Looking for a relaxing weekend hobby? Why not grab a fishing rod and go angling?

Hong Kong has lots of great fishing spots. Sai Kung, Cheung Chau, Lantau Island and southern Hong Kong Island offer a host of angling places, and many reservoirs and private fishing ponds are popular, too.

Fisherman's tale: Eddy Ng, the Hong Kong Fishing Research Club's president, says that the essence of fishing is whether you enjoy the process or not, rather than how many fish you get.

According to Eddy Ng, the Hong Kong Fishing Research Club's president, spring and autumn are the best seasons for angling in Hong Kong, especially for amateurs.

"Fish become sluggish when the weather is too hot or too cold, making it more difficult to catch them. Their optimal water temperature is between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius."

Highly sensitive to strong light, they usually look for food at dawn and dusk, which are the best times to fish.

Marbled rockfish, mullet, perch, filefish and barramundi can be easily caught in Hong Kong waters.

Angling is a healthy activity which requires people to be physically strong, patient and observant, Mr Ng said, adding that it can help cultivate the mind.

To catch a fish, you must pay special attention to a number of environmental factors including the tides, water flow, sunlight, temperature and wind.

"Fishing works miracles for your depression. No matter what problems you get, once you go fishing, you will put all of your problems out of your mind. This healthy activity gives you peace and extra energy to carry on with your life."

Mr Ng said it is encouraging to see an increase in the number of youngsters joining him to explore the fun of fishing.

However, he urged young anglers to maintain the ecological balance of fishing spots and keep the environment clean.

The essence of fishing is whether you enjoy the process or not, rather than how many fish you get, Mr Ng said.