How the Pandemic Helped Me Rediscover My Love of Fishing

"Whether you're an experienced angler or a total novice, fishing is a respite that allows us to slow down, relish nature, and let the worries of the world fall away."

TRAVEL TODAY Fishing How the Pandemic Helped Me Rediscover My Love of Fishing Early on in the pandemic, when New York City was at the peak of its lockdown, I found myself anxious to get outdoors, but still, understandably, wary of my usual outdoor activities—local hiking trails were packed, as were most of my regular running routes. Instead, I discovered solace in an activity that might seem unlikely for a Brooklynite: fishing. Perhaps surprisingly, Brooklyn's Prospect Park is home to a large population of largemouth bass, crappie, and all the sunfish your heart desires. I spent quiet afternoons there after work with my fly rod, anxiously awaiting the next tug at my line. It reminded me of what I love about fishing—my aunt, an avid Colorado and New Mexico fly-fisher, once said that fish only thrive in beautiful places, something that I've found to be entirely accurate as I've sought out fishing opportunities throughout my travels. I've cast for bonefish in Belize (you'll see my first in the photo above), red snapper off the Gulf Coast, bream in a pond in Ireland, and of course, my beloved trout on the waters of upstate New York. Whether you're an experienced angler or a total novice, fishing is a respite that allows us to slow down, relish nature, and let the worries of the world fall away. And luckily, fall is a great time to get out there—if you're into saltwater fishing, the Atlantic waters offer a great striper and bluefish run this time of year, whereas Gulf Coast anglers can target redfish, tarpon, sea trout, and more. Even the local pond in your neighborhood is probably brimming with bass and panfish. Why not give it a go? Tight lines, Laura Ratliff Editorial Director, Tripsavvy Gear The Best Fishing Rod and Reel Combos of 2020 READ NOW Gear 8 Braided Fishing Lines That Promise Durability, Innovation, and Castablity READ NOW Gear These Cold-Weather Boots Will Keep Your Feet Warm and Dry While Ice Fishing READ NOW Gear 8 Bass Fishing Rods for Everything from Flipping & Pitching to Drop Shotting READ NOW Gear 8 Bass Fishing Lines to Help You Reel in Your Big Catch in No Time READ NOW Gear From Crankbaits to Paddle Tails, These Are the Top Pike Lures READ NOW Gear We're Here to Help You Pick the Right Fishing Pole for You READ NOW Gear Tangle-Free, Lightweight, and Easy-to-Use: The Best Fishing Poles for Kids READ NOW VACATION LIKE A PRO You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Travel Today newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here A DOTDASH BRAND 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2020 Dotdash.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.