Tackle Trade World - October 2023

FEATURE
Last Cast
LAST CAST...
WHY FISHING IS VITAL
TO MENTAL HEALTH
Sportvisbrigade is a Dutch non-profit organisation designed
to inspire newcomers to get fishing as it can help their
mental health and wellbeing. Founder Ivo Nijboer explains
the idea and how it is working…
The sport of fishing in Holland
is facing challenges and it seems
that the positive initiatives are not
being recognised. So, what can I
do? It is now more important than ever for
me to make my voice heard.
I have been involved in the fishing
industry since 2006, dedicating my time as
both a professional and a volunteer to various
aspects of preserving this wonderful hobby. It
has become my greatest source of pride and
life’s work: inspiring people to embrace the
joy of fishing.
EARLY BEGINNINGS
The bamboo fishing rod used to hang from
my grandfather’s gutter and whether it all
started there for me remains unclear. I didn’t
fish with him very often, but I did with my
brother. He was perhaps the biggest catalyst
for my passion, aside from myself.
It hasn’t been an easy journey. Alongside a
challenging school life, I battled cancer and
underwent chemotherapy at the age of 18,
followed by a prosthesis in my right knee.
Throughout it all, there was one constant
for me: fishing. It provided solace, a way to
clear my mind and immerse myself in the
surroundings. Being by the water reduced my
stress levels and allowed me to stay focused.
The passion for fishing and the urge to be
near the water have always been present and
will always remain.
Now, things have improved significantly.
I am a proud father of two children and
have a wonderful wife who understands
the importance of fishing in my life and its
positive impact on my mental well-being.
STEPPING OUT
So why am I writing this? Because I feel a
stronger need than ever to take an extra step
forward. It all started with my volunteer work.
I began as a volunteer at HSV Vislust in
Almelo, supporting youth activities and later
contributing to the general board. It was there
that I witnessed the value that local fishing
associations bring to society.
Club gatherings, collaborative fishing trips,
and active maintenance of the waterside areas
within residential neighbourhoods – all these
activities contribute to nature conservation.
Fishing associations play an active role
in monitoring fish mortality, maintaining
fish populations, and protecting the habitat
surrounding the water.
During that time, I also made contact with
Sportvisserij (Oost) Nederland. They asked
me to give a lecture for the De Gewonde
Soldaat Foundation. Interestingly, not all
participants were physically wounded; most
of them had experienced mental hardships.
One thing that had helped them in their
recovery was fishing.
IDEAS INTO ACTION
That was the moment I knew for certain
that my intrinsic motivation and passion had
grown stronger than ever. I had to do more.
I started an Excel file and brainstormed my
ideas, which gradually took shape.
Then, when I changed jobs in 2022,
everything fell into place. If I wanted to truly
learn and share my knowledge, having my
own website would be the best way forward.
And that’s how Sportvisbrigade came to life.
Through this platform, I found an outlet
to share my acquired knowledge locally.
By writing about local fishing experiences
and linking it online to local and regional
websites, more people can learn about what
the hobby of fishing can mean. Emphasising
the aspect of mental well-being, I aim to
convey how fishing can provide solace and
create lasting memories.
Yes, there are affiliate links on the website.
Pursuing a hobby and maintaining a website
come with costs, and this is a way to cover
some of those expenses. However, my
intention is not solely focused on financial
gain. I want to reach out to people who may
be experiencing restlessness or stress due to
work, health, or family circumstances and
let them know that there can be an outlet.
Immerse yourself in the underwater world
and let everything else fade away.
Even if you don’t catch anything, you can
always rethink your strategy. Fishing gives
you an additional reason to be outdoors
without having to worry about traffic, making
it distinct from walking or cycling as an
outdoor activity.
While sitting on your tackle box, fishing
chair, or sleeping in your fishing tent, you
have the opportunity to fully experience
nature and observe the birds. Although the
concept of hooking a fish may not be easily
defended, consider that we are the eyes at the
water’s edge. We document fish mortality,
volunteer to maintain fish populations,
keep the waterside areas clean, and prevent
you from experiencing extreme mosquito
overpopulation.
GUESTS IN NATURE
It is akin to hunting: Can we justify the
shooting of animals? No! However, by
culling deer, wild boar, foxes, and hares, we
prevent them from entering residential areas.
Otherwise, that would be cause for concern.
We are guests in nature, and hunters and
anglers are the greatest lovers of the animals
they engage with!
We don’t intervene when people put their
full weight on a horse and use a bit of it to
make them move gracefully. We don’t approve
of dogs spending the entire workday waiting
on benches for their owners. Is this animalfriendly
or aligned with Mother Nature’s
intentions? Most likely not.
However, I have a suspicion of the joy that
the animal brings back to its rider or owner.
Isn’t that what it’s all about? Live and let live.
Love for animals should be at the forefront
of all hobbies and, believe me, that holds true
for all anglers! That pleasure, that love for
animals, can only arise when knowledge is
transferred.
By inspiring and assisting new anglers,
young and old, in handling fish properly,
I can contribute to maintaining a healthy
fish population and securing the future of
the sport of fishing. That is precisely what
Sportvisbrigade stands for.
SPORTVISBRIGADE
Sportvisbrigade.nl
62 www.tackletradeworld.com