InTheBite

  • Home
  • News
    • All News
    • Featured Stories
    • General News
    • Captain of the Year
    • Tournament Results
    • First Builds
    • Splash Reports
    • Old Salts Rule
    • Tackle Tips
    • Dock Talk
    • Crew Records
    • Conservation
  • Tournaments
    • Calendar
    • Captain of the Year
    • Champion’s Cup
  • Shop
    • All Products
    • Subscriptions
    • Back Issues
    • Shirts
    • Hats & Visors
    • Miscellaneous
    • Release Rulers
  • Classifieds
  • Job Board
  • Contact
    • Contact InTheBite
    • InTheBite Media Kit
  • Log in

The Psychology of Fishing Addiction

July 15, 2014 By InTheBite Editor

800px-Psychotherapy

A Groundbreaking, InTheBite Exclusive

Alexandra Stark is a psychotherapist and a certified addictions professional.  InTheBite has contracted Ms. Stark to utilize her clinical skills to break down what many wives, girlfriends, and bosses have often suspected—some amongst us might be addicted to fishing.  While the term “addiction” gets thrown around pretty loosely these days, Alexandra breaks down the psychology of what motivates fishermen to do what they do.  Using her professional perspective and referencing the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (the book used by mental health professionals to diagnose and classify patients), read this article to learn the steps involved in determining whether you or someone you love is a fishing addict.

fish-addiction

Photo courtesy of Jimmy Nelson

While you will have to wait for the September  issue of InTheBite for the entire article, here is a selected piece to get you started….

“….Addictions are possible because the limbic system of the human brain seeks pleasure and rewards.  The feeling of pleasure and rewards are a necessary part of survival.    This is the good feeling you get when you get praised for an outstanding project at work, hold your newborn child for the first time, or catch the big one.  When a person first uses a drug or substance of abuse, the brain releases a happy chemical (Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin and Endorphin), which activates the please center (limbic system) of the brain.  Although the drug or substance of abuse is an unnaturally occurring substance, it mimics that of a naturally occurring pleasure producer.

Drug and alcohol addiction have potential to cause severe problems in one’s life.  So much so that sometimes this addiction can lead to death.  While there has never been a reported case of a person dying from their addiction to fishing, it can cause concerns in personal and romantic relationships.  Although a fishing addiction is not recognized by the American Psychological Association and there are no expensive treatment centers in Palm Beach County claiming to cure this disease, there are several reasons to think that you may have taken your love for the open ocean and the fish that live inside of it to the next level.  These reasons are comparable to the only non-substance related disorder in the DSM-V, Gambling Disorder.  If you have done five or more of these things, it is safe to say that you may have a fishing addiction….”

The tools of the trade for someone preoccupied with fishing...

The tools of the trade for someone preoccupied with fishing…

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Do you have any comments or questions for us? We’d love to hear from you.

    Filed Under: General News

    Recent News

    refit

    A Refit Case Study: 2008 61’ Spencer, MJ’s

    Purchasing a 2008 boat in need of updates has its advantages. During a 10-month search to find such a boat was exactly what Michael Yocco and his father Joe accomplished. “Our approach was to find a boat within a certain budget which included the p … [Read More...]

    Innovating the Marlin Weight Formula

    By Dale Wills Anytime I hear someone ask, “How big was the fish?” I’m often reminded of my father and his classic dad joke. Taking his hands from about 12 inches apart and slowly moving them to almost full arms width apart, he would gaze at you wit … [Read More...]

    safety

    Prep and Safety

    By Captain Scott "Fraz" Murie Years ago, back in the ‘80s, there was an old captain who used to tell me “it’s all in the preparation.” That is still true today. It took me a while to understand, but I learned there is a lot of wisdom in those words … [Read More...]

    2022 Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic Winners

    This year's first place title at the 2022 Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic went to Southern Charm, Capt. Landon Bell. Mon Chari, Capt. Matt Coppoletta, took second with Amigo, Capt. Brad Schoenfeld, taking third. Heaviest marlin went to Capt. Erik … [Read More...]

    New Travel Update for The Bahamas

    The Islands of the Bahamas, June 16, 2022—Effective Sunday 19th June 2022 The Bahamas Travel Health Visa (BTHV) will no longer be required to travel to The Bahamas. However, all present COVID-19 Testing, and Vaccination Protocols will remain in e … [Read More...]

    Leave a Reply

    Connect With InTheBite

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Subscribe to InTheBite Magazine Today!

    InTheBite Magazine Current Cover

    Our latest issue is hitting the docks now! Be sure to subscribe to the hottest bluewater mag on the market. Purchase or Subscribe »

    InTheBite Champion’s Cup

    InTheBite Champions Cup Logo

    New for 2022, the Champion’s Cup is an optional paid entry with a winner-takes-all prize format for teams who want to up the stakes in each division utilizing our longstanding tournament scoring formula.

    Captain of the Year Cup Standings

    COTY / ITB Cup Logo

    News

    • New Travel Update for The Bahamas

      New Travel Update for The Bahamas

      The Islands of the Bahamas, June 16, 2022—Effective Sunday 19th June 2022 The Bahamas Travel Health Visa (BTHV) will no longer be required to travel to The Bahamas. However, all present COVID-19 Testing, and Vaccination Protocols will remain in effect and will need to be presented at check-in. [Read More...]

    • It Just Takes Time Three-Peats as 2022 MGCBC Champion

      It Just Takes Time Three-Peats as 2022 MGCBC Champion

      June 13, 2022; Biloxi, Mississippi—Owner/angler Nick Pratt, Capt. Chris Hood and the It Just Takes Time team swept the blue marlin divisions by weighing the only qualifier during the 2022 Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, which concluded Sunday, June 12. The 763.6-pound blue gave the team an unprecedented win for the third year in a row. That feat has never been accomplished... [Read More...]

    • 2022 Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament Results

      2022 Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament Results

      Jay Weaver, captain of the Blue Sky, seized first place in the 54th annual Georgetown Blue Marlin tournament, which ran from May 26 to May 28. No fewer than 71 boats participated in the event, the largest turnout since 2000, according to Tournament Coordinator Amy Dukes. The Blue Sky caught and released three blue marlins and one sailfish, while Capt. Stuart... [Read More...]

    • Old No. 7 Wins the Inaugural Florida Sailfish Cup

      Old No. 7 Wins the Inaugural Florida Sailfish Cup

      Florida Sailfish Cup, June 3, 2022—After seven months of fishing, the first annual Florida Sailfish Cup has come to a close. 41 boats participated in the tournament and represented all different locations over Florida, from New Smyrna Beach all the way to Key West, FL. 183 Sailfish were released between the top three teams across their five fishing days and... [Read More...]

    • Quantified, Skin Deep Take First at Gulf Coast Masters

      Quantified, Skin Deep Take First at Gulf Coast Masters

      First place release at the 2022 Gulf Coast Masters went to the Quantified with Capt. Justin Drummond at the helm. Second place release went to Bandito, Capt. Bobby Wade, with third place release going to Mollie, Capt. Jeff Shoults. Capt. Kyle Smith and the Skin Deep team took first place for their 702-pound blue marlin. [Read More...]

    Search InTheBite

    Copyright © 2022 InTheBite, LLC · All Rights Reserved.

    loading Cancel
    Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
    Email check failed, please try again
    Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.