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3 REASONS TO CAST A LINE

For families looking to relieve social distancing boredom, fishing can be the right antidote. | BY STEPHANIE VATALARO

As a mom, I love headeffect of the water. And when you go It’s easy to get started. ing out on the water with your family, it provides meaningful with my family after engagement with your loved ones, which Even if you’re a newbie, fishing a long week. A family can also boost your mood. is a simple activity that you can bond fishing adventure is the To help everyone discover the mental over as a family with just a few beginperfect way to relax while spending health and wellness benefits of fishing ner steps. For young anglers, choose a time together outdoors. And now, more and boating while social distancing, kid-friendly starter rod-and-reel combo families than ever are searching for we’ve teamed up with Discover designed for smaller hands. Visit Take nature-based remedies for boredom. In Boating to launch a public service initiaMe Fishing’s YouTube channel for fact, one in four American parents have tive called Get On Board. Anyone can get other tips on fishing with kids. become more interested in fishing durinvolved by visiting TakeMeFishing.org/ Going fishing doesn’t mean you ing COVID-19. GetOnBoard or using #TheWaterIsOhave to pack up for a long drive far

This traditional pastime is making a pen and #RecreateResponsibly on social away from home. When selecting a comeback. Here are three reasons why media. family-friendly fishing spot, look for fishing is a perfect family activity right amenities like play areas, easy parknow. Fishing is a great social ing and picnic facilities as well as safe It’s good for your distancing activity. water and boat access. You can find lots of places to fish nearby at TakeMeFishmental health. It’s easy to recreate responsibly while fishing. You want to stay six feet ing.org. Before you hit the water, remember

We could all use a little stress relief apart from other anglers anyway so that that the most important item to carry is right now, right? For many families, your lines don’t get tangled. Fishing is your fishing license. That’s because the fishing and boating are lifelines to a smart way to follow social distancing conservation programs that take care health and wellness. There are many guidelines while prioritizing the health of our waterways depend on revenue hidden mental health benefits of getand wellness of your family. generated by fishing license sales. You ting out on the water that you might We encourage all anglers and can get your license anytime at Takenot expect. For example, people who boaters to follow local and Centers MeFishing.org and learn a variety of spend time in nature have lower levels for Disease Control and Prevention beginner tips. You can also get your of cortisol, a hormone that indicates guidelines while out on the water. If license directly from the state at myfwc. stress. you’re wondering what the regulations com/fishing.

Since fishing requires focus, it can are in your area, check out www.TakeFishing can promote healthy living, take your mind off stress. As a result, MeFishing.org for a state-by-state map strengthen family connections and even it helps to reduce anxiety and promote with updates to current fishing and foster a sense of accomplishment in relaxation. Given the uncertainty in boating access related to COVID-19. your kids by teaching them a new skill. today’s world, there’s just something For Florida specific regulations, visit the Give it a shot, and you might just find uniquely appealing about the calming state’s website at myfwc.com/fishing. your family gets hooked.

A lifelong angler, Stephanie Vatalaro works to introduce newcomers to the water as senior vice president of marketing and communications for the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and its Take Me Fishing initiative. Outside of work, you’re likely to find her fishing and boating with her family.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Larry and Lianne Martin hug their daughter Riley Martin as she begins her first day of kindergarten at Lake Park Elementary School in East Naples on August 31.

PHOTO BY JON AUSTRIA