Fishing in the Central Valley: Fitness tips to help aging anglers fish better and longer
After years of guiding older anglers I’ve noticed that there is one thing that physical health seems to be an obvious, but greatly overlooked factor when it comes to being able to fish well.
Fishing in general takes a lot of strength, mobility, and endurance – but as we age, those abilities diminish, making fishing more difficult.
Here are some simple ideas, based on research, that can improve the quality of the fishing and outdoor lives as you age.
Whether you are young or old, start planning now.
You do not have to be a former Olympic-caliber decathlete, but you have to pay attention to your health. I have watched people work hard for decades, with little concern for their health, and then they suddenly shift to a plan to claw back all that they lost over the years.
Do your cardio.
You do not have to become a marathoner to improve your aerobic health. You can move at a moderate pace (walking, biking, hiking, etc.) to make a huge difference in getting you fitter. This is something most folks can do. This research contradicted my workout ideas of having to kill myself all the time to improve. Even a short 15 minute walk, trek, bike ride can produce good results.
Strength training with weights.
Weight training is not just for athletes anymore.
Lifting weights, even lighter ones, helps with bone density, strength retention and growth of muscle mass as well as a myriad of other benefits
There are septuagenarian, octogenarian, nonagenarians – that’s a fancy way of saying 70, 80 and 90 year olds – lifting weights these days.
And checking with a fitness trainer might be a good idea, to help you get started or back on track to address specific physical issues.
If this works for them- maybe adding this type of regime- no matter where you begin – may add years to your quality of fishing and reduce a lot of aging issues. !
We toil for decades for a shot at living our dream, but when health issues descend on us, it can be a tough pill to swallow. Especially, if we reach the point where we just can’t do what we love any longer.
There are lots of things we can’t control, like our genetics, diseases, accidents and disabilities but intelligently working to proactively increase the odds that you will be able to fish your best life is in your hands. Waiting for it to happen is no strategy. Eating clean, keeping your weight in check, not smoking, and staying off ladders (laughing at myself) all help.
My goal is to be able to fish as hard as I’m able, for as long as I’m able. Sometimes it seems like a fight. But it’s a fight well worth it. Fish till you drop. And never give up.
This story was originally published April 18, 2025 at 12:00 PM with the headline "Fishing in the Central Valley: Fitness tips to help aging anglers fish better and longer."