Sumeya Jan
Srinagar, May 21: Amid COVID-19 lockdown, a number of valley youth have taken ‘fishing’ on the banks of different water bodies here in the summer capital city especially Dal Lake to reduce stress.
A number of valley youngsters can be seen fishing especially during early mornings and evenings which are believed to be the best hours for fishing. Kashmir, which is known as the angler’s paradise with a network of rivers, streams as well as high altitude lakes has always been considered by many as an ideal place for fishing.
For 18-year-old Abid Ahmad from Dalgate when it comes to looking for a recreational activity, he feels free to grab a rod and reel and go fishing in the nearby Dal lake.
“I have been fishing with my friends since more than five years now. It’s more than fun and once you are introduced to fishing, you will not need to look any more for things to do. To me fishing is the best hobby anyone will ever look at. Just sit back, enjoy the nature around and remember that a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work,” he said.
“People should engage themselves with some activity amid lockdown. For people living near water bodies, fishing is best to reduce the stress,” he said.
Moreover, the hobby is not limited to youngsters alone as a number of young parents lure their little ones away from TV and Laptops for a little fresh air.
Mohammad Shafi, a resident of Nishat is one such parent who takes his 10-year-old son along for fishing every other evening.
“I introduced my son to fishing before he was old enough to bait his own hooks. It is a great family pastime. My father introduced and made me fish when I was young. I am kind of passing a tradition. Fishing is not just a hobby. It teaches you lot many things. And together we learn about patience, relaxing and how to enjoy nature,” he says.
“At home, we also remain busy with gardening and reading books in these crisis times,” he added.
Fishing is considered by many the most preferred hobbies in the world. Interestingly, it may not be known to all that fishing has even been used for therapeutic values among children suffering from some problems.
“There are number of benefits of fishing. When you will truly get to know all the benefits, you will see why fishing is by far the best hobby one could participate in,” he added.
