With more Texans heading to the water during quarantine to recreate and physical distance naturally, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has seen an uptick in fishing license purchases compared to this time last year. Recognizing this, TPWD has expanded its outdoor education curriculum to include online classes open to new anglers wanting to learn about fishing before heading to Texas waterways.
The aquatic education program typically has 600 volunteers each year that contribute 20,000 plus hours and reach more than 65,000 people per year. From April to June of this year, about 60 percent of classes were conducted online while other events were small and hosted by nature centers, parks, and scout camps. Classes ranged from basic angler skills, to fly tying and fly-casting clinics, and a class on fishing for flounder.
“For the in-person events, safe physical distancing practices are put into place and great effort is made to secure plenty of equipment so no one has to share and pass items around,” said Marks. “In addition, exceptional care is taken to prepare a safe place to hold the class, including vigorous cleaning of the space and equipment prior to and after the class to disinfect.”
TPWD offers several additional resources to provide fun, high quality fishing opportunities to anglers of all skill levels and ages, including:
There are multiple benefits for those who choose to venture out on the water. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation recently launched their “Get on Board Campaign” which highlight’s the mental health benefits of being on the water. Dr. Sue Varma is a nationally recognized psychiatrist partnering with Take Me Fishing.
“The outdoors is a welcome remedy to stress and anxiety,” said Varma. “Being in nature supports each of the four ‘M’s of mental health: mindfulness, mastery, meaningful engagement and movement.”
Fishing in particular encourages mindfulness by helping you get away from distractions, Varma added.
“It supports mastery by teaching you a new skill, it provides meaningful engagement through quality time with others you may be quarantining with, and it promotes physical movement by getting you outside without requiring a strenuous workout,” said Varma. “Looking at fishing from a psychiatrist’s perspective, it’s a smart way to follow social distancing guidelines while prioritizing your health and wellness.”
Before heading out to the water, the public is encouraged to check with the managing authority of the waterbody they intend to visit for any local ordinances in place. Also, boaters and anglers should continue to maintain a safe physical distance while on the water in accordance with recommended public health guidelines. In addition to physical distancing, remember to wash your hands thoroughly and stay home if you aren’t feeling well.
Source: TPWD
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