Fishing

Fishing is the perfect lockdown pastime you are never within 5m of another fisher and it considered bad form to do so

Why the contribution is important

Fishing is important for older men both as a form of exercise but also relaxation
It is not possible to fish in Scotland ( unlike bait fishing in England) without always focusing on the fishing 🎣

by Walter1311 on May 08, 2020 at 07:26AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.7
Based on: 9 votes

Comments

  • Posted by CarolG May 08, 2020 at 08:36

    Agree to supporting fishing with social distancing enforced ie no socialising space afterwards, no competitions etc
  • Posted by TraceyB May 08, 2020 at 08:38

    I would support fishing being allowed as it is an activity that can be carried out while socialLy distancing.

    My dad is in his 70s and fishing is his only hobby. He lives within a short drive of his fishery and near many coastal fishing spots. He has been adhering to lockdown rules and staying at home but it is starting to affect his mental health. This would improve if he was allowed to fish again.
  • Posted by Johnr May 08, 2020 at 08:58

    Totally agree. I can jump in my car and drive to a local loch and fish allday without meeting anybody all-day. I really can't see the problem with going out fishing . You have a higher chance of catching or passing the virus onto someone else in a shop. Plus going fishing is good for mental health and being outside also has other health benefits
  • Posted by tomwatson May 09, 2020 at 10:09

    As part of a package of relaxation measures fishing has many merits. It is something that has strong mental health and well-being benefits. It is a sport that in most forms encourages distancing. In Scotland there are many accessible opportunities that can be included as part of a daily exercise routine, whether that be river, fisheries, lochs or shore without significant requirement to travel.

    There is potential for unintended consequences. To avoid doubt/confusion there would need to be clarification regarding commercial operators/angling clubs.
    Examples:
     Those offering boat angling trips and in what phase of lockdown relaxation this might be expected to resume. They will find it less manageable to observe requirements unless boats are large enough to manage distancing etc.
    Those offering small boats that can be hired/booked by the hour for say two people. Is this considered in the first or subsequent phases. Two people from the same family can participate without the requirement for distancing

    Any mass events will not be viable until lockdown is released.
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