Ah, fishing. Often thought of as an art form, but let’s be honest—if you can’t manage to keep a plant alive, this might be a challenge for you. Either way, don’t be scared. Even you can step away from binge-watching your favorite show for a couple of hours to spend some time communing with nature—albeit with the smell of worms on your hands.

Fishing isn’t just about catching fish; it’s about creating a peaceful, meditative environment where you can escape the constant notifications on your smartphone. Speaking of smartphones, don’t forget to take it fishing with you. Not to use it, of course, but to make all those people who follow you on social media slightly envious of your catch-of-the-day snaps. Just make sure you actually catch something bigger than a minnow, or you’ll only embarrass yourself.

For us mere mortals who are actually interested in starting this hobby, there are a few things to consider. First, decide what kind of fishing suits your style—or lack thereof. Is it fly fishing, deep-sea fishing, or just good ol’ sitting by the river and pretending you know what you’re doing? Want a thrill? Opt for some adventurous deep-sea fishing. Prefer peace and quiet? A tranquil lake might be more your pace.

Once you know what kind of fishing you’re after, get the right gear. Look at you, actually needing equipment. Start simple—a fishing rod, some bait, a tackle box, and, most importantly, a pair of sunglasses so you can hide your disappointment when the fish don’t bite.

Now, about the bait. You might be squeamish about worms, but face it, they work. If you can’t handle that, maybe fishing isn’t for you, and neither is life outside your sanitized little bubble! But if you can power through, you’ll be rewarded with the oh-so-sweet triumph of outsmarting a fish. And who doesn’t love the idea of beating a creature with a brain the size of a pea?

So, get out there, take a break from convenience store ‘fishing’ where your biggest catch is a case of beer, and opt for the real, glorious thing. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even manage to post a photo that doesn’t have some ridiculous Snapchat filter on it.

In conclusion, fishing could be the perfect escape you didn’t know you needed. Just remember, it involves patience, perseverance, and the ability to cope with a fish that could outsmart you. Tight lines, future anglers!