Argument Free Introductory

Part I – Introductory paragraph

Fishing can be boring, frustrating, and infuriating even, but it can also be used as

a therapy promoting positive mental health. Using the classical method of

argumentation I will assert that taking up fishing can ultimately be stress-reducing and

excellent therapy for maintaining one’s mental stability.

Part II – Annotated Bibliography

Craig, Patti J., Alger, Dustin M., Bennett, Jessie L, & Martin, Tamar P. (2020). “The

transformative nature of fly-fishing for veterans and Military personnel with

posttraumatic stress disorder.” Therapeutic Recreational Journal, 54(2), pp, 150-

172. https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2020-V54-I2-9965

This article details a study confirming that fly-fishing can “[serve] as a breather

from the negative impact of PTSD” as well as helps those with PTSD regain

some control over symptoms and “can serve as a context for personal

transformation and posttraumatic growth.” I will use this research to add more

weight to my claims.

Mowatt, Rasul A., & Bennett, J. (2011) "Veteran stories, PTSD effects and therapeutic

fly-fishing." Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 45(4), pp. 286-308.

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2011-30660-003

This article presents research using 67 veterans and the impact of a fly-fishing

program. This will allow me to see real-life accounts of how therapeutic fishing

can be for individuals who have confirmed PTSD.

Seara, T., Pollnac, R., Poggie, J.J., Garcia-Quejano, C., Monnereau, I., & Ruiz, V.

(2017, June 1). "Fishing as therapy: Impacts on job satisfaction and implications

for fishery management." Ocean & Coastal Management 141. Pp. 1-9.

https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/biology-facpubs/65/

While this article looks more at people who fish professionally, they report a deep

sense of job satisfaction even when facing financial hardship. Aside from that,

there is not much I can use in the research.