Wellness on the Water: Anglerʼs Block (Part 2)
by Chad Leton
In Part 1 we defined "Angler's Block", cited several examples, and highlighted some stories of triumph. Now let's look at several ways to keep "Angler's Block' from ever even getting in your boat.
Preparing with Back to Body Basics
The most consistent and efficient way to prevent Angler's Block is to focus on proactive solutions. Preparation is crucial. Begin by preparing for your body's basic needs.
Basic #1: Maintain Adequate Hydration
An adult loses approximately 2.5 liters of water daily through the lungs as water vapor, through the skin as perspiration, and through the kidneys as urine. If you donʼt drink enough fluids to replace this loss then you will begin to exhibit symptoms of dehydration. These symptoms include irritability, loss of concentration and reduced mental functioning--all synonymous with Anglerʼs Block. The early effects of even mild dehydration can negatively affect our feelings and behavior. Coffee, tea, colas, and most energy drinks contain caffeine, which some people use to boost energy levels. However, in large quantities caffeine can increase blood pressure, anxiety, depressive symptoms and sleep problems--which may negatively affect your angling performance. Caffeine also has a diuretic effect in the body – it encourages the production of urine, which of course, leads to dehydration. For this reason you should not rely solely on caffeine-based fluids. If you MUST drink something caffeinated, try to limit yourself to just 3–4 cups per day and drink plenty of other fluids such as water, fruit juice and non-stimulant herbal teas (with water always being the best choice). For a cutting edge review of an angler-friendly product that prevents dehydration, check out Hale Whiteʼs “Fish Strong” Blog article review of O.N.E. Active water. bit.ly/ocp4sl .
Basic #2: Food Affects Mood
Recently, www.basszone.com featured Anthony Hunt, a FLW tour pro and professional chef. He discussed how top-level bass anglers make a conscious effort to be more healthy on the water. Proper nutrition is vital while competing in the pro ranks. Studies show that competitive bass anglers burn thousands of calories during the course of an event. During the Empire Chase BASS Elite Series event a couple years ago, Peter Thilveros burned 4,800 calories in one day. In the same event, Aaron Martens burned more than 5,800 throwing a spinnerbait for the entire day. Here again we find an opportunity to proactively ward off Anglerʼs Block and increase opportunities for success. Consistent replacement of calories lost becomes a high priority for those anglers who want to perform consistently. On a recent survey conducted on various social media channels, amongst local and regional bass fisherman who fish a minimum of 10 bass tournaments per year, it was found that an astounding 39% of anglers choose not to eat during a tournament event! The most common reason for abstaining from caloric intake revolved around “wasting time”. While it is acknowledged that every angler is different in their physiological and psychological makeup, general research findings show that ingestion of proper calories leads to better memory, more energy, increased alertness, and a feeling of calmness. Generally, neglecting the intake of food ultimately leads to increased fatigue and anxiety. Of the anglerʼs who indicated they DID consume food while fishing, in the aforementioned survey, they commonly reported they ate while idling through channels and away from fishing areas, or while running to their next fishing location.
But what to eat? Foods low in sugar are recommended. Ingesting large amounts of sugar can disrupt the formation of valuable memory proteins in the brain. Foods with essential Omega-3 Fatty acids (such as certain granola and protein bars) positively effect neurotransmitter pathways in the brain allowing mind and body to work together for the anglerʼs benefit. Small, pre-packaged bars are easily consumed while anglers run to and from different fishing locations. Plus, ingestion of the right foods leads to anglers producing a valuable mood regulating neurotransmitter known as serotonin. Serotonin is identified as a natural antidote to the dreaded Anglerʼs Block.
Basic #3: Get your Zzzzʼs
This one might not be ALL our fault. From longstanding sayings like, “make hay while the sun shines”, to touring pros who speak of being on the water from sun up to sun down, anglers often adopt a sleep-deprived pattern of their own. Working hard to obtain optimal results is heavily warranted, but time invested does not always result in an equitable return. Failing to obtain adequate sleep is setting yourself up to meet Anglerʼs Block head-on. Researcher Cheri Mah of the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic and Research Laboratory has studied the effects of sleep on athletic performance. Mah noted that sleep is a “significant factor in achieving peak athletic performance. Many athletes accumulate a large sleep debt by not obtaining their required nightly sleep, which can have negative effects on cognitive functioning, mood, and reaction time.” Not surprisingly, Mah suggests that the “negative effects can be minimized or eliminated by prioritizing sleep in general and, more specifically, obtaining extra sleep to reduce one's sleep debt.”
Consider these 3 helpful practices for ensuring quality sleep prior to fishing:
1) Allow for pre-sleep readiness. Great athletes across all sports talk about the advantages that come with pre-performance routines - the activities that help prepare your mind and body to perform at itʼs peak. Create a pre-sleep routine where you allow yourself to be ready for sleep. Ease into the sleep process.
2) Be consistent with sleep patterns. Find the number of hours of sleep you need to perform optimally on the water. Build time into your day (and evening) to comfortably transition to sleep mode--this includes, of course, adequate time for your ideal duration of sleep. Be consistent.
3) Clear your mind. Keep a small "to-do" journal next to your bed. If, as soon as you lay down, your mind "turns-on" with "ah-haʼs" from practice or plans for tomorrow, clear your mind by jotting them down. It's amazing how simple this is, and how well it works.
Preparation will help you unBLOCK your angling potential! So you've planned for a great nights sleep and packed nutritious foods for your energetic day, HOWEVER, don't stop there. Check back soon for some great tips on utilizing organization techniques for ultimate efficiency on the water and avoiding Angler's Block. Until next time - keep fishing forward!
Chad Leton possesses a Bachelorʼs Degree in Psychology from Flagler College, St. Augustine, Florida and is a youth angler educator from Southeastern, Wisconsin who operates HookedUp101 Fishing Academy. http://www.facebook.com/pages/HookedUp101-Fishing-Academy/116812915087288
In Part 1 we defined "Angler's Block", cited several examples, and highlighted some stories of triumph. Now let's look at several ways to keep "Angler's Block' from ever even getting in your boat.
Preparing with Back to Body Basics
The most consistent and efficient way to prevent Angler's Block is to focus on proactive solutions. Preparation is crucial. Begin by preparing for your body's basic needs.
Basic #1: Maintain Adequate Hydration
An adult loses approximately 2.5 liters of water daily through the lungs as water vapor, through the skin as perspiration, and through the kidneys as urine. If you donʼt drink enough fluids to replace this loss then you will begin to exhibit symptoms of dehydration. These symptoms include irritability, loss of concentration and reduced mental functioning--all synonymous with Anglerʼs Block. The early effects of even mild dehydration can negatively affect our feelings and behavior. Coffee, tea, colas, and most energy drinks contain caffeine, which some people use to boost energy levels. However, in large quantities caffeine can increase blood pressure, anxiety, depressive symptoms and sleep problems--which may negatively affect your angling performance. Caffeine also has a diuretic effect in the body – it encourages the production of urine, which of course, leads to dehydration. For this reason you should not rely solely on caffeine-based fluids. If you MUST drink something caffeinated, try to limit yourself to just 3–4 cups per day and drink plenty of other fluids such as water, fruit juice and non-stimulant herbal teas (with water always being the best choice). For a cutting edge review of an angler-friendly product that prevents dehydration, check out Hale Whiteʼs “Fish Strong” Blog article review of O.N.E. Active water. bit.ly/ocp4sl .
Basic #2: Food Affects Mood
Recently, www.basszone.com featured Anthony Hunt, a FLW tour pro and professional chef. He discussed how top-level bass anglers make a conscious effort to be more healthy on the water. Proper nutrition is vital while competing in the pro ranks. Studies show that competitive bass anglers burn thousands of calories during the course of an event. During the Empire Chase BASS Elite Series event a couple years ago, Peter Thilveros burned 4,800 calories in one day. In the same event, Aaron Martens burned more than 5,800 throwing a spinnerbait for the entire day. Here again we find an opportunity to proactively ward off Anglerʼs Block and increase opportunities for success. Consistent replacement of calories lost becomes a high priority for those anglers who want to perform consistently. On a recent survey conducted on various social media channels, amongst local and regional bass fisherman who fish a minimum of 10 bass tournaments per year, it was found that an astounding 39% of anglers choose not to eat during a tournament event! The most common reason for abstaining from caloric intake revolved around “wasting time”. While it is acknowledged that every angler is different in their physiological and psychological makeup, general research findings show that ingestion of proper calories leads to better memory, more energy, increased alertness, and a feeling of calmness. Generally, neglecting the intake of food ultimately leads to increased fatigue and anxiety. Of the anglerʼs who indicated they DID consume food while fishing, in the aforementioned survey, they commonly reported they ate while idling through channels and away from fishing areas, or while running to their next fishing location.
But what to eat? Foods low in sugar are recommended. Ingesting large amounts of sugar can disrupt the formation of valuable memory proteins in the brain. Foods with essential Omega-3 Fatty acids (such as certain granola and protein bars) positively effect neurotransmitter pathways in the brain allowing mind and body to work together for the anglerʼs benefit. Small, pre-packaged bars are easily consumed while anglers run to and from different fishing locations. Plus, ingestion of the right foods leads to anglers producing a valuable mood regulating neurotransmitter known as serotonin. Serotonin is identified as a natural antidote to the dreaded Anglerʼs Block.
Basic #3: Get your Zzzzʼs
This one might not be ALL our fault. From longstanding sayings like, “make hay while the sun shines”, to touring pros who speak of being on the water from sun up to sun down, anglers often adopt a sleep-deprived pattern of their own. Working hard to obtain optimal results is heavily warranted, but time invested does not always result in an equitable return. Failing to obtain adequate sleep is setting yourself up to meet Anglerʼs Block head-on. Researcher Cheri Mah of the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic and Research Laboratory has studied the effects of sleep on athletic performance. Mah noted that sleep is a “significant factor in achieving peak athletic performance. Many athletes accumulate a large sleep debt by not obtaining their required nightly sleep, which can have negative effects on cognitive functioning, mood, and reaction time.” Not surprisingly, Mah suggests that the “negative effects can be minimized or eliminated by prioritizing sleep in general and, more specifically, obtaining extra sleep to reduce one's sleep debt.”
Consider these 3 helpful practices for ensuring quality sleep prior to fishing:
1) Allow for pre-sleep readiness. Great athletes across all sports talk about the advantages that come with pre-performance routines - the activities that help prepare your mind and body to perform at itʼs peak. Create a pre-sleep routine where you allow yourself to be ready for sleep. Ease into the sleep process.
2) Be consistent with sleep patterns. Find the number of hours of sleep you need to perform optimally on the water. Build time into your day (and evening) to comfortably transition to sleep mode--this includes, of course, adequate time for your ideal duration of sleep. Be consistent.
3) Clear your mind. Keep a small "to-do" journal next to your bed. If, as soon as you lay down, your mind "turns-on" with "ah-haʼs" from practice or plans for tomorrow, clear your mind by jotting them down. It's amazing how simple this is, and how well it works.
Preparation will help you unBLOCK your angling potential! So you've planned for a great nights sleep and packed nutritious foods for your energetic day, HOWEVER, don't stop there. Check back soon for some great tips on utilizing organization techniques for ultimate efficiency on the water and avoiding Angler's Block. Until next time - keep fishing forward!
Chad Leton possesses a Bachelorʼs Degree in Psychology from Flagler College, St. Augustine, Florida and is a youth angler educator from Southeastern, Wisconsin who operates HookedUp101 Fishing Academy. http://www.facebook.com/pages/HookedUp101-Fishing-Academy/116812915087288
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