International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

Croatian Post Mostar traditionally prints commemorative stamps to mark the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. In 2024, the topic is sport fishing, which is often associated with the terms recreational fishing or fishing for fun. The point is not to catch fish to eat or sell, but to find and catch fish using sport fishing gear. The caught fish is released back into the water or the allowed number of fish can be taken under the conditions prescribed by the law on sport fishing valid in a certain area.

Fishing requires not only the preparation of equipment and lures, but also appropriate physical preparation and training. In competitions, fishermen are classified into age groups: cadets, juniors (U15, U20, U25), seniors and veterans, in mixed or separate categories - men and women (seniors).

The oldest and most widespread discipline is fishing with fishing floats, for which international competitions started in 1953. Since 1957 this competition has grown into a world championship. Nevertheless, the largest number of sports fishermen practice recreational fishing, which recent research confirms is responsible for numerous mental health benefits.

(Željka Šaravanja)