Is Fishing is important for today’s life?

Fishing is important for today’s life because it is essential for survival. Third world countries are known to be experts when it comes to fishing. I lived in the Philippines for half of my life and my grandfather was a fisherman. I witnessed him fish every single day. I was taught by my grandfather how to fish and he developed a fishing technique called, “I bato mo.” He said it is all about throwing the net, finding the right timing, and throwing it a certain way. But now several fishing equipements like fishfinder available in the market that helps to find the fishes quickly.

Women Fishing

Man Fishing

Bonding with Fish

Team Fishing

My grandfather and I bonded over fishing and I must say he was an expert. There was never a day when we got disappointed, because we always catch a lot of fish. My grandfather and I always caught tilapia and bangus. Even until this day tilapia and bangus are still my favorite food. Fishing with my grandfather taught me how to be patient, understanding, and sharp. Waiting for the fish to take the bait can be tedious, but through this I learned to be patient. I used to complain a lot to my grandfather, because sometimes we would wait for hours. Ultimately, the rewarding feeling of catching a fish is like getting a deserving award that you have been waiting for your whole entire life.

Catching a lot of fish meant that our family would have a nice dinner. Sometimes we would share with our neighbors and the most fun part is when we get to eat altogether using our hands. It is traditional to sometimes eat with our hands and the best part is that we are expressing ourselves and our culture. Fishing was very important for us because it meant that we will live for another day. We depended on fishing because it was the food source for our family. Charles Darwin developed the saying, “Survival of the fittest.” My grandfather and I would wake up early in the morning, get the boat ready, and assess the supplies to make sure that they are functioning well. We would do this every single day, because we are simply looking out for our family and our neighbors.

My grandfather was a priest and he often mentions that we should look out for our neighbors because God exemplified it on the Ten Commandments. He was truly religious and he believed that God was looking after us and giving us luck when it comes to fishing. Before my grandfather and I would commence fishing, we would pray, and after we caught some fish we would thank God for the blessing. My grandfather heavily influenced me when it comes to positivity. He will always be a part of me because fishing with him shaped me into what I am today. I am forever grateful towards my grandfather because of the impact that I gained just by being with him.

Third world countries especially those who are on the poverty spectrum rely on fishing on every day basis, because it is their food source. Families on the poverty spectrum are very patient when it comes to fishing. There is competition when it comes to fishing in provincial places that is on the poverty spectrum because people heavily rely on fish as their food source and the source of their income. If a fisherman does not catch a lot of fish then he is in deep trouble because he will not be able to provide for his family and he will not be able to sell in the market. Survival and money is their core value, therefore, if it is not obtained then hardships will arise and coming out of the hardship will be difficult because the difference between the rich and the poor.

The difference between the rich and the poor is saddening, because the poor will never be able to get back up which is why it being important for them to always work every day. Fishing is the number one common job on countries that are on the poverty spectrum. Fishing is important for them because it would mean that they get to live for another day. Survival for them is essential. This also puts a lot of pressure on the bread winner of the family, which in this case is the fisherman. The family heavily depends on the bread winner, therefore, if the breadwinner is not able to provide for his family, then the ‘domino effect’ of sadness and burden flows. The family will not be able to eat and financial disruption will occur.

Above all, fishing is important for today’s life because it is associated with survival, income, and shaping a person. Fishing with my grandfather taught me positive qualities and some essential fishing tips that I will forever carry on and treasure. Along with that I will forever carry on my grandfather’s influence and follow his core values. This statement goes towards people living in third world countries which is on the poverty spectrum. I will be forever thankful to God that he blessed me with an amazing grandfather. God did not put things on earth without a purpose. He blessed us with sea creatures which we can utilize for survival and the best way we can thank him for creating such wonders is respecting the ocean.