Today, June 18,  is National Go Fishing Day and each year this very special day encourages us to drop a line – in the nearest stream, pond, lake, ocean, or river. Taking a break from our daily routine to bait a hook and catch some fish can be a relaxing endeavor, and in and around Osceola County, there is no shortage up amazing places to fish!

In addition to providing food, fishing is a recreational pastime for many. Recreational fishing includes conventions, rules, licensing restrictions, and laws that limit the way in which fish may be caught. A rod, reel, line, and hooks with any one of the different forms of bait or lures, are the most common form of recreational fishing.

The practice of catching (or attempting to catch) fish with a hook is known as angling. Catch and release (returning the fish to the water to continue its life) is often the expectation or requirement by law. For others, this is a preferred form of fishing.

Hobbyists with knowledge of habitat, foraging behavior, and migration hone their fishing techniques for a successful fishing adventure. Some fishermen continue to follow fishing folklore by claiming the sun and the moon influence fish feeding patterns.

The earliest known English essay on recreational fishing was published in 1496.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, recreational fishing began to gain popularity. In 1653, Izaak Walton published a book titled, The Compleat Angler or Contemplative Man’s Recreation. Walton’s book is the definitive work championing the position of the angler who loves fishing just for the sake of it.

Whether it’s your favorite river or lake, or out on the ocean, from the shore, or from a watercraft, drop a line in the water and see what you can catch. Bring a friend or teach someone else how to reel them in.

And, don’t forget to share your “whopper” using #NationalGoFishingDay on social media.

Source: National Day Calendar