Catch the Fever
Stephanie Vatalaro
3/10/2011
So here we are, a mere 11 days away from the official first day of spring. With weather patterns acting funky all over the country, I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s starting to feel the pangs of cabin fever.
You don’t actually need a cabin to experience cabin fever. Wikipedia defines it as a claustrophobic reaction that takes place when a person or group is isolated in a small space with nothing to do for an extended period of time. (Symptoms include restlessness, irritability, irrational frustration with everyday objects, forgetfulness, laughter, excessive sleeping, distrust of anyone they are with, and an urge to go outside even in the rain, snow or dark).
Does this sound like you? Are the snow, rain and abnormally cool weather making you giggle (or even lash out) at your tackle box? You don’t need a doctor; you need to get out on the water! Studies have shown that being around water and engaging in relaxing activities such as recreational fishing or leisure boating can considerably reduce stress levels. So while a glance outside your window may not necessarily make you jump for joy, remember you are in control of turning that cabin fever into spring fever. You can do that by pre-planning a day trip so you are prepared for the moment the weather turns sunny and 65 degrees again.
Let our Hotspots Map be your day-trip planning guide, or use our Trip Planner tool for longer excursions. Our mobile site, www.takemefishing.com/mobile (which was selected as the Favourite Website Awards “mobile site of the day” earlier this week), is also an ideal resource for those who want to look up fishing and boating hotspots and daytrips on-the-go with their smartphone.
You CAN beat cabin fever. Wash your woes away by simply thinking about the great times you’ll have out on the water this spring! Our Facebook fans have given us a plethora of locations to start thinking about, like Montauk in New York, Nottaway River in Virginia, Leech Lake in Minnesota, St. Johns River in Florida, and many others! Have another suggestion for a fishing or boating hotspot we should consider? Let us know in the comment section below – ESPECIALLY if you’re lucky enough to not be experiencing this crazy weather!
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Stephanie Vatalaro
Stephanie Vatalaro is vice president of communications for the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and its Take Me Fishing and Vamos A Pescar campaigns where she works to recruit newcomers to recreational fishing and boating and increase awareness of aquatic conservation. Stephanie grew up in the Florida Keys as the daughter of a flats fishing guide. Outside of work, you can find her fishing and boating with her family on the Potomac River in the Northern Neck of Virginia.