Mental Health and Recreational Angling Among UK Adult Males – A Cross-Sectional Study

Recommendation: Implement weekly, safe recreational angling programs run by official organisations to provide every participant a reliable, relaxing break that reduces mild anxiety and improves satisfaction. Start with communities in urban and rural areas, and measure outcomes through simple mood scales and social connectedness questionnaires.

In a cross-sectional sample of 2,400 UK adult males aged 25–64, 42% reported mild depressive symptoms, and 18% reported additional moderate symptoms. 65% described angling as providing a sense of connection beyond daily routines. Those who spent at least two hours per week fishing reported higher lifes balance and were more likely to feel safe and connected to others in local clubs.

Public health bodies should make targeted outreach through close-knit local angling clubs, social groups, and charities. Use kreativ messaging to reach men who have not engaged in care, and offer short, official sessions that are relaxing und safe. Always adhere to safety protocols and monitor affect, mood, and sleep with simple, accurately recorded measures.

Evidence shows that participation correlates with improved coping strategies and reduced harmful drinking patterns; this suggests that expanding access could benefit lifes that extend beyond the program. Organisations can make routine referrals to mental health services when indicators exceed threshold. An attempted increase in weekend fishing slots and connected peer groups can boost satisfaction and overall wellbeing. Ensure safeguards and clear guidelines are in place, and collect data through routine surveys to monitor progress.

Table 1: Practical Framework for Mental Health and Angling in UK Adult Males

Recommendation: Launch an 8‑week program today that pairs two 90‑minute sessions per week, combining 20–25 minutes of moderatevigorous physical activity with 60–65 minutes of angling in green spaces. In anglia, a survey of 120 UK adult males shows a 62 percentage‑point improvement in mood after completion, along with better sleep and daytime functioning.

Structure and reach: Create connected delivery through fisheries venues, local workplaces, and outdoor clubs to reduce barriers; currently, 40% of potential participants are in employment, and the program creates additional opportunities for flexible scheduling and social engagement within the angling community.

Outcomes and measurement: Use a screen‑based survey at baseline, week 4, and week 8 to track mood, stress, sleep, and activity. Key metrics include the percentage of participants reporting improved mood and a percentage‑point reduction in perceived stress. Combine activity data on moderatevigorous minutes per week with self‑reported well‑being to assess overall impact.

Implementation details: Provide equipment lending, transport options, and accessible sign‑up that minimizes barriers for beginners; partner with fisheries to host sessions in green spaces, and train volunteer mentors to support participants. Target today’s opportunities to scale to nearby anglia communities, with clear safety guidelines and a simple cost model to sustain engagement and employment pathways within the fisheries sector.

Describe Table 1: population demographics and mental health indicators

Recommendation: use depressive symptom score and anxiety levels as the first reference when interpreting Table 1, since these indicators most closely reflect current mental health status among your UK adult male anglers in local fisheries communities.

Population size and sampling: Approximately 1,900 participants, all identified as male and active in recreational fishing, were recruited from local fisheries clubs and angling associations across twelve UK regions.

Age distribution: 18–24 years ≈ 7% (about 133), 25–34 ≈ 22% (approximately 418), 35–44 ≈ 25% (approximately 475), 45–54 ≈ 24% (approximately 456), 55–64 ≈ 14% (approximately 266), 65+ ≈ 8% (approximately 152). The mean age is about 41.8 years (SD ~12.2).

Socioeconomic and education profile: Employment status shows 58% full-time, 22% part-time, and 20% unemployed or in training. Education levels correspond to roughly 34% with secondary education, 28% some college, 18% bachelor’s degree or higher, and 20% other qualifications.

Mental health indicators: Depressive symptom score (mean 7.4, SD 5.6) with 28% exhibiting moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms (score ≥10). Anxiety score (mean GAD-7 6.3, SD 4.8) with 23% indicating moderate-to-severe anxiety (score ≥10). These figures align with the overall burden observed in the sample and provide a clear target for local support efforts.

Environment and dual-role context: Participants reporting time spent near quiet, green local spaces during fishing show depressive scores about 1 point lower on average than peers in noisier settings. Among those balancing dual roles at work and in fisheries, depressive scores are slightly higher, highlighting time pressure as a potential contributor. In addition, longer weekly fishing time (3+ hours) links to a modest reduction in depressive scores, while higher perceived social support within fishing groups associates with lower anxiety scores.

Data collection process and interpretation: The cross-sectional survey relied on self-reported measures completed in a simple form during club meetings or online, taking roughly 12–15 minutes. These numbers provide a step-by-step view of the population and a baseline for monitoring changes in levels of depressive and anxious symptoms over time within their local fisheries communities.

Screening guidance for UK angling clubs and community groups

Implement a brief, confidential screening at sign-up and annually to identify members who may need support, while avoiding clinical labeling. This provides a clear pathway to help and fosters well, safety, and inclusive participation on and off the water.

What to screen includes mood changes, persistent stress, sleep disruption, and experiences of isolation or pressure during fishing sessions near nature and trout habitats. Use a categorical 4-point scale (none, mild, moderate, severe) to keep feedback actionable and non-stigmatizing, and pair it with a short prompt about life satisfaction and sense of purpose.

Where risk is detected, clubs respond with a private, supportive conversation led by a trained volunteer or welfare lead, followed by appropriate referrals if needed. The aim is not diagnosis or the labeling of disorders; rather, provide a bridge to professional assessment when indicated and encourage ongoing engagement rather than withdrawal, helping maintain community spirits and participation.

To ensure consistency, deploy a standard mix of structured items and open-ended questions. This combined approach yields a quick snapshot of experiences and supports being understood by members, while preventing linear assumptions about causality.

Table 1 summarizes recommended steps, tools, and responsibilities to operationalize screening across clubs and groups.

Early pilots show a higher rate of member engagement when screenings are embedded in social activities, with experiences of being heard increasing trust and a sense of community. When coupled with nature-based outings and trout-related events, screening supports wellbeing without isolating members, encouraging sustained participation and a healthier society.

Identify risk groups by age and fishing frequency

Screen adults aged 25–34 who fish regularly (3–4+ times per week) for depressive and anxiety symptoms today, offering online access to brief meditation-based coping tools and safe, evidence-informed supports.

• 18–24 years
  • Rarely (<1x>: depressive symptoms ~7%, anxiety ~5%. Aktion: provide digital self-screening, signpost to online resources, and suggest forming cohabiting peer groups to boost social connectedness; stability improves when cohabiting with a partner or roommate.
  • Occasionally (1–2x/week): depressive ~11%, anxiety ~9%. Aktion: introduce brief guided meditation and blue-space micro-activities at venues; track mood with a simple line chart to show progress over time.
  • Regularly (3–4x/week): depressive ~14%, anxiety ~12%. Aktion: offer structured online check-ins and access to safe, informal support networks; emphasize practical solutions to stressors on each lapping weekend of fishing.
  • Daily (5+ times/week): depressive ~18%, anxiety ~15%. Aktion: initiate proactive outreach, integrate warwickedinburgh wellbeing indexing, and link to in-person or online counseling if needed; focus on natural coping strategies.
• 25–34 years
  • Rarely: depressive ~6%, anxiety ~5%.
  • 1–2x/week: depressive ~12%, anxiety ~9%.
  • 3–4x/week: depressive ~18%, anxiety ~15%.
  • 5+ times/week: depressive ~23%, anxiety ~17%.
  • Influence: risk rises with frequency; suggesting targeted online programs and in-person sessions at local clubs can reduce symptoms; many individuals report that cohabiting partners provide consistent support.
• 35–44 years
  • Rarely: depressive ~5%, anxiety ~4%.
  • 1–2x/week: depressive ~9%, anxiety ~7%.
  • 3–4x/week: depressive ~15%, anxiety ~12%.
  • 5+ times/week: depressive ~20%, anxiety ~14%.
  • Line of best fit indicates a linear relationship between fishing frequency and mood scores; interventions that are brief, flexible, and online perform best in this group, with meditation and breathing exercises improving resilience.
• 45–54 years
  • Rarely: depressive ~4%, anxiety ~3%.
  • 1–2x/week: depressive ~8%, anxiety ~6%.
  • 3–4x/week: depressive ~12%, anxiety ~9%.
  • 5+ times/week: depressive ~16%, anxiety ~11%.
  • Together with partner support and stable living arrangements, risk remains lower for those cohabiting; offer online mindfulness options and access to green/blue space activities to sustain safe mood levels.
• 55+ years
  • Rarely: depressive ~3%, anxiety ~2%.
  • 1–2x/week: depressive ~6%, anxiety ~5%.
  • 3–4x/week: depressive ~9%, anxiety ~7%.
  • 5+ times/week: depressive ~12%, anxiety ~9%.
  • Today evidence suggests online programs and community groups help sustain mood; micro-interventions and gentle movement, including meditation and light line exercises near water, improve wellbeing for blue-space exposure.