Well, the answer to both concerns may be fishing! Fishing is one of the world's oldest activities and also one of the oldest professions. Since humans developed, those lucky enough to live near bodies of water have fished for food.



Many believe that fishing brings them a sense of calm and peace. Surrounded by nature, the fisher can't help but feel the demands of hectic, modern life melt away. You can choose the style of fishing that suits you best. You need not exert yourself as do some of the fishers on television.

Furthermore, people engage their friends or family members to go along on fishing jaunts, and the shared quiet of the activity can be a powerful bonding force for the participants. It can be quite refreshing to sit close to a friend or family member for hours on end without talking much. The need to be quiet when fishing can have a positive effect -- without people feeling a need to fill every gap with conversation.

Fishing occurs all over the world, and since our planet is three quarters water, there is usually a good fishing spot nearby. People use a variety of implements to catch fish, ranging from bows or spears, to nets, to rods and reels. And depending where you live, you can either fish in fresh or salt water.

It may surprise you to learn that one of the greatest fishing areas in the United States is in the great state of Texas. Despite the large dry areas in Texas, there is also plenty of water available. Texas is blessed with rivers, lakes, ocean, and even marshy areas. Advanced fishers will find plenty of bass fishing organizations that can help to guide, provide fishing materials, gadgets, and advice.

Some fishing clubs even hold tournaments or other public activities. Depending on the size of the club, they may offer educational programs and tips for enhancing your fishing, and they can guide you to good locations for fishing, as well as providing a meeting place for like-minded people.

Fishing has a tendency to lean toward gadgets and the latest tricks for catching the elusive fish. But you do not need to spend a lot of money on your sport if you choose not to. A simple rod and reel can suffice, especially for beginners. Web sites devoted to fishing can help you spend the off-season dreaming of next summer's fishing trips. You can also submit articles about your lake, fishing tournaments, conservation issues, or whatever is on your mind.

Bass fishing in Texas is particularly good, so it might be worth a special trip just for that. But Texas is very large, in fact it is bigger than most countries, and driving or busing across the state can take a lot of time. So make sure to plan your trip well in advance. You will enjoy finding a quiet fishing area with a low population density -- in other words not too many competitors for the fish!