate National Gone Fishing Day in October
National Gone Fishing Day will take place on Sunday, October 13Feeling good? Chances are if you’ve been fishing in the last 12 months your well-being is likely to be higher than those people who don’t – something that will be celebrated on the 2024 National Gone Fishing Day.
The Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) announced this week that the 2024 National Gone Fishing Day will be held on Sunday, October 13, celebrating not only fishing but the health benefits that getting out on, or beside, the water can bring to individuals and communities.
The theme of this year’s event is “Fish for balance, get back to nature”, encouraging anglers across the country to spend time on the water and soak up fishing for good health and wellness, ARFF said.
“The benefits of fishing extend far beyond the act itself, with survey results indicating that time spent outdoors fishing can have a positive impact on your health, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting mindfulness and balance,” it said in a statement announcing the date of the 2024 National Gone Fishing Day.
“Additionally, fishing promotes physical fitness and exercise, whether it is wading through streams, hiking to remote fishing spots, or simply reeling in a big catch.”
A Fisheries Research and Development Corporation study of recreational fishing released last year and using data collected in 2018 found that those who had gone fishing in the past 12 months were significantly more likely to have healthy levels of well-being than those who had not.
“The results highlighted the common sentiment that anglers valued the connection with nature and restorative aspects of fishing and were more likely to have healthy levels of well-being compared to those who did not fish,” ARFF said.
Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation chair Andrew Rowland said anyone who had spent time on the water knew this feeling “all too well”.
“Fishing has long held a special place in the hearts of Australians, serving as a beloved pastime that connects people with nature and fosters a deep appreciation for the great outdoors,” Rowland said.
“Whether it's casting a line off a jetty, angling in a tranquil river, or heading out for an offshore adventure, fishing offers a unique opportunity to unwind, relax, and reconnect with the natural world.”
For more information about National Gone Fishing Day and how you can get involved, visit www.gonefishingday.com.au.
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