Give the gift of fishing
Research shows that anglers are happier and more successful
IF YOU WANT to put a little more fa-la-la in your holiday and mistletoe isn’t doing the trick, maybe it’s time to try something else. Trout, perhaps?
Anglers are a lot of things, but did you know that people who fish are also more successful in relationships? If you read my blog this spring, you saw the latest research* results. Here’s a quick recap:
- Boaters and anglers are significantly more satisfied with their marriages, relationships and friendships than non-boaters and anglers.
- Boaters and anglers are significantly more satisfied with their mental health than non-boaters and anglers.
- Boaters and anglers perceive themselves as more successful than non-boaters and anglers perceive themselves.
- Boaters and anglers report that their best ideas come to them while they are fishing.
With that in mind, I ask you to consider your holiday to-do list. If you’re anything like me, you have a list of things to do and gifts to buy that could turn a pleasant person into a Scrooge. I’m always trying to find the right gift for the people on my list, but rarely do I run across the perfect (and affordable) item — the thing they really want. Sure, my dad smiles from ear to ear when he unwraps yet another box of aftershave and a new package of handkerchiefs, and my friends enjoy gift cards to the local movie theater. But somehow, I don’t think these qualify as the perfect gift.
Wouldn’t it be nice to give your loved ones and friends something they really wanted this year — something that would make them happier and more successful? You could hear those magical words, “that is just what I wanted!” Well, here’s the perfect gift: For just $26, you can give those special people on your list a fishing license. It is good all year, lasts longer than a bottle of aftershave and is much less expensive than taking them to a movie. Best of all, you don’t have to run all over town to finish your shopping!
*In December 2007, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) conducted an online survey of 3,000 people, ages 25–54, who had fished or boated within the past three years. Statistical testing was done at a 95-percent confidence level.
February 25, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Even though holidays are over now, I think your idea is simply genius. I wish I had found your post earlier…and still be able to put into practice your ideas. However, I’ll definitely apply them for the next holiday. And the fishing license is not that expensive and it is a great gift in my opinion. Never thought about it…but now that I’ve discovered it, maybe I’ll make it a birthday gift because I can’t wait till the next holiday. Thanks very much Robin for these terrific ideas and tips. Loved reading your post and will visit more often!
April 27, 2010 at 11:09 am
i agree fantastic idea for a gift for my son. might help keep him out of trouble, he enjoyed fishing with me last year
October 19, 2010 at 2:40 am
This is a great idea, why I didn’t thought about it before. It is not easy to buy presents. The people I am close to – I ask what they would like to get, and of course with the children you know what they want, but others – always a problem. Thank you for your suggestion.