More Tackle Boxes, Less Xboxes!
Published: Wednesday, September 5, 2018
By: Norm Schultz, Soundings Trade Only
It’s called “Gaming Disorder.” The World Health Organization has officially recognized the condition in its international Classification of Diseases, saying it’s possible to become addicted to video games.
Let’s face it. We adults have all become addicted to our phones, laptops, and tablets so we’re always plugged-in, “connected,” and entertained. That’s not to say we’re obsessive/compulsive gamers addicted to Grand Theft Auto or Fortnite. Still, there’s no denying 98% of us are now guilty of letting those devices run our lives.
Arguably, our addiction isn’t the saddest consequence… it’s the impact on our kids when we constantly have a phone “strapped” to our hand and we even talk to them without ever looking up from our little screen!
A recent Chicago Tribune editorial was point on when it observed that the lure of the digital screen these days can make us all “lose sight of the richness of life beyond pixels.” And I can’t help but think every boat offers a chance to know that “richness of life.” It’s time we boaters emphasize tackle boxes over Xboxes!
Fishing is an opportunity for families to cut ties to digital, if even for a short time. And, there’s good news that people are responding to that message and more are fishing, according to the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation.
Statistics in 2016 indicated fishing was flat or declining, especially among kids, and fishing licenses across the country had leveled off or declined. But, the latest information for 2018 indicates more than 49 million Americans cast a line, demonstrating a year-over-year increase of nearly 2 million anglers, according to RBFF.
At a time when Americans are collectively checking their phones more than 8 billion times a day, this new report shows susceptibility to the fishing message and a willingness to disconnect and get out on the water. Key findings from the 2018 report include: overall, 16.5 percent of the US population participates in fishing. That’s good, but how about a whopping 30.1 million people indicating an interest in taking up fishing or rejoining the activity they’d dropped. Additionally, actual new fishing participants accounted for six percent of the total and tended to be young.
Here’s more — 11.6 million kids participated in fishing, a 1.2% increase. I contend a lot more kids, and their parents, would like to try fishing, if they had an opportunity. To that end, I have urged boat dealers to adopt a “Disconnect to Reconnect” message and promote the benefits of fishing and boating. But, that’s just a start.
As boat owners, we already know the benefits of family boating and fishing. The reward we reap from our boats and the knowledge we gain on the water should make us want to “give back” in some measure — perhaps by offering an opportunity for others to sample what we love. To start, invite a family that has never had the chance to taste the joy of a day boating and fishing. But, there’s more each of us can do.
For example, urge your boat and/or fishing club to host a “Take a Family Fishing Day” and volunteer your time and boat.
“Fishing is better than a video game any day,” says Steve Henderson, president of SeaArk Boats, which annually sponsors such events in Arkansas.
Another example: The Old Salts Fishing Foundation, of which we are members, hosts a “Special-Needs Kids Fishing Day.” We join about 40 other members, all taking the kids with their parents out for a few hours of fishing followed by lunch, plaques, and prizes. It’s great for the kids, and it introduces parents to family fishing/boating possibilities. But, perhaps Kay and I are the real beneficiaries because, at the end of the day, we feel our boat has enabled us to give something valuable back. You ought to try it.
Reprinted with permission from Soundings Trade Only
This article first appeared in the Fall Issue (Sept/Oct) 2018 of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.
tags: Kids & Pets, Lifestyle
