POLOKWANE – While many will be heading to the beach and various tourism destinations for holidays, ardent fisherman Willem Opperman says people can use fishing to relax and unwind during the festive season.

Opperman says fishing is therapeutic and helps to relieve stress.

“Fishing is a perfect way to relieve stress after a hectic year. I would encourage people to try fishing during the festive season. Most of the fishermen enjoy spending time outdoors and time on a pond helps to release themselves from our highly stressful, everyday environment.”

Another fisherman, Maredi Nkotokwane said fishing creates social bonding between people and nature.

“Sharing a fishing experience helps strengthen relationships with family and friends. There is an opportunity to enjoy the monotonous melodies of birds and the nice aroma of trees.”

He says fishing offers one the chance to improve your self-esteem through respect for the environment, mastering outdoor skills and achieving personal goals.

“Fishing can also play an important role in one’s personal and social development. Fishing is a lifetime skill and activity Fish is also healthy food, it is low in fat and cholesterol and high in protein. I recommend a regular diet of fish. Besides, it’s a lot more challenging to catch that plate of fresh fish than to stroll endlessly down a supermarket aisle if you decide to keep your catch.”