Josh Welch of Caledonia, Mississippi doesn’t just fish. He inspires others to chase peace, passion and purpose on the water.
Why We Catfish: A Guest Editorial by Josh Welch
I wasn’t raised with fishing in my blood. I didn’t grow up casting lines or waking before sunrise chasing trophy fish. That part of my life started much later, thanks to a coworker who couldn’t stop talking about the water, the fish and the peace it gave him. Eventually, curiosity pulled me in.
At that time, I was deep into my career as a contracted Aircraft Mechanic for the U.S. Air Force. It’s a job that demands excellence. When you’re responsible for people’s safety, you learn to give everything your all. So, I applied that same commitment to fishing.
There I was, standing on the bank, clueless, rod gripped in my hand, bait nestled near the soft, muddy river bottom. Then, the line jumped. I reacted. The hook set. The fight was on. And at that moment something clicked inside my chest. It wasn’t just a bite. It was belonging.
That day, I didn’t just discover fishing. I discovered a piece of myself I didn’t know was missing. What began as a simple hobby has since grown into a journey of passion, shaped by the incredible people I’ve met along the way. Now, my goal is to leave a legacy, to inspire others to fall in love with this sport just as I have.
So why do we fish? For generations, fishing has captured hearts. Whether it’s the quiet stillness of dawn on a lake, the thrill of a tug on the line or the satisfaction of landing a catch, fishing calls to something deep inside us.
First, fishing connects us to nature. In an age dominated by screens and fast-paced living, fishing slows us down. It invites us to observe the reflections on the water, listen to birds singing and breathe fresh, open air. This immersion is deeply restorative. It re-centers us and reminds us of our place in a larger world.
Fishing also builds strong social bonds. Whether a parent teaching a child to bait a hook or friends gathering at a favorite spot, fishing creates shared experiences. These moments filled with laughter, patience and friendly competition, form lasting memories and traditions passed down through generations.
But perhaps the strongest reason we’re drawn to fishing is the personal journey it offers. Fishing teaches patience, perseverance and humility. Success isn’t guaranteed. Every cast carries hope and tests skill and luck. That mix of challenge and reward makes each catch meaningful. In the quiet moments between bites, many of us find peace, reflection and a sense of purpose.
In the end, our passion for fishing is more than just catching fish. It’s about connection to nature, to each other and to ourselves. That’s why fishing continues to inspire, generation after generation. It’s not just a hobby; it’s a way of life.
When the world gets loud, the water whispers. So, take your rod, your reel and your favorite bait, and head down to the lake. Cast your line into the heartbeat of the wild, and you’ll find more than fish. You’ll find peace.
That my friends is why we fish.
