Fishing the Mouth of Escanaba River: A Few Benefits for Health and Creativity

This morning I headed out to “catch my supper.” At least, that’s what I like to tell myself. Really, I was experimenting with some fake bait to see how well it works. Since I usually fish for just 20–30 minutes while running errands, keeping live bait in the car isn’t practical—they end up cooked, but not in a frying pan. There are some other benefits beyond being hungry if you go home empty handed.....

Some people fish for sport and competition; I’m more about enjoying the outdoors. For me, it’s about health, relaxation, and the creative spark that comes from spending time in nature, whether or not anything bites. My fake worm hasn't yet worked out well.

Hiking, fishing, swimming, or just frolicking on a beach—all of it connects us to nature. We come from it, and we often find our deepest peace in it. The mind slows, the body relaxes, and we start to sync with nature’s rhythm. Yes, there’s a rhythm to nature—you can feel it after about fifteen minutes if you allow yourself to be still. Just sit for a moment, and you’ll notice it.

Quiet spaces also inspire good ideas. You might be staring at a bobber, turning over a thought, and suddenly—bam—a eureka moment hits! Overthinking often boxes us in with over logic, but a little blank space can unlock new perspectives. Many great inventions and ideas were born this way.

This time, I stopped at the mouth of the Escanaba River, where several fishing docks make for a perfect little spot. And yes, even today, I came up with a pretty great idea—but I’ll keep that one to myself for now. 🙂

Mental Health and Recreational Angling in UK Adult Males: A Cross-Sectional Study