Fishing | Facing the Fear of Fishing

Facing the Fear of Fishing: Have you ever heard the following statements: "Fishing is relaxing," "Fishing is addictive," or "Fishing is fun"? You know, all the good stuff. With that in mind, why would anyone be afraid to go fishing?

Ichthyophobia (pronounced "Ich theo phobia") is a genuine fear of fish for some people. Fear of the unknown is entirely different.

I didn't have Ichthyophobia; I was just afraid of the unknown.

What is normal and familiar to some may be abnormal and unknown to others. I'm so glad I overcame my fear and learned to fish. I'll never forget the adrenaline rush and excitement I felt when I caught my first fish. Although it wasn't a keeper, the experience was unforgettable. I now encourage others to go fishing for the first time, so they can face the unknown fearlessly and experience what I did.

Here are some pointers on how to overcome your fear as a new angler. I hope these tips are useful to you, as they were to me:

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1. WATCH VIDEOS

There are numerous how-to videos on YouTube and other social media platforms.

2. IN PERSON OBSERVATION

Go to a nearby pier, pond, or river and just watch people fish. You do not have to participate in actual fishing to gain experience. You can read on a pier or simply relax while watching other people fish. Simply become acquainted with the surroundings.

3. CHARTER BOAT/GUIDED FISHING TRIPS

There are numerous companies that will take you fishing on a boat. These businesses provide everything you'll need. If you're not comfortable handling live bait or fish, some charters have a crew that will do it for you.

4. TAKE IS SLOW

Perhaps your first step should be to touch a live worm. Pick up a box of worms at your local bait shop. Open it and just watch them squirm before tapping one. What do you think? You stepped on a worm, now pick it up. The sensation never changes. You'll get used to it, and you'll laugh at the fact that you were once afraid to touch a harmless worm.

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5. GO ALL IN

Do you have a fearless attitude? If that's the case, go for it. That's what I did, and it's something you can do as well. I went to a bait shop one day and asked, "What do I need to buy to go fishing?" They told me, so I bought it and went to a nearby pier, and I've been hooked ever since.

Here's a great acronym to help you overcome your fear of fishing:

1. F- Fish
2. E- Enjoy
3. A- And
4. R- Repeat