Obsessions

I am not by nature obsessive, at least I don't think i am. There was a time in my life when I was deeply infatuated with fishing, and would spend as much of my waking time next to water as i could. Anglers are seen by some people as cruel as they pull fish struggling from the water with barbed hooks through their lips. I can see that point of view, though it has to be said that most anglers are very careful with the fish that they catch and return them to the water little the worse for wear. Anglers tend to be passionate about their hobby, and extremely knowledgable about the fish and the wildlife, as well as the waterways themselves, and it is largely thanks to them that our waterways are better looked after than they have ever been. Few rivers here are the open sewers that they once were and healthy fish stocks abound in places where once they had died off. Even the Thames in London has become a healthy river once more.

Young people could do a lot worse that take up fishing as a hobby. It teaches much about patience, self control, tolerance and respect as well as a deeper understanding of the environment and our place within it. Ok there are risks, people do fall into the water, they always have and always will, but without risks, what is the point of life anyway?